Cover Girl LashBlast: Bambi Eyes in a Flash

<a href="http://www.covergirl.ca/en_ca/prodimages/lashblast_mascara_1.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://www.covergirl.ca/en_ca/prodimages/lashblast_mascara_1.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; float: left; height: 328px; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; width: 202px;" /></a>By now, I think the world has known about a mascara that's dripped with awesomeness that is appropriately named "LashBlast" by Cover Girl. In my book, a good mascara has 3Bs in it: bolder, bigger, better. Since I have deep set eyes and my lashes are not that long, I need a mascara that makes them visible and winkable. My obsession with making my lashes look better and my willingness to try lead me to LashBlast and I think I found the "it" mascara.<br /><br />LashBlast is housed in an orange tube which makes it stand out in the jungle of drugstore mascaras. At first when I saw it, I thought "woa, this is one big mascara!" and immediately put it back. Then I braved up <s>and my old mascara needed to be changed</s> and went ahead to purchase it.<br /><br />When I opened the package at home, I noticed how huge the mascara wand is. It is not your mama's old mascara, people! The wand is about the size of a slim pen/pencil and packed with plastic bristles. I love them bristles because they guarantee a clump-free application and that's one of the B's I mentioned before: better. No clumping=better.<br /><br />I've heard people complained about how awkward the mascara wand is because it is too big but yours truly had no problem using the wand from day one. I think I'm just blessed with my mad skillz, y'all! It's probably the way God compensates me on my puny eyelashes. (Ok, now I'm just gloating! Geez!)<br /><br />How about the other 2B's: bolder and bigger? As I said, this is my "it" mascara and it got the bolder and bigger part covered as well. I'm not going to say much as I let you see the result yourself:<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPU_ew8rQeUnGsANNJfMsDb21jUpNCqwhp6q4Dx37bSVY2rpfdW8cIxE0mueM_z-EgPtTwrrRL77qXcWp5I6Z-FKp7XyXETXOPkUjb7Jzco01WGyoogffE8Fy02lEa8P5Pd8LOm-PbFWA/s1600-h/closed+eye.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5221058450370448866" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPU_ew8rQeUnGsANNJfMsDb21jUpNCqwhp6q4Dx37bSVY2rpfdW8cIxE0mueM_z-EgPtTwrrRL77qXcWp5I6Z-FKp7XyXETXOPkUjb7Jzco01WGyoogffE8Fy02lEa8P5Pd8LOm-PbFWA/s320/closed+eye.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;" /></a>My nekkid lashes without mascara<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhU14A-xUMlZX6axncReQ7agv_nCNyHotjHsVBnsMjpKFU5lFtb3KKPa0N_R3K2Z696lekbtCBz0U7WvrdDJbPDwpDlaWDZP3cvxbJWxSbueMU592IMsYEat0bp7ZEBCf9y2D8JPxX1dJ4/s1600-h/lashblast.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5221058452206202658" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhU14A-xUMlZX6axncReQ7agv_nCNyHotjHsVBnsMjpKFU5lFtb3KKPa0N_R3K2Z696lekbtCBz0U7WvrdDJbPDwpDlaWDZP3cvxbJWxSbueMU592IMsYEat0bp7ZEBCf9y2D8JPxX1dJ4/s320/lashblast.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;" /></a>With LashBlast, the lashes look longer.<br /><br /></div>Overall, I love this mascara very much and I think Cover Girl mascaras are worth trying, especially the ones with the plastic clump-free wands such as Lash Exact and Volume Exact. The only complaint I have is the flakiness: it starts flaking after 6 hours of wear which is fine for me. As long as no smudging (aka no raccoon eyes) involved, the mascara stays. Plus I'm using a non-waterproof version so I kind of expecting it.<br /><br />LashBlast is for you if you:<br /><ul><li>want bigger, bolder, and better lashes (remember the 3B's when you shop for a mascara the next time!)</li><li>need a budget-friendly mascara: LashBlast is about $7 USD at Walmart,</li><li>do not need a waterproof mascara,</li><li>love glossy lashes: the formula is kind of shiny instead of matte so it gives some gloss to your lashes</li><li>want a smudge-free mascara in a non-waterproof formula: seriously, this mascara does not smudge at all on my oily skin and in Florida summer heat!<br /></li></ul>It is not for you if you:<br /><ul><li>prefer a flake-free mascara: I think the waterproof version solves that problem well,</li><li>only purchase your mascaras from high-end department stores.</li></ul>Maybelline NY came out with something similar called "Colosall Lash Volum' Express". I used "Volum' Express" before and to be honest, it was not that great. When my LashBlast runs dry, I will get the "Colosall Lash" and see how it stands up to the giant LashBlast.<br /><br />So how was your day so far? Mine is fine, I'm blasting some music from my laptop while typing away. I've been downloading some music lately, especially some songs I've heard wayyyyyyy back!<br /><br />I hope you have a nice and productive day. And come back soon!<br /><br />Love,<br />Your Makeup Blogger

Cover Girl LashBlast: Bambi Eyes in a Flash

By now, I think the world has known about a mascara that's dripped with awesomeness that is appropriately named "LashBlast" by...

