Spa and Wellness

Coastal Scents 88 Piece Makeup Palette: Too Much for Too Little

Hi ladies, As I mentioned in <a href="http://mymakeupblog.blogspot.com/2008/12/happy-december.html">an earlier post</a>, I placed an order from <a href="http://www.coastalscents.com/cfwebstore/index.cfm/product/1677_122/88-piece-makeup-palette-matte-case.cfm">Coastal Scent</a><a href="http://www.coastalscents.com/cfwebstore/index.cfm/product/1677_122/88-piece-makeup-palette-matte-case.cfm">s</a> the day after Thanksgiving, aka Black Friday. CS shipped my order a little bit slower than I expected, although we are located in the same state. This is probably because of the high volume of orders placed through their website during the sales. The 88 eyeshadow palette that I got was a part of the order as I thought it was time for me to get this palette. After all, every single beauty blogger owns at least one of these babies. In fact, I wanted to get them for a very long time, since the price was still around the $19.99 USD neighborhood. The 25% off on Black Friday just gave me a push that I needed to get this palette. <div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIUf9TwYT2cXa9t4YqtVKk24rlYE8OGX3KpE-fUzTXRQ-SoGr17Aba3oNHIoSfedMmAj5u7rc5RkFyvj01y8rRXe2C_N40LuaxiD-2iU5K20-86pM4EnzCFChOPtO18CbM8wTndS6MVN4c/s1600-h/mkup+050.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5280229016911462242" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIUf9TwYT2cXa9t4YqtVKk24rlYE8OGX3KpE-fUzTXRQ-SoGr17Aba3oNHIoSfedMmAj5u7rc5RkFyvj01y8rRXe2C_N40LuaxiD-2iU5K20-86pM4EnzCFChOPtO18CbM8wTndS6MVN4c/s400/mkup+050.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 300px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a>This palette has 88 eyeshadows (duh!), two sponge tip applicators, and a mirror. The version that I bought has a matte case which looks classier than the shiny case in my opinion. <div style="text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkSJfb7TNm0vVq7XamOSr6eNKb_JV6x8UB2lL_hXBd0iWeotERe1Vv1UFFqqf-u6U8r-hvE2rehrft7J9PZQWFYyLSGJPxnGuQSFo2vfQgZuAvQR211B_AF9kBRJPPBDwcX-3BMdrQYfwE/s1600-h/mkup+047.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5280229009087628610" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkSJfb7TNm0vVq7XamOSr6eNKb_JV6x8UB2lL_hXBd0iWeotERe1Vv1UFFqqf-u6U8r-hvE2rehrft7J9PZQWFYyLSGJPxnGuQSFo2vfQgZuAvQR211B_AF9kBRJPPBDwcX-3BMdrQYfwE/s400/mkup+047.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 300px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a>Close up of the colors Most of them are matte and about 10 colors are shimmery.</div> This palette has all the colors that you can think of, from neutrals to greens, blues, purples, pinks, and reds. If you expect the eyeshadows to be really big, you are dead wrong. Each eyeshadow is about the size of a dime and my MAC 239 brush can cover it nicely.</div></div> <div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFTAi4NzISjx-9FmM-BJkdALjpdunFf2b4Wy2Pfuv5t6JcdBj4OVDRabTB8F0yoZbahQpYHYFalCGbUW0m6WHa02tBmSucBcJwYRj1DsL6WTfKRIn4W2VVUyGgb1K_WDXbPEwv8z8YAT3E/s1600-h/mkup+048.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5280229013579066274" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFTAi4NzISjx-9FmM-BJkdALjpdunFf2b4Wy2Pfuv5t6JcdBj4OVDRabTB8F0yoZbahQpYHYFalCGbUW0m6WHa02tBmSucBcJwYRj1DsL6WTfKRIn4W2VVUyGgb1K_WDXbPEwv8z8YAT3E/s400/mkup+048.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 400px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 300px;" /></a>It is almost as big as a magazine and the matte case makes fingerprints look very pronounced! <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgA1R_U78rZ7EDnV0fL38z32VS0X33TELnmC40LdEYvycQvqLO_VWzL7PnwQX9SGX3igpJ6X25nzKc6jdrGP3On07WSkGlOWoZz8Mkiv3bl_5UpO7BqFgwWdTI52XzqMcQm5829dvTAVJCX/s1600-h/mkup+053.