GILTY Pleasures Weekly Blog Tour: Vol 3, 2010

<div style="text-align: left;">Hi everybody,<br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Happy weekend! I hope all is going well for you. As you already know, I am a member of the GILTY Pleasures weekly blog tour. Every week, we compile a list of our A-game posts for your own perusal. To be a member of this tour, all you need to do are post frequently and know a little bit about HTML codes. If you are interested, please let me know. I enjoy being a part of this web tour tremendously and hope you will take this invitation and be a part of this tour as well.<br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.advicesisters.net/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="" height="92" src="http://www.advicesisters.net/giltypleaslogo1.jpg" width="400" /> </a><br /></div><br /><br />Alison of the Advice Sisters featured a post about an innovation for single travelers on Norwegian Cruise Line's Norwegian EPIC, <a href="http://www.advicesisters.net/2010/01/norwegian-epics-latest-innovations-for.html" target="_blank">a cruise ship unlike any other sailing today</a> and launching in the Summer of 2010<br /><br />Lisa of Bridalease is Eco-friendly <a href="http://bridalease101.blogspot.com/2010/01/its-eco-wed-and-you-know-what-that.html" target="_blank">with some suggestions for </a> both brides and grooms.<br /><br />Ageless Elaine's Secret Make-up Tip <a href="http://www.agelessremediessouthpark.com/blog/?p=121%22" target="_blank">Are you over 35?</a>Now don't you look radiant, healthy, and glowing?<br /><br />Don't forget to enter <a href="http://nancyti.blogspot.com/2010/01/imms-valetines-day-giveaway.html">The Informed Makeup Maven's Valentine's Day</a> giveaway featuring MAC, Kevyn Aucoin, Napoleon Perdis, Stila and Revlon.<br /><br />Dao from My Makeup Blog found her new HG lip balm: <a href="http://mymakeupblog.blogspot.com/2010/01/pampering-your-puckers-with-chapstick.html" target="_blank">ChapStick Fresh Effects</a><br /><br />Gio from Beautiful With Brains talks about <a href="http://beautifulwithbrains.com/2010/01/18/natural-preservatives-in-beauty-products/" target="_blank">natural preservatives in beauty products.</a><br /><br />Have a nice weekend, everyone! <br /><br /><a href="http://s2.photobucket.com/albums/y33/shortylam/?action=view&current=endcredit.png" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y33/shortylam/endcredit.png" /></a><br /><br />P.S: If you like my blog, please <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/MyMakeupBlog" rel="alternate" type="application/rss+xml"><img alt="" src="http://www.feedburner.com/fb/images/pub/feed-icon16x16.png" style="border: 0pt none; vertical-align: middle;" /></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/MyMakeupBlog" rel="alternate" type="application/rss+xml">subscribe to my feed.</a> Thanks a lot!

GILTY Pleasures Weekly Blog Tour: Vol 3, 2010

Hi everybody, Happy weekend! I hope all is going well for you. As you already know, I am a member of the GILTY Pleasures weekly blog tour. E...

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Thank You!

Hi everybody,<br /><br />Thank you for all of your comments and support on yesterday's post. My friend McNunu told me they still have not reply her email and whenever she called Sephora, the phone rang and then got hung up. This is not the level of customer service Sephora was known for. Also, I am not the only person who received used item. An anonymous reader also said her lip glosses were opened, which is truly heinous. It is very hard to tell if they are used or not once the glosses and mascaras are opened.<br /><br />Today, there won't be a new post because a friend of mine is really sick. She has been in and out of the hospital since new year and since her family is not around, friends are taking care of her. My mind right now is very far from writing a happy and cheerful post and I hope you understand. In the mean time, please feel free to explore My Makeup Blog archive. There are almost 400 posts in here and I believe some of them you may have missed.<br /><br />Have a blessed day!<br /><br /><a href="http://s2.photobucket.com/albums/y33/shortylam/?action=view&current=endcredit.png" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y33/shortylam/endcredit.png" /></a><br /><br />P.S: If you like my blog, please <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/MyMakeupBlog" rel="alternate" type="application/rss+xml"><img alt="" src="http://www.feedburner.com/fb/images/pub/feed-icon16x16.png" style="border: 0pt none; vertical-align: middle;" /></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/MyMakeupBlog" rel="alternate" type="application/rss+xml">subscribe to my feed.</a> Thanks a lot!

Thank You!

Hi everybody, Thank you for all of your comments and support on yesterday's post. My friend McNunu told me they still have not reply her...

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From Sephora Without Love: Used, Cracked, and Broken

Hi everybody,<br /><br />As I get older, it takes much more energy to make me all worked up. When it comes to makeup, I have never had a temper tantrum. After all, it's just makeup and what's the point of throwing a seemingly yummy eyeshadow palette across the room because the pigmentation sucks? However, recently I almost lost it with Sephora on that 20% off sale at the end of last year.<br /><br />My friend <a href="http://macnunu.blogspot.com/">La Nunu Doll</a> and I decided to do a combined order in order to use that 20% off coupon and get free shipping at the same time. La Nunu lives across the border and the DuWop Peacock palette costs an arm and a leg at her local Sephora. With the coupon and discounted price at American Sephora, she thought it was a good idea to do a custom purchase with me. After some clicks later, the order went through and after new year, a man in brown knocked loudly on the door and handed me a padded envelope.<br /><br />From then on, things started to get stranger and stranger.<br /><br />1. Sephora usually ships their stuff in boxes with tons of tissue papers. This time around, I received a padded envelope without a nick of wrapping paper whatsoever.<br /><br />2. The palette looked really odd: it did not have any shrink wraps or anything. Usually, palettes from Sephora have some kind of boxes. The DuWop palette got nada!<br /><br />3. This: <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMRA7kbZ6YQiLEuCXKVs2wI0LDjbRXPXxAfWMtxaxl0MgqLjTqjCwcWJCEpEoUfDJJDQh49-TwlP_jOpNge5OVXYzdGGl5LL4Skd7zByX0Qd_kZyxGHeA9msFrRu9nIRad6Sir4U960Uk/s1600-h/IMG_4032.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMRA7kbZ6YQiLEuCXKVs2wI0LDjbRXPXxAfWMtxaxl0MgqLjTqjCwcWJCEpEoUfDJJDQh49-TwlP_jOpNge5OVXYzdGGl5LL4Skd7zByX0Qd_kZyxGHeA9msFrRu9nIRad6Sir4U960Uk/s400/IMG_4032.JPG" /></a><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Yes, a dent at a corner of the palette.<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Now, that's strange!<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><a name='more'></a><br /><div style="text-align: left;">4. And it got even stranger, once I opened the palette:<br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0IO3B2eUqNlPw-mTTfyAeVH2Yik3QHU58xzSB-DvKlMvdKrKF65me9tj0TU7Fo4DZhZ46w0Gnz8GxDzrfs4Dkge08S2cYI1n9tybGug0Ii4TW4APf1nWIZ8fs4ebsIsvCPIimPJylPiA/s1600-h/IMG_4027.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0IO3B2eUqNlPw-mTTfyAeVH2Yik3QHU58xzSB-DvKlMvdKrKF65me9tj0TU7Fo4DZhZ46w0Gnz8GxDzrfs4Dkge08S2cYI1n9tybGug0Ii4TW4APf1nWIZ8fs4ebsIsvCPIimPJylPiA/s400/IMG_4027.JPG" /></a><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">I see wells!<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">The palette was used and returned to Sephora!<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">5. But the buck ain't stop there:<br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhm57cL9p8mDDv52NYydk7KX6zi-Th8JoCyhPchMRQnSEnbIxkLp7sGoVI7ZF1ldbe907M1_g8_1FLRDpRnzJVE_3JRwMLMOvR5aqZPiViPEgtkpBiLMhS3cOENt9o3ImFxne1VJY0bZFA/s1600-h/IMG_4036.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhm57cL9p8mDDv52NYydk7KX6zi-Th8JoCyhPchMRQnSEnbIxkLp7sGoVI7ZF1ldbe907M1_g8_1FLRDpRnzJVE_3JRwMLMOvR5aqZPiViPEgtkpBiLMhS3cOENt9o3ImFxne1VJY0bZFA/s400/IMG_4036.JPG" /></a><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">The 00-Glow 7 pan fell apart!<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Cheesus Crust Banana!<br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div>Not only was it used and returned, it was broken! Yet, Sephora had the audacity to send it to me! I was angry at them and felt sad for La Nunu. After all, she really wanted this palette! After telling her about it, she emailed Sephora and got no replies. Then, she went to her local Sephora and the store manager told her to bring the palette to the store to exchange a new one. If I had a Sephora nearby, I could have done it for her but sadly, this franchise does not reach this neck of the woods. Also, by the time the package arrived, the discount coupon code already expired. Therefore, I could not get a new palette with the same discount for La Nunu.<br /><br />Karen from Makeup and Beauty Blog wrote about a <a href="http://www.makeupandbeautyblog.com/cosmetics/have-you-ever-inadvertently-bought-used-makeup/">similar incident</a> but with a lipstick, which brings the ick-factor up a notch. At least I could tell things were off on eye shadows, as they leave marks. However, used lipsticks, lip glosses, and mascaras are hard to tell and if this trend continues, I may not want to buy things from Sephora anymore.<br /><br />Have you experienced anything like this? What do you think about this issue? Should they restock returned items on the shelves? Please voice your opinions in the comment section.<br /><br /><a href="http://s2.photobucket.com/albums/y33/shortylam/?action=view&current=endcredit.png" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y33/shortylam/endcredit.png" /></a><br /><br />P.S: If you like my blog, please <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/MyMakeupBlog" rel="alternate" type="application/rss+xml"><img alt="" src="http://www.feedburner.com/fb/images/pub/feed-icon16x16.png" style="border: 0pt none; vertical-align: middle;" /></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/MyMakeupBlog" rel="alternate" type="application/rss+xml">subscribe to my feed.</a> Thanks a lot!