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Scrub Down with St. Ives Elements Olive Scrub

Every time I walked by the face wash aisle at my local drug store, I always gave the St. Ives scrubs a smirk. Back in the day when I was a teenager and started having zits, my mom brought home this bright orange tube of St. Ives apricot scrubs. She instructed me to use it as my way to zit-free salvation.<br /><br /><a href="http://images-cdn01.associatedcontent.com/image/A7453/74530/300_74530.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://images-cdn01.associatedcontent.com/image/A7453/74530/300_74530.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 245px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 245px;" /></a>However, it did not help my problem skin at all! Instead it exacerbated the problems because of the grainy texture of the apricot exfoliating pieces and the richness of the creamy substance. I did not remember how I washed my face but I always found pieces of the scrub in my ears afterward. That was quite annoying!<br /><br />Hence the smirk when I saw the newer, leaner, and better versions of St. Ives scrubs called St. Ives Elements. I could not imagine how St. Ives could improve the quality of their scrubs at all! Then came Marie Claire magazine that included a sample pack of the Olive Scrub to their subscribers. Because the sample was free, I gave it a good try and after that, all my apprehensions toward the St. Ives Elements line went away into thin air. It was that good!<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh__ePcrYtwoazQEO2L6GX8VQwhu1Ks_0fbBpXhV021LYGq2kq9sUaHEHvhVpjB13qorB7wdtivLscJqP06Tj_37JZnxUEFEhgNLHyU2E7brtNdQv31T8CdzO1PWWrDRHsobFE9P1bdIKc/s1600-h/fotd1+020.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5220657047726313762" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh__ePcrYtwoazQEO2L6GX8VQwhu1Ks_0fbBpXhV021LYGq2kq9sUaHEHvhVpjB13qorB7wdtivLscJqP06Tj_37JZnxUEFEhgNLHyU2E7brtNdQv31T8CdzO1PWWrDRHsobFE9P1bdIKc/s320/fotd1+020.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;" /></a><br />To me, the Olive Scrub is nothing like its predecessor the Apricot Scrub at all. The exfoliating beads are much smaller and rounder, hence giving a smoother feeling when scrubbing on my face. Also, the Olive Scrub has a smaller exfoliator to cleanser ratio so none of the beads end up in my ears so far. Another plus is it rinses clean without stripping off the moisture on my skin and does not turn my face red after washing.<br /><br />I've been using it for about a month and so far so good. I does not over-exfoliate and is gentle enough on my acne-prone skin. Plus the smell is kind of nice as well. To use it, I squirt about a dime size amount of scrub into the palm of my hand, then I massage it all over my wet face for a while. Finally, I rinse everything out with water and done!<br /><br />You will like the Olive Scrub if you:<br /><ul><li>like to exfoliate your skin to give it a glow,</li><li>have acne-prone skin and do not want a sand-paper feeling when using a scrub,</li><li>have oily skin and does not want an over drying face wash,</li><li>want a good quality and budget-friendly scrub: this will only cost you $7-8 USD,</li><li>are a fan of the regular St. Ives apricot scrubs.</li></ul>You will not like this product if you:<br /><ul><li>think nothing can surpass the good ole apricot scrubs!</li></ul>Honestly, I can't think of anything negative about this product and I'm quite picky myself. I highly recommend it to everybody, even the zealous scrubbers among us (I'm a recovering one myself!)<br /><br />My birthday bash was very enjoyable thanks to my friends. They took me to watch Kung-fu Panda and the movie was hilarious! I love that Po Panda so much!<br /><br />Have a nice day and be gorgeous! Also, check back here often and I'd love to hear from you.<br /><br />Love,<br />Your Makeup Blogger

Scrub Down with St. Ives Elements Olive Scrub

Every time I walked by the face wash aisle at my local drug store, I always gave the St. Ives scrubs a smirk. Back in the day when I was a t...

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First FOTD: In with the Blues