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5280229019825329234" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgA1R_U78rZ7EDnV0fL38z32VS0X33TELnmC40LdEYvycQvqLO_VWzL7PnwQX9SGX3igpJ6X25nzKc6jdrGP3On07WSkGlOWoZz8Mkiv3bl_5UpO7BqFgwWdTI52XzqMcQm5829dvTAVJCX/s400/mkup+053.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 400px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 300px;" /></a>A quick swatch on 3 random colors (you don't expect me to swatch all 88 eye shadows, do you?!) <div style="text-align: left;">Pigment-wise, the colors are highly pigmented. I barely touched the eye shadows and got a lot of pigments on my fingers. The dark colors are very pigmented and some of them are very familiar, almost MAC-like. However, the light colors are quite chalky as they are matte eye shadows. Although I bought this palette because of the mattes as I don't have a lot of them, I kicked myself in the butt for not getting the shimmering palette, which is $3 USD more expensive! I think this is more about the preference as I look better with shimmering eye shadows. The palette by itself is nice and fun to use. Moreover, it can potentially save you a lot of money on MAC. Let's do some math, shall we? <ul><li>1 MAC eyeshadow = $14.50 USD;</li><li>88 MAC eye shadows = $14.50 USD x 88 = $1276.00 USD (Holy cow!)</li><li>Since a CS eyeshadow is about 1/4 the size of a MAC single eyeshadow, the price for this palette if it was from MAC is $1276.00 USD/4 = $319.00 USD (still a lot of money!)</li><li>So you actually save 14.5 times when you buy this palette instead of buying MAC eyeshadows and that's a lot of moolah in your pocket, my beauties!</li></ul>Now is this crucial question: Should you get it? The answer is yes if you wear a lot of mattes and satin shadows. This palette consists mostly of colors in those categories and only about 10 eyeshadows are shimmering. However, if you are like me who prefers her eyeshadows with more bling, I would suggest to get the 88 ultra shimmer palette, which is priced at $24.95 USD. And if you are extra extra wealthy, getting both of them eventually will save you mucho dinero. You can skip a whole lot of MAC LEs, I'm telling you! (I can hear som MAC SAs crying somewhere on the interwebz!) <blockquote>Ingredients: Talc, Mica, Mineral Oil, Kaolin, Titanium Dioxide, Magnesium Stearate, Isopropyl Palmitate, Lanolin, Methylparaben, Propylparaben. May contain: Mica and titanium Dioxide, Iron Oxides, Ultramarine Blue, Manganese Violet, Ferric Ammonium ferrocyanide, Chrome Oxide Green, Hydrated Chrome Oxide Green. FD&C Red #40/ak Kajem /fd&/c Tekkiw #5 Al Lake, FD&C Blue #1 Al Lake</blockquote>The ingredients mostly do not give me a big surprise except one: mineral oil! This is the reason for the affordability of the palette, as mineral oil is cheaper to purchase and easier to formulate. However, mineral oil is a non-renewable source and may be comedogenic if it is not a cosmetic grade product. Other ingredients are standard for makeup and the colorants are FD&C dyes which can be toxic in large quantity. So again, should you buy it? From the health stand point, only if you have very sensitive skin and are proned to acne on your eyelids that you should not buy this palette. Also, it is definitely not to be used on young children because of the dyes (and I am against putting makeup on kids anyways!) The Coastal Scents 88 piece makeup palette is definitely a must-have for all makeup lovers. I think this is something you need to get for yourself to play and get familiarized with makeup. It saves you a lot of money on expensive makeup while give you a lot of fun. I have been playing with it for weeks and find it easy to blend and really pigmented. Hopefully Coastal Scents will have another sale after Christmas for all of us to get their palettes! That's all for today, my lovelies. Take care and stay gorgeous! Lots of love, Your Makeup Blogger</div> </div>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!