From Sephora Without Love: Used, Cracked, and Broken

Hi everybody, As I get older, it takes much more energy to make me all worked up. When it comes to makeup, I have never had a temper tantrum...

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Brush Up with Everyday Minerals Long Handled Kabuki

Rise and shine, my lovelies!<br /><br />As a makeup addict, in no particular order the top 3 favorite products on my list are mascaras, brushes, and palettes. As you may have <a href="http://mymakeupblog.blogspot.com/2009/03/all-my-brushes.html">witnessed</a>, I have a lot of brushes (30+ and counting!) When Everyday Minerals (EDM) revamped their brush line by making only synthetic brushes with renewable bamboo handles, I was thrilled. However, I barely order from the internet for a year or two now and they remain in my wish list.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhuIJWnjfZdNRvVuu-3b43Y7VgIAcgCRU7KsH9O55ik3QIWXhAj3BJrxADtD2ZkS8XDfI7PA5LzJPLljXZ3xyhGVrKjZOVZo2rkktfxDPFpgRJJXPRiza7QAvU49zcs04JhUYmRYOz2HA/s1600-h/IMG_3903.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhuIJWnjfZdNRvVuu-3b43Y7VgIAcgCRU7KsH9O55ik3QIWXhAj3BJrxADtD2ZkS8XDfI7PA5LzJPLljXZ3xyhGVrKjZOVZo2rkktfxDPFpgRJJXPRiza7QAvU49zcs04JhUYmRYOz2HA/s400/IMG_3903.JPG" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Everyday Minerals <a href="http://www.everydayminerals.com/store/makeup/brushes/brushes-long-handled-kabuki.html">Long Handled Kabuki </a> ($10 USD)</div><br />When the kind EDM representative sent me a package of stuff to review, she included a long handled kabuki brush and I was very thrilled. The LHK is EDM's top selling brush for a very long time. Whenever EDM had a sale, that brush and the flat top are usually sold out first.<br /><br />So, how good is this brush? Does it live up to its reputation? Jump to find out more!<br /><br /><a name='more'></a>Truth be told, I've been spoiled with the <a href="http://mymakeupblog.blogspot.com/2009/10/elf-studio-powder-brush-my-new-found-hg.html">E.L.F Studio powder brush</a> and after experienced with a flat top brush, it is very hard to go back to the regular kabuki. The only kabuki I used is the Bare Essentuals one that came with the kit. While it does the job, it can get very scratchy. Like the E.L.F Studio and EcoTools brushes, this brush is very soft.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ1Bg5to139y4dIj92A4OfdvabBrU3tC7uO_oZB3ZK4sQOic_ptowy4fQgpHIiJlXgdIIiJucjMqHO3bgniaEWIXYV8aTFU7a_OjSTpE9lK7zuSj4ajpx5DVYWWacv1uvcIiHIj9HDvb0/s1600-h/IMG_3905.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ1Bg5to139y4dIj92A4OfdvabBrU3tC7uO_oZB3ZK4sQOic_ptowy4fQgpHIiJlXgdIIiJucjMqHO3bgniaEWIXYV8aTFU7a_OjSTpE9lK7zuSj4ajpx5DVYWWacv1uvcIiHIj9HDvb0/s400/IMG_3905.JPG" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Close-up shot at the head of the brush</div><div style="text-align: center;">I just used it with my powder so it has a bit of color but the tip of the bristles is white.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZGWi-SfyzXFy4PSk0tPEOtg0m5QLwOJFIMyMZFH0Ptni7jdlOPX_2EfeaiCHOuTbNYrubUUu8-OlYskj8xbIvbqzfXLP8gtjdtoqKLesNMR8vj233z0SJSJf6_Cq9t14PsUpA9C8-t_g/s1600-h/IMG_3907.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZGWi-SfyzXFy4PSk0tPEOtg0m5QLwOJFIMyMZFH0Ptni7jdlOPX_2EfeaiCHOuTbNYrubUUu8-OlYskj8xbIvbqzfXLP8gtjdtoqKLesNMR8vj233z0SJSJf6_Cq9t14PsUpA9C8-t_g/s400/IMG_3907.JPG" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Comparative shot with a Vermont quarter :)</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Through the years, I've followed the EDM board very closely and a lot of people have complained about the quality of this brush. I have seen photos of the "old" LHK produced circa 2008 and the complaints are valid. The brush I have is not as full as I imagined. Also, it shedded quite a bit after I washed it and used the first three times. Usually, this is rare of synthetic brushes: the E.L.F and EcoTools brushes I have did not even shed a hair.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">As it is not as full, this brush does require more work to buff minerals on my face. However, it is so soft that I feel like being caressed by a gentle velvet teddy bear. The size is quite awkward: it is a tad too small for powder, yet a hair too big for blushes. Unlike other brushes that I immediately form a strong opinion, this one I am quite partial. While it is nice, sturdy*, and well made, I find it to be a bit flimsy for my taste. I read a while back that the brush maker changed to a straighter fiber, which makes these brushes look less fluffy.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Putting everything in consideration, I think the EDM long handled kabuki is a well-made brush. Yet, being spoiled by a flat-top brush, I can't bring myself to use it as often. Secretly, I wish it were the legendary EDM flat-top brush instead (perverse, I know!)</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">*About how I knew it is a sturdy brush: my silly and almost food-comatose self decided to drop it on my toe on Christmas day just for fun (just kidding about the fun part.) Needless to say, it hurt tremendously!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">And now, a disclaimer: the above products were sent to me from a kind representative of Everyday Minerals for reviewing purposes. For more information, please visit <a href="http://www.everydayminerals.com/">Everyday Minerals website</a>. Click here to read My Makeup Blog <a href="http://mymakeupblog.blogspot.com/2009/10/my-makeup-blog-disclosure.html">disclosure policy</a></div><br /><br /><a href="http://s2.photobucket.com/albums/y33/shortylam/?action=view&current=endcredit.png" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y33/shortylam/endcredit.png" /></a><br /><br />P.S: If you like my blog, please <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/MyMakeupBlog" rel="alternate" type="application/rss+xml"><img alt="" src="http://www.feedburner.com/fb/images/pub/feed-icon16x16.png" style="border: 0pt none; vertical-align: middle;" /></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/MyMakeupBlog" rel="alternate" type="application/rss+xml">subscribe to my feed.</a> Thanks a lot!