So they said, "You ain't a beauty blogger until you did a FOTD". Just as you're wondering what the heck is "FOTD", let me break it down for y'all: it's a part of the makeup addict lingo and codes for "face of the day".<br /><br />My most recent color love is the blues, ranging sky blue to electronic blue to deep dark blue. In fact, my first color palette was a set of blue and grey from Maybelline called "Urban Chic" or something like that. It was back in the day that Maybelline NY made really good and pigmented eye colors. Now their eye shadows are just plain chalky.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh0EbFBQpWNCQBs6u8c-IJfIq2kiIj6BRTnykGrNMG1eGWtQc4nigdMAQEkhxbTe2zW4dGuzfWdnCULvc7oYiwIlffuf4hescrIee6kdxlPiz2W68MgQcPcSe5j4_SJhQF2Iw8TVRvDYg/s1600-h/fotd1+022.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5220326685807698978" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh0EbFBQpWNCQBs6u8c-IJfIq2kiIj6BRTnykGrNMG1eGWtQc4nigdMAQEkhxbTe2zW4dGuzfWdnCULvc7oYiwIlffuf4hescrIee6kdxlPiz2W68MgQcPcSe5j4_SJhQF2Iw8TVRvDYg/s400/fotd1+022.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;" /></a>The look was inspired by Barbie doll, for real!<br />I was thinking of something summer and sweet so I ended up with the blue eyes-pink lips combo.</div>What I used:<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEht5yQwv93RNccw2XV1FHDN4R3QZFW7A7M_D9qYNIGlbXMO1s0YRfExFycrfBr_Z9DRPeLOCOKQ0Eg-f_Da5Vy5ggRA0oEnzCjgy-9CU7zed7PX-hCWLukwbI36t5r_QTLhHoIxzfRRb4U/s1600-h/fotd1+024.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5220319348665983154" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEht5yQwv93RNccw2XV1FHDN4R3QZFW7A7M_D9qYNIGlbXMO1s0YRfExFycrfBr_Z9DRPeLOCOKQ0Eg-f_Da5Vy5ggRA0oEnzCjgy-9CU7zed7PX-hCWLukwbI36t5r_QTLhHoIxzfRRb4U/s400/fotd1+024.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 333px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 446px;" /></a><br />Eyes:<br /><ul><li>The She Space eye pigments in Risky Rebel with blue twinkles (my custom order)</li><li>MAC Parrot e/s: I finally got my hands on this one after months of <s>bitching</s> complaining</li><li>MAC Flashtrack, my first MAC e/s</li><li>MAC Warming Trend e/s</li><li>Maybelline NY Dream Mousse shadow in Ivory Illusion: used as an eyeshadow base (not shown)</li><li>VS Very Sexy liquid pencil liner in Hot Teal (not shown)</li><li>Cover Girl LashBlast mascara in very black</li></ul>Face:<br /><ul><li>Everyday Minerals blush in Cherry Fizz</li><li>Silk Naturals foundation (custom mix that I created myself, please don't ask me the mixing ratio as I do not recall anymore!)</li></ul>For the boo-boos: you can't see them because I cover them well with my mineral concealers (not shown in picture) <br /><ul><li>Under the eyes: Everyday Minerals concealer in Sunlight</li><li>Blemishes: Everyday Minerals concealer in Intensive Medium</li></ul>Lips: MAC lipglass in Sugar Trance<br /><br />Here's the how-to:<br /><br />Eyes:<br /><br /><ul><li><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVzuM-OF68BP_4De1_yUMn4X0ht0QFABohZcjjSjWRius8gT1f2WpE4zadAMD4IQ07jyrdpi7FrVFlPtfC-wipxKczjY-8l7VvDKYCHMzXTCrK9ZfboGxSVhWbDIc-q7tVQuFY1ICObNs/s1600-h/fotd1+025.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5220322455342824146" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVzuM-OF68BP_4De1_yUMn4X0ht0QFABohZcjjSjWRius8gT1f2WpE4zadAMD4IQ07jyrdpi7FrVFlPtfC-wipxKczjY-8l7VvDKYCHMzXTCrK9ZfboGxSVhWbDIc-q7tVQuFY1ICObNs/s400/fotd1+025.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6sv2-t2y8UKUHJsOhYv0VLZ-ucE7km0CsC-7YbY2abcYv6YbvB7lxOXg3r2FHVH8e94ejRWB-QBftiTfcF4UtF1-2bUvGsIu4n5DX2H9IGDB6Jf_tXBJ68H2n8KffsMwXP0-XvPpr8Gk/s1600-h/fotd1+028.