Coastal Scents 88 Piece Makeup Palette: Too Much for Too Little

Hi ladies, As I mentioned in an earlier post , I placed an order from Coastal Scent s the day after Thanksgiving, aka Black Friday. CS ship...

3:41 AM

Aquolina Pink Sugar: Smells Like Teen Spirit!

Hi ladies, Happy Monday! Boy oh boy, we are 10 days away from Christmas, did you get all the presents yet? Well, last week I ordered something from Sephora and got some couple of perfume samples. Lately, my taste on perfume has changed significantly: now I'm more into the old-school perfume niche like Chanel no. 5 et al. As much as these perfumes are fabulous and smell fantastic, I cannot get over the fact that they are very serious as well as expensive. Out of the bloom, I picked Aquolina Pink Sugar as one of my free samples and thought to myself that I must be crazy. After all, Pink Sugar is known for its sugary sweetness! After some couple of clicks to send my order through, I realized it would be a fun thing to try this perfume for once. Sometimes opposites attract and who knows how fun this perfume can be! <div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8uo9Jer5DgjbYV9Dor7QuKFAyO3KnP-BEBlmofjibNcE0wPDxOKwcnHtYuszOWKpGDreqnMiuPa1eOuAy7uPmr_UaPO2WJfvzQkU21ymPuEVXMryiFaAhXX7RBpq4ocHGPKoVZ8SMZodo/s1600-h/pink+sugar+ad.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5280104248801996114" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8uo9Jer5DgjbYV9Dor7QuKFAyO3KnP-BEBlmofjibNcE0wPDxOKwcnHtYuszOWKpGDreqnMiuPa1eOuAy7uPmr_UaPO2WJfvzQkU21ymPuEVXMryiFaAhXX7RBpq4ocHGPKoVZ8SMZodo/s400/pink+sugar+ad.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 290px; height: 290px;" /></a>Cute Pink Sugar ad courtesy of <a href="http://www.sephora.com/browse/brand_hierarchy.jhtml?brandId=Aquolina&categoryId=B23">Sephora</a> <div style="text-align: left;">The sample I got was packaged to look like a bigger version of Sweet n' Low, the sugar substitute powder. I laughed a bit when I saw it, as the sample is extremely cute. When I applied it to my body, my first thought was, "Holy cow, this is sweet!" The perfume smells like saccharine: unbelievably sweet! My mind immediately drifted back to high school where I used to read manga and drank soda pop as I tried to remember when was the last time I smelled this sweet and dandy. The answer is "Never!" I'm serious, I've never smelled like sugar before! Once upon a time I wore a vanilla body lotion and it didn't work out quite well. That was the end of it. In high school I nicked off my mom's Yves Saint Laurent perfume and smelled like an old woman. In college, I wore various perfumes that are nice and feminine but not really sweet. Now, holding an ampule of Aquolina Pink Sugar in my hands really makes me think what I have missed out all my life: a sweet perfume! <div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihm0T-WKyZSy0tq3OHxRcW5zojUdU7B-nq-K262LAB-izfwasb9imPR58PNvuHpNRWTVzIniR7IlPA9Q_R0nvuoqD3Ts5wRvgR0OehNCVN_VOPm47Rf47KjlSorCQiVEi0Pk8rAIWYUmqD/s1600-h/pink+sugar.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5280104247302701074" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihm0T-WKyZSy0tq3OHxRcW5zojUdU7B-nq-K262LAB-izfwasb9imPR58PNvuHpNRWTVzIniR7IlPA9Q_R0nvuoqD3Ts5wRvgR0OehNCVN_VOPm47Rf47KjlSorCQiVEi0Pk8rAIWYUmqD/s400/pink+sugar.