Brush Up with Everyday Minerals Long Handled Kabuki

Rise and shine, my lovelies! As a makeup addict, in no particular order the top 3 favorite products on my list are mascaras, brushes, and pa...

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Pampering Your Puckers with Chapstick Fresh Effects

Hi everybody,<br /><br />Happy Tuesday! I hope you had a restful and meaningful Monday. This winter has been cruelly cold to me. On top of that, I had a cold at the very beginning of the year and during that time, my lips were extremely chapped. Lucky me, I was armed with the new Chapstick Fresh Effect and not only I breathed easier, my lips stayed moist.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6E_lA1rJ2wOtPeEaDryb5wD3RoMbzfr5FLpwrVWr6z3TClLpnQV2Ygn6P7d5vGFk3qnvgWXJ6Lk0cSotFQwF7e1v9uICU7U9ZmBtWw7nHkv0v2ymgYx63pb3msRef5focW03bH6ymLuw/s1600-h/IMG_3960.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6E_lA1rJ2wOtPeEaDryb5wD3RoMbzfr5FLpwrVWr6z3TClLpnQV2Ygn6P7d5vGFk3qnvgWXJ6Lk0cSotFQwF7e1v9uICU7U9ZmBtWw7nHkv0v2ymgYx63pb3msRef5focW03bH6ymLuw/s400/IMG_3960.JPG" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Chapstick Fresh Effects</div><div style="text-align: center;">Top-bottom: Refreshing Mandarin and Invigorating Green Tea Mint</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">After reviewing<a href="http://mymakeupblog.blogspot.com/2009/06/chapstick-true-shimmer-lip-balm.html"> Chapstick True Shimmer</a>, I did an exit survey and they asked me what would I want the next Chapstick to be. My answer was "an all-natural lip balm with physical sunscreen." Well, I got half of my wishes: Chapstick Fresh Effects consists of natural moisturizing ingredients such as  sunflower seed oil, jojoba, coconut oil, shea butter, mango seed buter, olive oil, avocado oil, soybean lipids, and raspberry seed oil.<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpPwEEWX00wt8ioiwrAARgAQLj-pgnpbPpYha_2IvB0V1X3Y1nI_e_gBH9GtZXf3LgItt0wQhxGiEI0suijRVobRnR__Z-enNhSf1kvJ-EfVwFBQcdFOWfB64r79rmZNV2ntc2s5jOc7Y/s1600-h/IMG_3962.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpPwEEWX00wt8ioiwrAARgAQLj-pgnpbPpYha_2IvB0V1X3Y1nI_e_gBH9GtZXf3LgItt0wQhxGiEI0suijRVobRnR__Z-enNhSf1kvJ-EfVwFBQcdFOWfB64r79rmZNV2ntc2s5jOc7Y/s400/IMG_3962.JPG" /></a></div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Pretty packaging!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><a name='more'></a><br /><div style="text-align: left;">Comparatively, this new lip balm is more moisturizing than other Chapstick balms I've ever tried. To me, it feels a lot like my favorite lip balm <a href="http://mymakeupblog.blogspot.com/2009/05/chicken-poop-lip-junk-review.html">Chicken Poop lip junk</a> but with a bit more moisture. Chapstick Fresh Effects have a tingling minty sensation that feels so good in winter time. My lips do swell up lightly because of that. The two fragrances, Invigorating green tea mint and Refreshing mandarin, are very yummy. Being a mint person, I took the first one and have been enjoying it ever since. Refreshing mandarin is very luscious, juicy, and mouthwatering. It smells like an orange soda pop and if you don't feel like waking up in the morning, it will sure perk you right up.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQprgTs6Dr_vMCGfvoFnCPm4_Z3UmDjuWUOHPZLpcUEl2UXI7jkln_Q8Cn6tZwkHyT1HtbUfMZHg7Wo6oyYcT2Pki3FcrP1DXcBiMuRWPZNUFqMRNIsp_mqysBm84-ag8dTI28cxPCZM4/s1600-h/IMG_3963.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQprgTs6Dr_vMCGfvoFnCPm4_Z3UmDjuWUOHPZLpcUEl2UXI7jkln_Q8Cn6tZwkHyT1HtbUfMZHg7Wo6oyYcT2Pki3FcrP1DXcBiMuRWPZNUFqMRNIsp_mqysBm84-ag8dTI28cxPCZM4/s400/IMG_3963.JPG" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">How they look when opened.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The moisturizing power does last quite well: usually, I sleep with it and in the morning, I can still feel this lip balm on my lips. In the daytime, it is so moist that I do not have an urge to reapply.<br /><blockquote>Ingredients: Helianthus anuus (sunflower) seed oil, jojoba esters, Euphorbia cerifera (candelila) waxm Cicis nucifera (coconut) oil, flavor, beeswax, caprylic/capric triglycerides, Coeprnicia cerifera (carnauba) wax, tocopheryl acetate, Butyrospermum parkii (shea butter), ethylhexyl palmitate, Mangifera indica (mango) seed butter, Olea europaea (olive) fruit oil, Persea gratissima (avocado) oil, titanium dioxide, octyldodecanol, Glycine soja (soybean) lipids, tocopherol, alumina, Rubus idaeus (raspberry) seed oil, polyhydroxystearic acid, silica.</blockquote></div>Price: $2.99 USD at drugstore and mass-market stores.<br /><br />While the price is a bit higher than usual, this ChapStick is probably the best product this brand has ever produced. It is creamy and moisturzing while giving you a tingling sensation. Also, the moisturizing power comes from natural oils. For once, I found a chapstic that does not feel waxy and that is a big breakthrough.<br /><br />And now, a disclaimer: the above products were sent to me from a kind representative of ChapStick for reviewing purposes. For more information, please visit <a href="http://www.pfizer.com/">Pfizer</a> website. Click here to read My Makeup Blog <a href="http://mymakeupblog.blogspot.com/2009/10/my-makeup-blog-disclosure.html">disclosure policy</a>.<br /><br /><a href="http://s2.photobucket.com/albums/y33/shortylam/?action=view&current=endcredit.png" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y33/shortylam/endcredit.png" /></a><br /><br />P.S: If you like my blog, please <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/MyMakeupBlog" rel="alternate" type="application/rss+xml"><img alt="" src="http://www.feedburner.com/fb/images/pub/feed-icon16x16.png" style="border: 0pt none; vertical-align: middle;" /></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/MyMakeupBlog" rel="alternate" type="application/rss+xml">subscribe to my feed.</a> Thanks a lot!