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5220322468672246818" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6sv2-t2y8UKUHJsOhYv0VLZ-ucE7km0CsC-7YbY2abcYv6YbvB7lxOXg3r2FHVH8e94ejRWB-QBftiTfcF4UtF1-2bUvGsIu4n5DX2H9IGDB6Jf_tXBJ68H2n8KffsMwXP0-XvPpr8Gk/s400/fotd1+028.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;" /></a>Apply the dream mousse shadow all over the lid and to the brow bone as a primer. It will keep the colors stay intact.</li></ul><ul><li>Using an eyeshadow brush such as MAC 239, pick up some Risky Rebel and apply to the eye lid area. Since Risky Rebel is in powder form, it is better to dab it to the eye lid rather than swipe it in.</li><li>Using a pencil brush such as MAC 219 (my love!), apply Parrot to the outer corner of the eye and blend well with Risky Rebel. The use a blending brush to apply Parrot on the crease (upper area from the eyelid)</li><li>Using a slanted eyeshadow brush such as MAC 266, apply Flashtrack close to the eyelashes to intensify the colors.</li><li>Apply Warming Trend to the brow bone area as a highlighter (optional if you apply a heavy layer of Dream Mousse).</li><li>Line your eyes with Hot Teal and apply mascara and you're done with the eyes.</li></ul>Face:<br /><ul><li>Apply foundation with a kabuki brush and buff carefully.</li><li>Apply concealer where needed (under the eyes, on blemishes and scars).</li><li>Apply Cherry Fizz blush to the cheeks. This blush looks very light on me so I layer up about 2, 3 layers to get the intensity that I want.</li></ul>Lips: apply Sugar Trance lipglass and you're done!<br /><br />Note: Warming Trend, Parrot, and Sugar Trance are limited edition items but I'm sure you can find similar colors at MAC.<br /><br />Here are some other pictures of the look:<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj00FvHLsUtsXKl9SLRsXk2r_ALLD3cYwhvjBydBN6fkQMKNVBsiYM_DG82hA6pQbrKFfUAXgdPW0ChGcCemsX1sY2pQ8ja8N9CUCigSfPKIaaHLfR7ntey0TLb_O_31y1-68zZTEQb_1Y/s1600-h/fotd1+030.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5220325585960876178" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj00FvHLsUtsXKl9SLRsXk2r_ALLD3cYwhvjBydBN6fkQMKNVBsiYM_DG82hA6pQbrKFfUAXgdPW0ChGcCemsX1sY2pQ8ja8N9CUCigSfPKIaaHLfR7ntey0TLb_O_31y1-68zZTEQb_1Y/s400/fotd1+030.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;" /></a>Didn't remember what I was thinking whe I took the picture.<br />The concealers worked so well that I barely see the scars!<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQQVsMfCvAlsOeX7IdP6QrIAtAwKd3761prlL1WgJgKnkeXag72E1XBfsCCi-4lgDzxnYYceldimyecUBsozTrYHHC9XaltzTea4EHRsVDSvJp8tftjBu9X2wNiBQYE4MA3Tq8G3a5FO4/s1600-h/fotd1+017.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5220327794638002514" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQQVsMfCvAlsOeX7IdP6QrIAtAwKd3761prlL1WgJgKnkeXag72E1XBfsCCi-4lgDzxnYYceldimyecUBsozTrYHHC9XaltzTea4EHRsVDSvJp8tftjBu9X2wNiBQYE4MA3Tq8G3a5FO4/s400/fotd1+017.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;" /></a>No, I didn't try to offend anybody. I posed with a peace sign but somehow the other fingers didn't show!<br /><div style="text-align: left;"><br />If you're wondering why I looked like an Oompa Loompa in the pictures, it's because of the camera. I figured out a setting that shows the best colors but the downside is my skin also turns orange in the pictures. Oh well!<br /><br />I hope you enjoy my first FOTD. I had fun applying makeup and taking pictures. All your comments are welcome. Also, today is my birthday! I'm turning 20-old!<br /><br />Take care y'all and have a productive week ahead!<br />Your Makeup Blogger</div></div>