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 400px;" /></a>Aquolina Pink Sugar EDT Image courtesy of <a href="http://img.wizwid.com/PImg/700286/des/700286063_pinksugarmini.jpg">Wiz Wid</a> </div></div></div> According to Aquolina perfumer, "Pink Sugar takes you on a journey through the pleasures and flavors of childhood with a playful blend of vanilla and caramel." Since I've developed a fancy in gourmand perfumes, I believe this is a very good perfume of its kind. I don't expect it to be as complicated as Thierry Mugler's "Angel", the famous cotton candy gourmand perfume. However, Pink Sugar is a step up from <a href="http://mymakeupblog.blogspot.com/2008/10/harajuku-lovers-g-perfume-kawaii-desu.html">Harajuku Lovers G</a> that I reviewed a while ago. The notes: <ul><li>Head notes: bergamots, orange, raspberry, and fig leaf</li><li>Heart notes: liquorice blossom, lilly, barbe-à-papa, red fruits, and strawberry</li><li>Base notes: vanilla, candy, musk, tonka, and sandalwood.</li></ul>Although other people could detect the liquorice blossom as well as orange when they wear Pink Sugar, I only smell the candy and tonka beans on me. The later makes this perfume smells creamier and I guess that's why tonka beans has been so popular lately. As it dies down to the base note, I smell more of vanilla and a hint of sandalwood. The musk is very minimal, almost to non-existent on me although my skin tends to amplify musks very well. This perfume is very long lasting and although I applied very little of it, I could smell a bit of sweetness here and there all day long. Pink Sugar definitely is not a heady perfume at all and can be worn as a day time perfume all year long. Price-wise, Aquolina has a variety of products for Pink Sugar with price ranges from $12 USD (natural deodorant spray) to $55 USD (3.4 oz EDT). Although the product is targeted to the teen audience, the prices are not so friendly towards their pockets. For the young at heart, this is really perfect! Somebody compared it to Britney Spears' "Fantasy" but I believe "Fantasy" is more of a cupcake type of perfume whereas this one leans toward the sugary sweet candy version. If you are looking for a gift for your younger sister, teenage niece, or that bubbly friend, I strongly suggest a set of Aquolina Pink Sugar. Sephora has one for $34 USD and shipping is free for orders over $50 USD! Some extra savings for y'alls: <ul><li>MAC offers 25% off on some of their holiday gift sets, including Passions of Red, Little Darlings, Adoring Carmine, Enchanting Vermillion : 5 Basic Brushes, Charming Garnet: Glamour Basics (discount can not be used for Viva Glam, Kids Helping Kids, Red She Said or Monogram products). Free shipping ends at midnight tonight so hurry up and get your gifts! </li><li>Victoria's Secret offers 25% off total order, which ends tomorrow. I browsed their website and some of the t-shirts are dirt cheap!</li><li>Bath and Body Works offers 20% off your total order when you use code TWENTY for only two days (today and tomorrow). Also, when you buy anything in store, you will get a travel size item with the coupon below: </li></ul><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGcdx7p84LVMSvUbD2mX1UCeKRxq_tlLn07iAm7XyBdMy2U6SU5vZt6ERxBCZv3Bn-G3CVhMhDynhf5UT3KWLqsOVvR0gHCtkjn1iu9i_eVjzUqUX4bNhiBzg0ISMvzOf65os-NnpHa92G/s1600-h/BBW+coupon.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5280117911141606402" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGcdx7p84LVMSvUbD2mX1UCeKRxq_tlLn07iAm7XyBdMy2U6SU5vZt6ERxBCZv3Bn-G3CVhMhDynhf5UT3KWLqsOVvR0gHCtkjn1iu9i_eVjzUqUX4bNhiBzg0ISMvzOf65os-NnpHa92G/s400/BBW+coupon.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 147px;" /></a>(click for a bigger image) </div> That's all for today. I hope you are having a wonderful week ahead. Stay healthy and gorgeous! Love, Your Makeup Blogger 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!