Pampering Your Puckers with Chapstick Fresh Effects

Hi everybody, Happy Tuesday! I hope you had a restful and meaningful Monday. This winter has been cruelly cold to me. On top of that, I had ...

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Happy Martin Luther King, Jr. Day and More!

Hi everybody,<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3SqCqo6D0ToMSYE-oDKaLWZwJMhHpquOI598hWuYZl37R7sb76Mz9G8YkQgTw4zUzR0GQ8Mxjb2MRh2U33p8BAnevKA0cVs3H7JHXS5IOCA-f_G68gummRMi7xb60-DQDOwVtEKdPP2U/s1600-h/mlk.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3SqCqo6D0ToMSYE-oDKaLWZwJMhHpquOI598hWuYZl37R7sb76Mz9G8YkQgTw4zUzR0GQ8Mxjb2MRh2U33p8BAnevKA0cVs3H7JHXS5IOCA-f_G68gummRMi7xb60-DQDOwVtEKdPP2U/s400/mlk.jpg" /></a><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.gvsu.edu/cms3/assets/6716ABB0-D789-EEEF-E7D0C9B84D6EB7C0/mlk.jpg">Source</a><br /></div><br />Happy MLK Day! This day, I am grateful for all of the opportunities I've had as a result of Dr. King's actions and perseverance to bring equality to everybody, regardless their races and background. Also, I am grateful for this long weekend that I am enjoying very much!<br /><br />To support to MLK Day, please go to <a href="http://www.mlkday.gov/">this website</a>.<br /><br />Also, the kind folks from <a href="http://www.skinmdnatural.com/">Skin MD Natural</a> are hosting a giveaway on their website. I reviewed their product and hosted a giveaway before (<a href="http://mymakeupblog.blogspot.com/2009/11/skin-md-natural-shieding-lotion-plain.html">click here</a> to read the review.) If were not a lucky winner during my giveaway, this is a bigger and better one for you.<br /><br />Want to know more about it? Jump!<br /><br /><a name='more'></a><div style="text-align: center;">The prize basket is valued at $100 and contains the following<br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuQkDOv1bP5wJ97r_LdAwpPU1JTpqH57h0gnKUmRIm9qOebmMgkJ3aAzRIDFaT_NuwAzY4fbn_IrNcDcWnNA22EDoXzjOgkibMhCmZ5zJTObwK6wqS5x3mLT7DupTQ8GCFSlfuyE6-IAk/s1600-h/BearGiveaway.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuQkDOv1bP5wJ97r_LdAwpPU1JTpqH57h0gnKUmRIm9qOebmMgkJ3aAzRIDFaT_NuwAzY4fbn_IrNcDcWnNA22EDoXzjOgkibMhCmZ5zJTObwK6wqS5x3mLT7DupTQ8GCFSlfuyE6-IAk/s400/BearGiveaway.JPG" /></a><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Bottle of Skin MD Natural shielding lotion<br />Bottle of Skin MD Natural + SPF 15 shielding lotion<br />One pound of See's dark assorted chocolates<br />Pack of Starbucks VIA Ready brew coffee pouches<br />Kiss Me coffee mug<br />A Cuddly teddy bear<br />Lollipop Bouquet<br /></div><br />To enter, please go to this link: <a href="http://www.skinmdnatural.com/forms/valentines-giveaway.php">http://www.skinmdnatural.com/forms/valentines-giveaway.php</a> and fill in the form. Contest is open from now until Feb. 7th, 2010 so please hurry up. Good luck, you guys! This is a really swell giveaway!<br /><br />For those who are enjoying MLK Day, may you remember the man behind the day and what he did for all of us. Also, I hope you'll have a nice week ahead.<br /><br /><a href="http://s2.photobucket.com/albums/y33/shortylam/?action=view&current=endcredit.png" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y33/shortylam/endcredit.png" /></a><br /><br />P.S: If you like my blog, please <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/MyMakeupBlog" rel="alternate" type="application/rss+xml"><img alt="" src="http://www.feedburner.com/fb/images/pub/feed-icon16x16.png" style="border: 0pt none; vertical-align: middle;" /></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/MyMakeupBlog" rel="alternate" type="application/rss+xml">subscribe to my feed.</a> Thanks a lot!

Happy Martin Luther King, Jr. Day and More!

Hi everybody, Source Happy MLK Day! This day, I am grateful for all of the opportunities I've had as a result of Dr. King's actions ...

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GILTY Pleasures Weekly Blog Tour: Vol. 2, 2010

Hi everybody,<br /><br />In the light of the recent <a href="http://www.cnn.com/SPECIALS/2010/haiti.quake/">earthquake in Haiti</a>, I kindly request everybody who read this blog to extend your kindness to the people in Haiti who are struggled with this natural disaster. You see, when I started this blog, I put the tag line "Makeup, Skincare, and Beyond", hoping to cover many other things that are deeper than skin deep. Beauty is from the inside as well as the outside. You don't have to fly to Port au Prince to help the earthquake victims. Technology makes thing easier for us to keep in touch and as a blogger, I firmly believe in the power of social media.<br /><br />It is so easy to donate money to this cause, you guys. With your cell phone and one (or many) text messages, you can donate money to the Haitian earthquake victims. For those who have relatives and family members living there, my heart goes out for you.<br /><br />The organizations below are credible and you can donate as little as 5 dollars. Yes, for 5 dollars you barely get a meal at McDonald's these days. Yet, it can bring some relief to the people in Haiti. It may sound like it's not a lot but the power of the people is amazing. <br /><br /><b>YELE HAITI EARTHQUAKE FUND</b><br />Donate on <a href="http://www.yele.org/">www.yele.org</a><br />Text YELE to 501501 to donate $5 via your cell phone<br /><br /><b>AMERICAN RED CROSS</b><br />Text “HAITI” to “90999″ to make a $10 donation.<br />2025 E Street, NW<br />Washington, DC 20006<br />(800) REDCROSS (800-257-7575)<br /><a href="http://www.redcross.org/">www.redcross.org</a><br /><br /><b>SALVATION ARMY CANADA</b><br /><br />Canadians text “HAITI” to 45678 to donate $5.00 to The Salvation Army Haiti relief effort from any Rogers Wireless or Bell Mobility phone.<br /><br />More links of organizations are coming up next. Also, the GILTY Pleasures Blog Tour is after the jump!<br /><br /><a name='more'></a>MORE LINKS (Thanks <a href="http://www.puppyonaroomba.com/">Ty</a> for the links!)<br /><br />Haiti Relief Fund: <a href="http://www.haitirelieffund.org/">www.haitirelieffund.org</a><br />Haiti Action: <a href="http://www.haitiaction.net/">www.haitiaction.net</a><br />Lamp for Haiti: <a href="http://www.lampforhaiti.org/">www.lampforhaiti.org</a><br />Habitat for Humanity: <a href="http://www.habitat.org/">www.habitat.org</a><br />UNICEF: <a href="http://www.unicef.org/">www.unicef.org</a><br />Red Cross: <a href="http://www.redcross.org/">www.redcross.org</a><br />Salvation Army: <a href="http://www.salvationarmy.org/">www.salvationarmy.org</a><br />AmeriCares: <a href="http://www.americacares.org/">www.americacares.org</a><br />Doctors Without Borders: <a href="http://www.doctorswithoutborders.org/">www.doctorswithoutborders.org</a><br />Mercy Corps: <a href="http://www.mercycorps.org/">www.mercycorps.org</a><br />Oxfam: <a href="http://www.oxfam.org/">www.oxfam.org</a><br />Worldvision: <a href="http://www.worldvision.org/">www.worldvision.org</a><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.advicesisters.net/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="" height="92" src="http://www.advicesisters.net/giltypleaslogo1.jpg" width="400" /> </a><br /></div><br /><b>The Informed Makeup Maven</b> is giving away her <a href="http://nancyti.blogspot.com/2010/01/win-imms-three-custom-color-specialists.html">Three Custom Color Specialist must have products.</a><br /><br /><b>Alison of the Advice Sisters </b><a href="http://www.advicesisters.net/2010/01/mac-in-lillyland-think-spring-now.html" target="_blank">reviews M-A-C in LilyLand</a> an homage to Lily Pulitzer that will have you thinking Spring, right now.<br /><br /><b>Bridalease</b> offers a touch of Spring <a href="http://bridalease101.blogspot.com/2010/01/2010-cherry-blossom-bloom-with-claire.html" target="_blank">and introduces newly engaged brides to </a> Claire Pettibone's 2010 Cherry Blossom collection.<br /><br /><b>Missy Varner</b> of the <b>Luxury Beauty Products Blog</b> <a href="http://luxurybeautyproducts.blogspot.com/2010/01/facelogic-essential-skin-care.html" target="_blank">reviews Facelogic Essential Skin Care</a> Whatever your need, Facelogic can provide a solution.<br /><br /><b>Ageless Elaine</b> reports <a href="http://www.agelessremediessouthpark.com/blog/?p=437" target="_blank">Cavewomen Wore Make-Up</a><br /><br /><b>Dao from My Makeup Blog </b>loves<a href="http://mymakeupblog.blogspot.com/2010/01/art-deco-eyeshadow-base-trumps-all.html" target="_blank"> Art Deco Eyeshadow Base</a>, a product from Germany.<br /><br /><b>Gio</b> from <b>Beautiful With Brains</b> shares some tips on<a href="http://beautifulwithbrains.com/2010/01/12/how-to-make-perfume-last-longer/" target="_blank">how to make perfume last longer.</a><br /><br />I hope you'll have a nice weekend and thank you for your kindness.<br /><br /><a href="http://s2.photobucket.com/albums/y33/shortylam/?action=view&current=endcredit.png" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y33/shortylam/endcredit.png" /></a><br /><br />P.S: If you like my blog, please <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/MyMakeupBlog" rel="alternate" type="application/rss+xml"><img alt="" src="http://www.feedburner.com/fb/images/pub/feed-icon16x16.png" style="border: 0pt none; vertical-align: middle;" /></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/MyMakeupBlog" rel="alternate" type="application/rss+xml">subscribe to my feed.</a> Thanks a lot!