First FOTD: In with the Blues

So they said, "You ain't a beauty blogger until you did a FOTD". Just as you're wondering what the heck is "FOTD...

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This may help?

I must confess I'm getting to a point where I'm desperate to try anything to improve my skin condition. My skin has a brain of itself or something because near the end of the month, I start having breakouts around my jaw line. It's very annoying because after the flare ups, I have the scars and discoloration to deal with for months to come. Also, the zits always pop up in the same spots. I've been using lots of different products for years but nothing has come close to reduce those monthly eruptions.<br /><br />Needless to say, it was not such a great surprise for me to bring home another anti-acne product. This time I have high hope because (a) it comes from a famous dermatologist, (b) it's in a serum form, and (c) the packaging is air-tight so the product's potency will remain constant.<br /><br />Introducing Patricia Wexler M.D's MMPi-20 Anti-Aging Acne Serum with Acnostat Skin Clearing Complex! (wew, what a mouthful of words for a title, isn't it?)<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJQsYoTRBE6KIMkQyIKt-15iaNpNGViuJue_5BF85cyqNYdC0X6nxKl-XlPbCzxV2rviyKJ8bt7FlbXpqa36keGg3Y-GjGi301DbYnfzkACpiLJJC4I9uG8h_ISi0Y1qVLQZ5lC1tisyU/s1600-h/Wexler+001.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5219597422758442274" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJQsYoTRBE6KIMkQyIKt-15iaNpNGViuJue_5BF85cyqNYdC0X6nxKl-XlPbCzxV2rviyKJ8bt7FlbXpqa36keGg3Y-GjGi301DbYnfzkACpiLJJC4I9uG8h_ISi0Y1qVLQZ5lC1tisyU/s320/Wexler+001.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;" /></a><br />Although the box looks really big, the bottle itself is quite slim and contains 30ml (1 fl oz) of liquid inside. It has a leaflet included to provide information about the product as well as other products used in conjunction with this one. The Wexler anti-acne system consists of 4 steps:<br /><ol><li>Cleanse: you get to choose between an exfoliating cleanser and a foaming cleanser with 2% salicylic acid. </li><li>Exfoliate AM or PM: instead of using physical exfoliator such as beaded scrubs, Dr. Wexler chose a 10% glycolic peel. I think it makes sense because glycolic acid, an AHA, does not only removes dead skin cells but also reduces the appearance of scarring. I think I'm going to need that one soon!</li><li>Restore AM or PM: the serum I bought is step 3 in her regime with 2% salicylic acid and MMPi-20.</li><li>Moisturize AM: with an oil free hydrator with SPF 30.</li></ol>I've been trying step 3 for a couple of days now and so far so good. Why didn't I buy the whole kit, you asked. Because I have about 3 other cleansers at home needed to be used so I don't see the need to get the whole kit. On top of that my moisturizer works fine for me. However, as it goes any further, I will definitely get the glycolic peel set to help me reducing the ugly signs of scarring.<br /><br />What I love about this serum:<br /><ul><li>It is an anti-acne and anti-aging product: I'm getting to the age that I'd better taken good care of my skin or I'm going to wrinkle up like a raisin in the sun soon. Most acne creams make my skin feeling dry and flaky while my skin is oily. This one fights acne but doesn't dry out my precious skin so it's a plus in my book.</li><li>It is contained in an air tight bottle: I'm against dipping my hand in a jar to scoop out anything. Open jars and tubes are breeding grounds for bacteria and in order to minimize bacterial growth, manufacturers need to add preservatives to it. The common one as we know it is a group of chemicals called parabens, which is linked to various cases of cancer. By using an air-tight container, the manufacturer can minimize or exclude the use of preservatives all together.</li><li>It doesn't have parabens, thanks to the air-tight container.</li><li>The bottle design is very cool: you just twist the cap around and the pump will come up. One pump provides enough liquid to coat almost all of my face so I don't really waste a lot of products at all.</li><li>It is a serum and serums work better on oily skin than cream form.</li></ul><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2kgg43gh083DvlL3i9kGiQU_d_eyQ5KM9W876Wd05sRImyDDcQQkqJMFpBI83tslVhiZo63Z5g-2vpwNQoYzj3CN3VicK3zKOtR6eJBq3B_K2iAGOSTBjB_GBMmA06MbnnnMrb_SyhJg/s1600-h/Wexler+004.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5219602774360336802" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2kgg43gh083DvlL3i9kGiQU_d_eyQ5KM9W876Wd05sRImyDDcQQkqJMFpBI83tslVhiZo63Z5g-2vpwNQoYzj3CN3VicK3zKOtR6eJBq3B_K2iAGOSTBjB_GBMmA06MbnnnMrb_SyhJg/s320/Wexler+004.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;">The pump pops up after a twist of the cap</div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWmz91xQpBLdRI2bQ1gYQ8xMIgPAYLn5xvMlnBZXkbVxpiNUTYc6zHd4qE75aiwOeqp4HjpZsw2NsBJAvsZhOUA6BXtnc5zjPIfRuAcHEn4vQaN4D_vKMlnTBX0cIvwesY4tDHrfhGvdU/s1600-h/Wexler+005.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5219600767039941810" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWmz91xQpBLdRI2bQ1gYQ8xMIgPAYLn5xvMlnBZXkbVxpiNUTYc6zHd4qE75aiwOeqp4HjpZsw2NsBJAvsZhOUA6BXtnc5zjPIfRuAcHEn4vQaN4D_vKMlnTBX0cIvwesY4tDHrfhGvdU/s320/Wexler+005.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;" /></a>I dabbed a bit of the serum to show the texture<br /><br /></div>What I don't enjoy:<br /><ul><li>The smell: it smells very chemical and I don't really enjoy it. So far I prefer to apply it about 1/2 hour before going to bed so the smell would fade away. And it does fade away fast.</li><li>The price: I got it on sale so it was quite affordable but the full price is around $40. I tried to find the information at Bath and Body Works but didn't see it. So maybe it's only be sold as a part of the kit from now on.</li></ul>The Anti-Acne starter kit can be found at your local Bath and Body Works or<a href="http://www.bathandbodyworks.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2603887&cp=2484526.2137961&parentPage=category"> online</a>. It seems like this kit is so popular it's already sold out!<br /><br />It's Saturday again! How was your 4th of July? Mine was quite peaceful and I enjoyed it very much. Looks like it's about to rain outside, I don't have to water my plants, yay!<br /><br />It will take about a month to see any changes at all and I will keep you posted with my progress on this serum. Take care and have a nice Saturday!<br /><br />Your Makeup Blogger

This may help?

I must confess I'm getting to a point where I'm desperate to try anything to improve my skin condition. My skin has a brain of itsel...