GILTY Pleasures Weekly Blog Tour: Vol. 2, 2010

Hi everybody, In the light of the recent earthquake in Haiti , I kindly request everybody who read this blog to extend your kindness to the ...

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Come Exercise with Me: 30 Day Shred

Hi everybody,<br /><br />How are you doing? "New year, new you", that's what people say when it comes to fitness and exercise. Yet, a lot of people got frustrated and belly up after a month or two after New Year's day. Without any shame, I have to admit I was one of them: every year, I marked the calendar and made resolution to lose x amount of weight. Yet, by March 15th, I found myself being a couch potato again.<br /><br />While my level of fitness and makeup prowess were the same around the time I started blogging, I have to admit I am getting a lot better at taking care of myself in the skincare and makeup department. The only plausible reason for this is I <i>blog</i> almost every day about beauty and makeup. Hence, I got absorbed to this world and have become better in this part of my life.<br /><br />I guess I can do the same with exercise, right? Right? Guys, are you still there?<br /><br />So, this time around I want to make 2010 a beautiful year for all of us by extending an invitation to exercise with me. Of course, the ladies at NB and I already formed our own support group but I would love my readers to join me as well. The exercise DVD I chose is "<a href="http://www.collagevideo.com/item.aspx?item=7963">30 Day Shred</a>" by Jillian Michaels<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiq9fFaEVmkE2wb9skCWZH9dmyAyzOE6bhj9l91wC3nhn_kzRgXMU5BrgJejQRPtUJv1_1wLjtEuDJYznQ3qYebt7HC2T5_QMCfQyzNObk6jaA1lJGYme498wkwfoviGpJWqFExtpUg6Pw/s1600-h/30day.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiq9fFaEVmkE2wb9skCWZH9dmyAyzOE6bhj9l91wC3nhn_kzRgXMU5BrgJejQRPtUJv1_1wLjtEuDJYznQ3qYebt7HC2T5_QMCfQyzNObk6jaA1lJGYme498wkwfoviGpJWqFExtpUg6Pw/s400/30day.jpg" /></a><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://minnesotamom.files.wordpress.com/2009/04/30day.jpg">Source</a><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Wanna join me? Read more after the jump!<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><a name='more'></a><br /><div style="text-align: left;">I heard a lot of good things about this exercise video and got a chance to loan it for a week at the local library. Jillian Michaels is not joking when she took the title of TV's toughest trainer: this DVD almost made my heart jump out of my body after the first exercise. Then, I felt sore all over for days after that. It is very effective.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Right now, I am at level 1 and I exercise 3 days a week. I figure it is better this way since I am prone to boredom and repetition. Also, I do not want to burn out too early in the game.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">So, if you want to join, please comment "I want to get fit" in the comment section, get yourself this DVD (or any exercise DVD), and exercise 3-4 times a week. Let's all get fit, you guys!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">A little disclaimer: I am not Jillian Michaels (duh!) and I bought my own copy of "30 Day Shred" from my own pocket. This is not an advertisement, I truly want all of us to get fit.<br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><br /><a href="http://s2.photobucket.com/albums/y33/shortylam/?action=view&current=endcredit.png" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y33/shortylam/endcredit.png" /></a><br /><br />P.S: If you like my blog, please <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/MyMakeupBlog" rel="alternate" type="application/rss+xml"><img alt="" src="http://www.feedburner.com/fb/images/pub/feed-icon16x16.png" style="border: 0pt none; vertical-align: middle;" /></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/MyMakeupBlog" rel="alternate" type="application/rss+xml">subscribe to my feed.</a> Thanks a lot!

Come Exercise with Me: 30 Day Shred

Hi everybody, How are you doing? "New year, new you", that's what people say when it comes to fitness and exercise. Yet, a lot...

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Got Tea Bags? Use Them on Your Eyes

Hello my lovely readers,<br /><br />What's up? How's it going? Now, when I look back at the months of November and December, 2009, I still feel cold chill running through my spine. The crazy late hours I spent slaving over that thesis was unbelievable! From the grace of God, I pulled through and was able to defend my thesis.<br /><br />During that time, the thing that kept me sane was makeup. Stop snickering, I am serious! When I felt stressed out, I went to the bathroom and put some makeup on my face. It took about half an hour but during that time, at least I did not freak out over some statistics I did not finish (as well as the possibility to delay my defense to another semester! It was scary, I can tell you that!)<br /><br />Then, one day this happened:<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEis-mH-rRNUukQ_jdF5_SMM8GE3IRUwMfwt89uHbTKrpvG7_Tgu86_6qt1ddFR7zyRJh80KmHGO_LO8VTGRRMEM90ir92mghAGQvAPUe-hxxwxS7jdKnAkk0kRgHUg6m36m36pYxEKMIo0/s1600-h/IMG_3713.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEis-mH-rRNUukQ_jdF5_SMM8GE3IRUwMfwt89uHbTKrpvG7_Tgu86_6qt1ddFR7zyRJh80KmHGO_LO8VTGRRMEM90ir92mghAGQvAPUe-hxxwxS7jdKnAkk0kRgHUg6m36m36pYxEKMIo0/s400/IMG_3713.JPG" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Hola, mis bellas!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I can't remember what triggered this moment but the two tea bags over the eyes did help. I guess finally it became too much and I decided to shove everything aside, brew myself a cup of tea (double dose, no less!), and use the tea bags to de-puff my under eye areas.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Did it work? Jump to find out!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><a name='more'></a><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_Z2WQZuVI2kvXTsoRXTvaZcRcimG6sDz-AV_eC-4cadpigFyNHIqm8qi8tXCXGLONh_kJxpCizcgfBA-P6sfQhyphenhyphenVxQToMTLsG1U9z07Cs3wj_AwAOUQzCr1cCVZRXduskJ-tM8XKjEzo/s1600-h/IMG_3717.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_Z2WQZuVI2kvXTsoRXTvaZcRcimG6sDz-AV_eC-4cadpigFyNHIqm8qi8tXCXGLONh_kJxpCizcgfBA-P6sfQhyphenhyphenVxQToMTLsG1U9z07Cs3wj_AwAOUQzCr1cCVZRXduskJ-tM8XKjEzo/s400/IMG_3717.JPG" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">It did!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Notice the area under my eyes? It's less puffy.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Also, notice my skin. It was horrible! That's what stress can do for you, kiddos! Yup, that was me under stress and without makeup. Glamorous, NOT!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">And now, the science behind fun with tea bags: tea contains caffeine, which constricts the blood vessels quickly and effectively. It helps diminish redness and puffiness on areas around the eyes. You can spend money on eye creams or give it a one-two punch with your tea bags by drinking and applying used tea bags on your eyes.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">To me, at least I got a moment of serenity to relax and recharge before heading back to the dreaded "Discussions and Conclusion" section. It may look strange to y'all (and I am not scared to air my dirty laundry) but this is very effective way to de-puff your eyes and get some extra anti-oxidants from the tea as well.</div><br />Note: in case I decide to run for political office in the future, please do not use the pictures in this post against me. For the record, I did it to educate the people!<br /><br /><a href="http://s2.photobucket.com/albums/y33/shortylam/?action=view&current=endcredit.png" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y33/shortylam/endcredit.png" /></a><br /><br />P.S: If you like my blog, please <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/MyMakeupBlog" rel="alternate" type="application/rss+xml"><img alt="" src="http://www.feedburner.com/fb/images/pub/feed-icon16x16.png" style="border: 0pt none; vertical-align: middle;" /></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/MyMakeupBlog" rel="alternate" type="application/rss+xml">subscribe to my feed.</a> Thanks a lot!

Got Tea Bags? Use Them on Your Eyes

Hello my lovely readers, What's up? How's it going? Now, when I look back at the months of November and December, 2009, I still feel...

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Be Chic with Everyday Minerals Blushes in Snuggle and DVR Saturday

Hi everybody,<br /><br />The last time I purchased any full size item at <a href="http://www.everydayminerals.com/">Everyday Minerals</a> (EDM) was in 2007. It was before EDM redesigned all their packages and nixed the mini-sized items, which I miss tremendously. Back then, little did I know that one day I would (a) have a makeup blog, and (b) be resourceful enough for EDM to contact me to do reviews.<br /><br />While I've been trying a lot of makeup products, especially mineral makeup, Everyday Minerals blushes hold a dear place in my heart (<a href="http://mymakeupblog.blogspot.com/2008/07/7-days-and-7-nights-of-mineral-makeup_16.html">click here</a> for my first review of EDM and a chance to see how I looked way back in 2008!) The blushes probably are the best products at EDM since they are very pigmented and pretty. A kind representative sent me two colors to play: Snuggle and DVR Saturday.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8JVUfcxc8rVredzt3PVy0UDfvNGiNREav4bGi1yC-EmWtnHcE7u2duhwjt5sBTV0aUSj30XZgVskm_xDy3dH6GQUze2sLuzgVqn2DzPzMfPZpBFRNZC60I87MlXZiYAo9aha1kRh2Eqo/s1600-h/IMG_3881.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8JVUfcxc8rVredzt3PVy0UDfvNGiNREav4bGi1yC-EmWtnHcE7u2duhwjt5sBTV0aUSj30XZgVskm_xDy3dH6GQUze2sLuzgVqn2DzPzMfPZpBFRNZC60I87MlXZiYAo9aha1kRh2Eqo/s400/IMG_3881.JPG" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">The redesigned package</div><div style="text-align: center;">I kind of miss the brown lid with the old bull's eye logo</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAWNDhh0SAO8lVYbnsaW2-C3mDngFgLrWfNpojG0K7Vspbb3RsW25EFfoEGp02xRN2JZP7mirgCEB-HhVuUObFMwhDWa6-xdSF-RqHa8kLi5dgZxIyLu3G0e0WEqQNJAdkDR_NVtLRbzE/s1600-h/IMG_3885.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAWNDhh0SAO8lVYbnsaW2-C3mDngFgLrWfNpojG0K7Vspbb3RsW25EFfoEGp02xRN2JZP7mirgCEB-HhVuUObFMwhDWa6-xdSF-RqHa8kLi5dgZxIyLu3G0e0WEqQNJAdkDR_NVtLRbzE/s400/IMG_3885.JPG" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">...but I definitely do not miss the old lid!</div><div style="text-align: center;">You can turn it while saying "Open Sesame!" and...</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimNXcqopB_-Rlc8fEzkktrT_y9qR1TmiQj843aYYmE1p-6tPo4_RV3FgE5UeQBbB8XF8aNqCWjBw1f48soK_Q8hJr-WMNDZo5MkBTswANDzoV6afeHtF9KzFVXM18BLZEHG-1BBJBK0nU/s1600-h/IMG_3886.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimNXcqopB_-Rlc8fEzkktrT_y9qR1TmiQj843aYYmE1p-6tPo4_RV3FgE5UeQBbB8XF8aNqCWjBw1f48soK_Q8hJr-WMNDZo5MkBTswANDzoV6afeHtF9KzFVXM18BLZEHG-1BBJBK0nU/s400/IMG_3886.JPG" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">...it's opened</div><div style="text-align: center;">See, it's mess free!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><a name='more'></a><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMTFHMfZ50scyRuYM3sflxWcGKOfv0A10YcrdDSqLYj86JvY-CebUGgXjeJDYYKDI-uPew95gZJHP3ZruDWDiyFSnsMC6TqqCg9l-SyBpU3N9BPB7gw_q8reVCaROEezQQEgcUJHslEr4/s1600-h/IMG_3882.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMTFHMfZ50scyRuYM3sflxWcGKOfv0A10YcrdDSqLYj86JvY-CebUGgXjeJDYYKDI-uPew95gZJHP3ZruDWDiyFSnsMC6TqqCg9l-SyBpU3N9BPB7gw_q8reVCaROEezQQEgcUJHslEr4/s320/IMG_3882.JPG" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Snuggle blush reminds me a lot of the famous NARS Orgasm but with less pink.</div><div style="text-align: center;">I even used it on the day I defended my thesis. I looked like I just blushed, it is so pretty!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfhR_j2luoCf6IH_aWewcBXSiqxnCj8Ud8rqUpYvm-PUcKc0cLQZqyIOsk7L3ZFH_hmZKh8xiCWhfjUeDJ1jmFA8MwH3btCZ8-f6FN25jwXBqlAj0KS9hjDqYkes3QKwP3sNUaFU02E6E/s1600-h/IMG_3884.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfhR_j2luoCf6IH_aWewcBXSiqxnCj8Ud8rqUpYvm-PUcKc0cLQZqyIOsk7L3ZFH_hmZKh8xiCWhfjUeDJ1jmFA8MwH3btCZ8-f6FN25jwXBqlAj0KS9hjDqYkes3QKwP3sNUaFU02E6E/s400/IMG_3884.JPG" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">DVR Saturday is a cool raspberry blush that has some shimmers</div><div style="text-align: center;">It is probably more suitable for night time makeup because it is very pigmented.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2HXGrRVJYlytf5aDHaI-qXnlZdYfV117iDX9J3sjSiMDzGkzBsMU81_4DbO1EuAvfNU5BVM4mDUW22qLRlSIRfwI9CUVKi6l9BNu_-MMKG2IPBRfrswu7ITEdLgW09Ss5K1oJpSfENr4/s1600-h/IMG_3887.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2HXGrRVJYlytf5aDHaI-qXnlZdYfV117iDX9J3sjSiMDzGkzBsMU81_4DbO1EuAvfNU5BVM4mDUW22qLRlSIRfwI9CUVKi6l9BNu_-MMKG2IPBRfrswu7ITEdLgW09Ss5K1oJpSfENr4/s400/IMG_3887.JPG" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Skin swatch in natural light</div><div style="text-align: center;">You can see flecks of glitters in the swatch</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">While the redesigned containers with coverable sifter is a convenient, the downside is you get less amount of product. However, after I compared with the old blushes I have, these new ones are definitely more pigmented and feel a lot smoother. Also, the staying power is better to boost. Moreover, some of the blushes are lip-safe and you can use them as lip colors. I did with Snuggle and it is so gorgeous!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Price: $2.50 USD for sample size and $8.00 USD for big size (the size shown in this blog entry.)</div><div style="text-align: left;">Where to get it: at Everyday Minerals website (<a href="http://www.everydayminerals.com/store/makeup/cheeks.html">click here</a>)</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">And now, a disclaimer: the above products were sent to me from a kind representative of Everyday Minerals for reviewing purposes. For more information, please visit <a href="http://www.everydayminerals.com/">Everyday Minerals website</a>. Click here to read My Makeup Blog <a href="http://mymakeupblog.blogspot.com/2009/10/my-makeup-blog-disclosure.html">disclosure policy</a>.<br /><br /></div>So, what do you think about EDM blushes? Please let me know in the comment section, ok?<br /><br /><a href="http://s2.photobucket.com/albums/y33/shortylam/?action=view&current=endcredit.png" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y33/shortylam/endcredit.png" /></a><br /><br />P.S: If you like my blog, please <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/MyMakeupBlog" rel="alternate" type="application/rss+xml"><img alt="" src="http://www.feedburner.com/fb/images/pub/feed-icon16x16.png" style="border: 0pt none; vertical-align: middle;" /></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/MyMakeupBlog" rel="alternate" type="application/rss+xml">subscribe to my feed.</a> Thanks a lot!