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Victoria's Secret Loot

Since my birthday is in this month, I got a $10 gift card from Victoria's Secret. Incidentally, VS also has their semi-annual sale going on so I can use the card to buy stuff for cheap. The sale has been going on for a while now and I guess most of the good stuff has gone so far.<br /><br />For $10, I got 4 items from the sale: a bottle of bubble bath gel, a liquid eyeliner, a Beauty Rush eyeshadow, and a pair of underoo. Usually $10 doesn't get me that far at VS but the sales does help. Yay for semi-annual sales!<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcYh3EqT6cTpbHochCOYilUiUHATmDhsWEonAe9ZLrJOJrC7XDur5dORxOosQgLVbzxecedZO6Sf-OZ17QS7zMJFwyiZir4IKdc5dzIMFKcnGBBQlvAXiP8FRuqLOxJUnLOXw6eXCqAdA/s1600-h/vs3.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5218972467791134594" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcYh3EqT6cTpbHochCOYilUiUHATmDhsWEonAe9ZLrJOJrC7XDur5dORxOosQgLVbzxecedZO6Sf-OZ17QS7zMJFwyiZir4IKdc5dzIMFKcnGBBQlvAXiP8FRuqLOxJUnLOXw6eXCqAdA/s320/vs3.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;" /></a>A snap-shot of the loot taken from my webcam.<br />Sorry for the Blair-witch quality guys! (And don't you even think I would show you the underwear!)<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqSC7iNCD_Vtve3wdEoV4wsEH40dKJ5wsvPalsvczvRDIoWnpMhHHL-nA1rDzWS13fFi-WhL_pWoK4s8c14liASkcpAQfuVPmSSIKVs-RgquVUpCtF-JuXQnKZTYC8ks8A-h59rhWBMTo/s1600-h/vs2.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5218972468323527874" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqSC7iNCD_Vtve3wdEoV4wsEH40dKJ5wsvPalsvczvRDIoWnpMhHHL-nA1rDzWS13fFi-WhL_pWoK4s8c14liASkcpAQfuVPmSSIKVs-RgquVUpCtF-JuXQnKZTYC8ks8A-h59rhWBMTo/s320/vs2.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;" /></a>Just to show the felt tip of the eye liner. It looks like a pen and similar to Shiseido or Shu Uemura's eye liner.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFLED8jti3HYKZMi5DA7RbnB7_T3FQBhT8IFTAZvR04QEAn5hOQPlG8ukN8zNgtunztI6PdMg-gTkaUdvwYq5VRFYlICIfMKYrjQ6db9K4gxRj1WuODUXXo6sOLgGsdyHDNwjY8Mq7nEg/s1600-h/VS1.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5218972472055091234" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFLED8jti3HYKZMi5DA7RbnB7_T3FQBhT8IFTAZvR04QEAn5hOQPlG8ukN8zNgtunztI6PdMg-gTkaUdvwYq5VRFYlICIfMKYrjQ6db9K4gxRj1WuODUXXo6sOLgGsdyHDNwjY8Mq7nEg/s320/VS1.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;" /></a>The swatch of the eyeliner and 3 of the Beauty Rush eye shadows I have.<br />Laguna Peach is a peach-pink eyeshadow with shimmer, goes nude on my eyelids;<br />Gold school is a beautiful frosty gold color, appropriate for highlighting;<br />Brown to earth is brown (duh!) and doesn't have much shimmer.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;">And btw, if you're wondering where in my body I did the swatch, it's my left hand. I took the picture with my hand in a very contorting way. Also, the lightning is just bad in my room so the colors are duller than they look. Gosh, I really need a new camera since my old one broke a while ago.<br /><br />I love the Beauty Rush eye shadows very much since they are very blendable and quite pigmented. It was VS to first come up with the idea of putting the eyeshadow powders in a tube and attach the pointed plastic smudging tip as an applicator. After that, other companies started to follow suit but I don't think any of them can come close to the quality of VS's Beauty Rush. These little tubes are small enough to stash in your purse and they are spill-proof. I can imagine myself dabbing a bit of the eyeshadows while waiting in the traffic.<br /><br />To apply, you can use the applicator inside the tube, your brushes, or *gasp* your fingers! I prefer the last 2 methods, especially my fingers to apply eyeshadows when I'm on a run. I just have to make sure that my hands are clean before touching my eyes though, don't want anything funny going there!<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZpbbHPnjqXIjqmHqkoGqoNwdV2XXyZN_6AVHr65wuMcXMX9dtWmCsbW3LUiD7m6XgovydeqSRx1nlTYapB4HJhQrYrL2unZvPyPPMA8OVvRZFOg8AKAyfJVYPa9hyphenhyphenAlJLLQATXfPjMno/s1600-h/d1.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5218978631249665170" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZpbbHPnjqXIjqmHqkoGqoNwdV2XXyZN_6AVHr65wuMcXMX9dtWmCsbW3LUiD7m6XgovydeqSRx1nlTYapB4HJhQrYrL2unZvPyPPMA8OVvRZFOg8AKAyfJVYPa9hyphenhyphenAlJLLQATXfPjMno/s320/d1.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 357px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 323px;" /></a><br />This picture was taken while back already. I miss my short hair, at that time I was rocking the Victoria Beckham hair do way before she had hers. I used Gold School and Brown to Earth on my eyes, some lip colors I don't remember and some foundation I don't remember either. It was a bit before I started using mineral makeup, which is a story for another day.<br /><br />Happy 4th of July, y'all! I baked a dozen of red velvet cupcakes and made cream cheese frosting. Then I may go watch the fireworks. We have a long weekend y'all! Enjoy the day and I'm praying for a no-rain day tomorrow. Don't want a rain on my parade :)</div></div>

Victoria's Secret Loot

Since my birthday is in this month, I got a $10 gift card from Victoria's Secret. Incidentally, VS also has their semi-annual sale going...

Read more »