Be Chic with Everyday Minerals Blushes in Snuggle and DVR Saturday

Hi everybody, The last time I purchased any full size item at Everyday Minerals (EDM) was in 2007. It was before EDM redesigned all their p...

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Gifts from My Secret Santa

Hi everybody,<br /><br />After recovering from the cold, I now have a habit of putting a exclamation mark at the end of every sentence I wrote! (<- like that!) Yes, that's quite annoying to the readers but I can't explain how happy I am to be well again. While taking a peak at my photo archive, I realized I did not post anything about what I got for Christmas. This holiday season is kind of strange to me: while I've grown accustomed to not receiving any gifts during Christmas, I am still looking forward to receiving something. The solution? A Secret Santa gift swap at NoBrainer*<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi76-BKXpIYfaH7YC75Yiepdx0v1jfF7t3cHCRmMuI5wVIUWWuYIb4NZRm9ahDAK_OWVIVxk1vX6R8OJP_zKUs_UqXfP-7TLOZbFrsfAyHL_bBiOeFiPo8unyQKd8RxKqC8XPlmTfMhyg8/s1600-h/IMG_3851.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi76-BKXpIYfaH7YC75Yiepdx0v1jfF7t3cHCRmMuI5wVIUWWuYIb4NZRm9ahDAK_OWVIVxk1vX6R8OJP_zKUs_UqXfP-7TLOZbFrsfAyHL_bBiOeFiPo8unyQKd8RxKqC8XPlmTfMhyg8/s400/IMG_3851.JPG" /></a><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Gifts from the Secret Santa<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><a name='more'></a><br /><div style="text-align: left;">Like me, the ladies at NB are insane makeup addicts (read the last 3 words together, please!) I've learned so many things from them and my Secret Santa, who is also a beauty blogger, is an nailphile. She sent me 3 beautiful nail polishes from Sinful Colors, the brand that I start to love more and more each day, and 2 glittery nail polishes from Sally's Girl.<br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">My SS is a faithful patron to Sally's Beauty and she got me that tube of body lotion, lip balm, and ApHogee protein treatment packs. The last one I used on my mom's hair after she colored it with henna. (She loved the stuff, by the way!)<br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I really want to hug the Secret Santa because she included the NYX Champagne and Caviar palette that I've been wanting for about 1/2 year now. FYI, she's the one who instigated it and I guess this is a nice way to complete the circle of lemming.<br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">So, MMB readers can expect more nail polish reviews and swatches in the future. Thanks to my SS, now I have a renewed interest in nail polishes, especially the glittery ones. By the way, glittery and colorful nail polishes are in this year.<br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Thank you so so so so much, my Secret Santa, for sending me joy to this holiday season! I really appreciate everything you sent, including the 2 nail polishes I exchanged for 4. Hope your gift was also as good and hope you'll have everything you want and more. <br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><a href="http://s2.photobucket.com/albums/y33/shortylam/?action=view&current=endcredit.png" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y33/shortylam/endcredit.png" /></a><br />*Alienman at <a href="http://www.goldfishcake.com/">GoldfishCake</a> is the ring leader behind NoBrainer (get her, guys!) <a href="http://goldfishcake.com/nobrainer/">Click here</a> for more information regarding this forum.<br />P.S: If you like my blog, please <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/MyMakeupBlog" rel="alternate" type="application/rss+xml"><img alt="" src="http://www.feedburner.com/fb/images/pub/feed-icon16x16.png" style="border: 0pt none; vertical-align: middle;" /></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/MyMakeupBlog" rel="alternate" type="application/rss+xml">subscribe to my feed.</a> Thanks a lot!

Gifts from My Secret Santa

Hi everybody, After recovering from the cold, I now have a habit of putting a exclamation mark at the end of every sentence I wrote! (<- ...

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Art Deco Eyeshadow Base Trumps All!

Hi everybody,<br /><br />How are you doing? I hope everybody are fine and dandy...like me! The cold that aggravated me last week is finally (and very slowly) leaving my system, yay! Now, I can focus and write properly again. For those who have followed me throughout the years, you know how fond I am of MAC paint pots as primers. These products are must-haves for those who have oily eyelids (like me!)<br /><br />Some months ago, Gio from <a href="http://www.blogger.com/goog_1263154757208">Beautiful with Brai</a><a href="http://www.beautifulwithbrains.com/">ns</a> and I did a makeup swap (details documented <a href="http://mymakeupblog.blogspot.com/2009/10/gifts-from-italy-and-my-new-fringe.html">here</a>) and she sent me a small pot of Art Deco eyeshadow base. From the moment I tried it until now, I cannot stop using it. As a result, my MAC paint pots and even my new UDPP Sin are being neglected. Yes, this eyeshadow base trumps all!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgvHL8hyphenhyphenmVZjxCYFXNNsqHPRAJp_THdQtdD-S-qxpGPFwcEN5w9Y5c3VhFkEEVDf0PXb_rzrNsQ-uX4k0_MkD-P5199e6PHZNha8vvg66ojuhPN2Ocy6xgZ8Isf68vm54GSK5BzHQeik4/s1600-h/IMG_3943.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgvHL8hyphenhyphenmVZjxCYFXNNsqHPRAJp_THdQtdD-S-qxpGPFwcEN5w9Y5c3VhFkEEVDf0PXb_rzrNsQ-uX4k0_MkD-P5199e6PHZNha8vvg66ojuhPN2Ocy6xgZ8Isf68vm54GSK5BzHQeik4/s400/IMG_3943.JPG" /></a><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Art Deco eyeshadow base<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Net weight: 5 grams<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEF-HMJhBzUphnhL4XlnX8MdD5TsFvHtwlcPoWg72UuCmLzjAhhAhPFWffYenQalJ8HJkr8E7B2tkpKbU18mkKPV-OPOqKHnVmRXSVaYycBeOnXI0ngEVouhoOnZnSue30GSH6x_6b3JA/s1600-h/IMG_3947.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEF-HMJhBzUphnhL4XlnX8MdD5TsFvHtwlcPoWg72UuCmLzjAhhAhPFWffYenQalJ8HJkr8E7B2tkpKbU18mkKPV-OPOqKHnVmRXSVaYycBeOnXI0ngEVouhoOnZnSue30GSH6x_6b3JA/s400/IMG_3947.JPG" /></a><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">The texture is a but mousse-y to me<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">It becomes invisible after applied to the eyelid.<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><a name='more'></a><br /><div style="text-align: left;">For those who wonder why I like this product so much, here is an answer: it does everything MAC paint pots and UDPP are supposed to do while making the colors pop more. I did an experiment with MAC Painterly paint pot and Art Deco eyeshadow base since Painterly has very similar texture to Art Deco: after applying each base to each eye, I use the same amount of eyeshadow and same application technique on my eyes. The result: the side that had AD as a base looked a lot more vibrant.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">However, the flaw in the experiment is it is difficult to gauge the amount of eyeshadow I applied. So, I relied on the number of swipes I made in order for the colors on my eyes to look even. Again, I found that I had to use an extra swipe or two to make the paint pot side look as even as the AD side.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">For UDPP Sin, I had to use three extra swipes to make things even. This is the worst base of the bunch in terms of making colors pop. I can't really tell how the original UDPP performs because I do not have it, but I do not recommend Sin as an eyeshadow primer at all. It makes my eye shadows look dull compared to MAC paint pot and Art Deco eyeshadow base.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">For those who have not been reading the last 3 paragraphs, here is the summary: </div><div style="text-align: left;"><ul><li>In term of preserving eye shadows from fading: all three products (MAC Painterly paint pot, Urban Decay Sin primer potion, and Art Deco eyeshadow base) do their job properly</li><li>In term of making eye shadow colors look brilliant: AD base> MAC Painterly> UDPP Sin</li></ul> There is only one thing I do not love about Art Deco eyeshadow base: the smell. It has a masculine perfume smell that tends to last a long time. Also, for those who live in America, I doubt you can get any Art Deco products in store since it's a German company. So, if you have a friend in Europe, I highly suggest you to make some custom purchases and pay the exorbitant amount of money for international shipping. Believe me, this eyeshadow base will not disappoint. After all, it trumps both MAC paint pot and UDPP. <br /><br /></div><a href="http://s2.photobucket.com/albums/y33/shortylam/?action=view&current=endcredit.png" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y33/shortylam/endcredit.png" /></a><br /><br />P.S: If you like my blog, please <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/MyMakeupBlog" rel="alternate" type="application/rss+xml"><img alt="" src="http://www.feedburner.com/fb/images/pub/feed-icon16x16.png" style="border: 0pt none; vertical-align: middle;" /></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/MyMakeupBlog" rel="alternate" type="application/rss+xml">subscribe to my feed.</a> Thanks a lot!

Art Deco Eyeshadow Base Trumps All!

Hi everybody, How are you doing? I hope everybody are fine and dandy...like me! The cold that aggravated me last week is finally (and very s...

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GILTY Pleasures Blog Tour: Vol 1, 2010

Hi everybody,<br /><br />How are you doing? As much as I've tried to stay positive by repeating "It's getting warmer tomorrow!", the weather has been throwing everybody a curve ball. This morning, I woke up to find a freezing bowl of water in the front door (the bowl of water is for the neighborhood cat I've been feeding.) Today is supposed to be the coldest day of the year (so far) and the highest temperature is in mid-thirties. If you convert to degree Celcius, it is around 1-2 degrees. Scary, huh?<br /><br />New year, new GILTY Pleasures blog tour for everybody. This time around, we have a new member and I am very happy to contribute to this web tour, in sickness and in health. I hope you'll have a toasty weekend. Cheers to warmer weather in the near future!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.advicesisters.net/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="" height="92" src="http://www.advicesisters.net/giltypleaslogo1.jpg" width="400" /> </a><br /></div><br /><br />Alison of The Advice Sisters <a href="http://www.advicesisters.net/2009/11/you-didnt-get-everything-or-maybe.html" target="_blank">shares a must-have you will want to splurge on, especially if you've been (very, very) good ---and frugal!<br /></a> Le Metier de Beaute!<br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;">Lisa of Bridalease <a href="http://bridalease101.blogspot.com/2010/01/happy-2010-to-you-all-in-bridal-land.html" target="_blank">is wishing all newly engaged couples</a> a great first start on this journey.<br /></div><br />Ageless Elaine wonders<a href="http://www.agelessremediessouthpark.com/blog" target="_blank"> New Year's Resolution?</a> First Impressions<br /><br />Dao from My Makeup Blog shares some tips to <a href="http://mymakeupblog.blogspot.com/2010/01/banishing-dry-skin-winter.html" target="_blank">banish dry skin</a> this winter.<br /><br />Gio from Beautiful With Brains reviews<a href="http://beautifulwithbrains.com/2010/01/04/product-review-barry-m-blusher/" target="_blank"> Barry M Blusher</a>.<br /><br />Missy Varner <a href="http://www.blogger.com/post-edit.g?blogID=3156183416116782324&postID=3850455318639116801" target="_blank">sunbotanicals Aromatherapy moisturizing sunscreenp><br /><br /></a><a href="http://s2.photobucket.com/albums/y33/shortylam/?action=view&current=endcredit.png" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y33/shortylam/endcredit.png" /></a><br /><br />P.S: If you like my blog, please <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/MyMakeupBlog" rel="alternate" type="application/rss+xml"><img alt="" src="http://www.feedburner.com/fb/images/pub/feed-icon16x16.png" style="border: 0pt none; vertical-align: middle;" /></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/MyMakeupBlog" rel="alternate" type="application/rss+xml">subscribe to my feed.</a> Thanks a lot!

GILTY Pleasures Blog Tour: Vol 1, 2010

Hi everybody, How are you doing? As much as I've tried to stay positive by repeating "It's getting warmer tomorrow!", the ...

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