My trip to Wal-mart and Mariah Carey

Yesterday evening I ran out of food and had an urge to run a fast trip to Wal-mart to replenish my stash. These days going to Wal-mart has become a fun thing to do, almost like a field trip sometimes. Now, if you are rolling your eyes, let me explain:<br /><br />I live in this town in Florida called Tallahassee. No wait, it's not a town, it's the capital of Florida. If you expect the capital of Florida is somewhat like New York or Miami, you're wrong! It's a quite peaceful town where everything you need is around you in a 3 mile radius. I'm not kidding! There are 5 main streets and they all have the same things: hotels, motels, restaurants, fast-food joints, drug stores, and grocery stores. However, there are only 2 Wal-marts in town so depending on where you are, going to Wal-mart can be a fun trip. Luckily, the street where I live has a mall, a Wal-mart, a Target, a Walgreens, and 2 CVS. What else does a girl want except a Sephora and maybe a MAC store? (we don't have Sephora and MAC store here, boo!)<br /><br />The Wal-mart where I live is a Super Wal-mart where I can get food as well as other things, kind of like a one-stop shop, which is convenient sometimes. However, their makeup stock is not that great. I got my Cover Girl LashBlast mascara about 3-4 months after the launch. Fancy stuff like L'Oreal HIP is not there and Milani is definitely not there as well. So I was quite surprise to see some certain perfume items on sale today. And they have testers available so I doused myself with 3 different perfumes.<br /><br /><u>Perfume #1:</u> <span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(0, 0, 153);">M by Mariah Carey</span><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://images-cdn01.associatedcontent.com/image/A1636/163694/300_163694.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://images-cdn01.associatedcontent.com/image/A1636/163694/300_163694.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 200px;" /></a>Cute isn't it? I like the bottle's purple color very much!<br /></div><br />This is Mariah's first perfume and I was surprised of how wearable it is. When it came out last year, I sniffed it from a tester strip and immediately said "Ew! What a crack up perfume!" Then I proceeded to forget its existence until yesterday when I saw it at Wally World.<br /><br />The Wal-mart version is a 0.5 oz size which is much smaller than the 1.7 oz size sold in the fancy department store. The price is $18 something, almost $19 which is affordable to the Wal-mart shopping demographics. The bottle is really cute and small with a nice purple color and a butterful as the cap.<br /><br />According to <a href="http://nowsmellthis.blogharbor.com/blog/_archives/2007/8/31/3197420.html">Now Smell This</a>, M is "a floriental with notes of marshmallow, sea breeze accord, Living Tahitian Tiare, gardenia, sheer amber, patchouli and Moroccan incense". On me, it smells very much amber and indescribably familiar. While I went around Wal-mart, I coudn't help but wondering where I had smelled this before. It took me a while until I realized I pretty much shower with the same scent every single day!<br /><br />People, my body wash is Sensual Amber from Bath and Body Works and it smells almost like an identical twin to M by Mariah Carey. I kid you not! The same amber scent, the same incense touch, the same sweetness for a lot cheaper.<br /><br /><a href="http://bbw.imageg.net/cms_widgets/25/58/2558_assets/hdr_dbl_sensualamber_100306.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://bbw.imageg.net/cms_widgets/25/58/2558_assets/hdr_dbl_sensualamber_100306.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 496px; height: 166px;" /></a>On top of that, Sensual Amber has its<a href="http://www.bathandbodyworks.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2446695&cp=2073259.2470873&parentPage=family"> eau de toilette</a> for $18.50, that's the same price as the 0.5 oz size of M!<br /><br />The bottom line: although I like M and love Mariah, I would take a pass for this perfume. Sensual Amber is doing fine for me.<br /><br /><u>Perfume #2:</u> <span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(0, 0, 153);">Baby Phat Seductive Goddess Perfume</span><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://luxury-info.com/show/bpic_news_7274.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://luxury-info.com/show/bpic_news_7274.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 273px; height: 190px;" /></a>The black bottle actually looks darker in real life<br /><br /></div>I saw a black tester bottle laying around and at first I thought it was one of the Britney Spears perfumes (Midnight Fantasy). However, when I picked it up I realized it was the newest perfume from the Goddess line. I am a fan of Kimora Lee Simmons and own a bottle of Golden Goddess (and that's pretty much what I have from Baby Phat). Unlike its predecessor, Seductive Goddess did not have a big launch like Golden Goddess did. It went out pretty much without a fanfare and I did not even have a sniff of it in the ubiquitous paper strips at the mall.<br /><br />Based on my research, Seductive Goddess notes include bergamot, citrus, black rose, purple violet, leather, vanilla, labdanum and patchouli. However, my oldfactory memory registered something else, something ancient, something my grandma used to wear...when she was sick: Eagle Brand medicated oil!<br /><br /><a href="http://www.chinatown.com.au/eaglebrand/images/index_r3_r2_c1.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://www.chinatown.com.au/eaglebrand/images/index_r3_r2_c1.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 212px; height: 236px;" /></a>Eagle Brand medicated oil, aka the green oil, is the most utilized medicated oil in Asian countries. I remember growing up seeing my grandma dabbing it to her temples and her body "to prevent the bad air". When she gently rubbed some of the green oil on me, I ducked like crazy because I just simply could not tolerate the smell. It has a very weird scent that either you hate or love. Some people I know always carry a bottle of this stuff with them all the time while I would rather throw up than being rubbed down with the oil. In fact, I did throw up some couple of times when I smelled it!<br /><br />So the bottom line is Seductive Goddess brought back such a bad olfactory memory (that's fancy word for "some smell that I smelled in the past"!) Needless to say, I don't like it but now since it died down, I can pick up some patchouli. But still, it's a pass for me.<br /><br /><u>Perfume #3:</u><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(0, 0, 153);"> Celine Dion Sensational</span><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.mimifroufrou.com/scentedsalamander/images/Celine-Dion-Sensational.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://www.mimifroufrou.com/scentedsalamander/images/Celine-Dion-Sensational.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 236px; height: 312px;" /></a>She got nice gams!<br /><div style="text-align: left;"><br />Celine is a diva in a good way, and as a diva she got perfumes. Not only one but a whole bunch: the original Celine Dion perfume (2003), Parfum Notes (2004), Belong(2005), Always Belong (2006), Celine Dion Enchanting (2006), Spring in Paris (2007), Paris Nights (2007), and Sensational (2008)!<br /><br />Holy moly, she totally pwns JLo! And I'm not complaining because she has her Grammys to prove. Talking about Sensational, what drew me to it was the bottle: it has a nice blushing pink color that screams "touch me" from afar. According to "Now Smell This", the perfume has "heart notes of orris and mimosa to reflect Dion's sensual, delicate and vibrant sides". The perfume compositions are: top notes of icy pear, crisp apple and plum; heart notes of jasmine and freesia, and base notes of amber, musk and sandalwood.<br /><br />This perfume is extremely wearable and not so volatile at all. It smells quite powdery and mellow on me like how a sensual woman should smell. I can detect a bit of sandalwood as it dried up a bit. Definitely an interesting fragrance.<br /><br />My bottom line: this is a perfume that's quite far away from my olfactory comfort zone. I would love to get a sample or maybe a mini size to try a bit more before I decide to buy. It's definitely not a typical floral perfume at all and since not many people wear Celine Dion perfumes these days, it's almost a guarantee that this perfume will stand out in the crowd.<br /><br />That's it, my report of the journey to Wally World. And it makes me wonder who among the celebrities that do not have a perfume. It's another post on another day.<br /><br />Have fun and smell lovely,<br /><br />Your Makeup Blogger<br /></div> </div>

My trip to Wal-mart and Mariah Carey

Yesterday evening I ran out of food and had an urge to run a fast trip to Wal-mart to replenish my stash. These days going to Wal-mart has b...

Read more »

Wimbledon and how not to melt under the sun

Right now I'm watching the Wimbledon semi-final match between Federer and Ancic and boy oh boy Federer is unstoppable! The guy is such an interesting player with strength, skill, and brain. He made a bleep in my radar during that match with Andy Roddick a while ago at the US Open. While Andy just pounded the tennis ball away with all his strength, Federer used different angles and open spots to defeat his opponent. That is how a good tennis player should be in my book. After that, it has become predictable that Fererer is going to win each and every match in all the major tennis tournaments except the Roland Garros (aka the French Open) where Rafael Nadal is the reigning champion.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://upload.moldova.org/sport/2006/sep/Roger_Federer.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://upload.moldova.org/sport/2006/sep/Roger_Federer.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 247px; height: 257px;" /></a><span style="font-size:78%;"><span style="font-size:100%;">I'm wondering what brand of sunscreen he wears, he has nice color going on :p</span><span style="font-style: italic;"><br />Image from Moldova</span></span><br /></div><br />Anyways, while watching two very hot guys playing balls, I can't help but wondering how to keep my makeup from melting in the sun. When summer comes, it bring to us a different set of problems. Unlike winter when the most concern is the lack of moisture, summertime is heat and humidity abundant, both of which me not likey!<br /><br />The other day I did my laundry and when I came back, what was strategically and artfully applied of my makeup became a hot mess, not a hot trany mess a la Christian Siriano's standard. I looked like somebody who partied too hard and forgot to take off my makeup the day after. On top of that, my hair just stuck to my head. Le sigh!<br /><br />So what can a girl do to stay gorgeous during the hot season? By keep everything minimal and simple!<br /><br />1. Instead of heavy makeup, opt for a tinted moisturizer: <ul><li>You can make your own too, very simple to do but just keep reading. The how-to is at the end of this post.</li></ul>2. Use water-proof mascaras instead of regular ones: <ul><li>Unless dotting racoon eyes around is your thing, you <span style="font-style: italic;">need</span> the water-proof version of your fave mascara.</li></ul><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.earthwatch2.org/LFF/Livingston/uploaded_images/raccoon_5916-796880.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://www.earthwatch2.org/LFF/Livingston/uploaded_images/raccoon_5916-796880.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 366px; height: 251px;" /></a>"Raccoon eyes are so in this summer!", said Rac the fashion eyecon :D<br /><span style="font-size:78%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Image from </span><a href="http://www.earthwatch2.org/LFF/Livingston/uploaded_images/raccoon_5916-796880.jpg" style="font-style: italic;">Judd Patterson</a></span><br /><br /></div>3. Apply minimal amount of eye makeup: freedom at last! No more standing hours in front of the mirror!<br /><ul><li>Instead of slaving over 10 different colors of eyeshadows, all you need is a good creamy eyeshadow such as MAC paint pot in Bare Study. Then apply the whole thing all over your lid.</li></ul><ul><li>Line your eyes with a non-smudging eyeliner and you're done with the eyes!</li></ul>4. Use tinted versions of you lip and cheek products:<br /><ul><li>By using a tint instead of a lipstick or blush on your lips and cheeks, you avoid two things: fading and running of your colors in the heat.</li></ul>As I promised, here's my how-to guide on making your own tinted moisturizer:<br /><br />You will need your favorite face moisturizer and foundation. Squirt about a quarter size of moisturizer on the palm of your hand and 1-2 drops of foundation on top of it. Use your finger and mix the two things together. Then apply to your face as you would do with your own foundation. That's it, folks! Your own tinted moisturizer!<br /><br />This heat-proof routine can be your everyday routine as well if you prefer minimal makeup. Have fun in the sun ladies!<br /><br />Love,<br />Your Makeup Blogger

Wimbledon and how not to melt under the sun

Right now I'm watching the Wimbledon semi-final match between Federer and Ancic and boy oh boy Federer is unstoppable! The guy is such a...

Read more »