Aquolina Pink Sugar: Smells Like Teen Spirit!

Hi ladies, Happy Monday! Boy oh boy, we are 10 days away from Christmas, did you get all the presents yet? Well, last week I ordered somethi...

11:30 AM

Friday (Kinda) Funny: Random Pictures Edition

Hi ladies, Once in a while, I'd love to do a random post: it's very low-profile, not thought provoking, but not in any ways meaningless. Although I really wanted to make "Friday Funny" a fixture on my blog, eventually I found it hard to gather enough pictures for a post. However, today I did a quick raid on "My Pictures" folder and found some really post-worthy pictures. <div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjadkDaZfYPU4mt3UEMq_LXhOld1ZmHc5UX3vhdt311sRkBolgu1m0AY6d0EhOKH5T9rYd_16rDTdtaIgyd5-la6WmkLKV8rTA0ch7rLitpQHY9DLUFlwVlSc8I_njNLjCJlqVS_hUhZBXs/s1600-h/lovethread.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5278359695680928418" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjadkDaZfYPU4mt3UEMq_LXhOld1ZmHc5UX3vhdt311sRkBolgu1m0AY6d0EhOKH5T9rYd_16rDTdtaIgyd5-la6WmkLKV8rTA0ch7rLitpQHY9DLUFlwVlSc8I_njNLjCJlqVS_hUhZBXs/s400/lovethread.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 330px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a>Love this picture! It was my avatar once upon a time :) <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmfKgFarqa6K1B6txSHr1L20c_nw-uSQ28x_yI8jtik9NCm1mhhdisPQ4gbtrGLwMQ0MTc7ei2e0h4JatoJi4bjtrz5iC8WVM8vqscKDRT8i8y6gqShZNFd97aZIHlmTe8a1Iyh_cdodwI/s1600-h/funny-dog-pictures-rough-day-stuffed-animal-sleeping.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5278359697157346114" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmfKgFarqa6K1B6txSHr1L20c_nw-uSQ28x_yI8jtik9NCm1mhhdisPQ4gbtrGLwMQ0MTc7ei2e0h4JatoJi4bjtrz5iC8WVM8vqscKDRT8i8y6gqShZNFd97aZIHlmTe8a1Iyh_cdodwI/s400/funny-dog-pictures-rough-day-stuffed-animal-sleeping.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 300px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a>I guess this is what people mean when they say, "I'm doggone tired!" <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVQ0bvVz6vWEMAjT8U3JCT6o1iHa6rZ9MsMbw6E64wJ8bvyt9HoRBryDiTDQr1X9uFoDqBm_bpWL0kYatWrDdgREfPIf-r5beoFRmc4IttQhn62ldo9u1XXc6YIChV31OzKkXpM8Bm2xpp/s1600-h/ava_anime_girl.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5278359688302323186" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVQ0bvVz6vWEMAjT8U3JCT6o1iHa6rZ9MsMbw6E64wJ8bvyt9HoRBryDiTDQr1X9uFoDqBm_bpWL0kYatWrDdgREfPIf-r5beoFRmc4IttQhn62ldo9u1XXc6YIChV31OzKkXpM8Bm2xpp/s400/ava_anime_girl.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 388px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a>This anime girl almost became the mascot for MMB Too bad I don't know how to photoshop her into a banner!</div> <div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1YEjqo7Zw8yDqKHXuWO7by-2fkC-_sdHEn23SJPTc0yb4idAhHdgp5FvOc33itT1lx-SNev9ND70VfHrLIF7Rtj7Qwqq73PXX99l5yzFpFnLSALZIzvyPJnwlCCUoBrfNpTfyCxz8Z5Jt/s1600-h/DSCF1941.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5278360863794556130" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1YEjqo7Zw8yDqKHXuWO7by-2fkC-_sdHEn23SJPTc0yb4idAhHdgp5FvOc33itT1lx-SNev9ND70VfHrLIF7Rtj7Qwqq73PXX99l5yzFpFnLSALZIzvyPJnwlCCUoBrfNpTfyCxz8Z5Jt/s400/DSCF1941.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 300px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a>This duck came to us quacking for food when we were eating at the lake. Only after I took a picture of him did he leave. I guess some animals are camwhores as well!</div> <div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwK7GKXl1pc9AjDiHIc-NihLDaGYBodktJjVV6OcFNvyEZyKH8TcxiQJDQb_O0TZQieT19PashRhtPSdc2Acs2tcaFbeMbvxRSSSjmjWN-d7-GmBPTohPz4p4ZbmZ7T61tcq765erbZPxc/s1600-h/thinking+kid_pho.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5278359707680758066" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwK7GKXl1pc9AjDiHIc-NihLDaGYBodktJjVV6OcFNvyEZyKH8TcxiQJDQb_O0TZQieT19PashRhtPSdc2Acs2tcaFbeMbvxRSSSjmjWN-d7-GmBPTohPz4p4ZbmZ7T61tcq765erbZPxc/s400/thinking+kid_pho.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 236px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 174px;" /></a>I miss phở! <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjz1ceuyAkvO_XzjrJcWNb9BO5yyHjZRurMjF0BHyw_W_GwrMTHdM73W-g0m9w10zI66SeES0a1l04MqEdYeavmVDt6CqI6tsAiIOA26WlTHdef4rRwqqn04RAp7-WOjOUvihkqpnhuk09X/s1600-h/pho.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5278359705650183138" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjz1ceuyAkvO_XzjrJcWNb9BO5yyHjZRurMjF0BHyw_W_GwrMTHdM73W-g0m9w10zI66SeES0a1l04MqEdYeavmVDt6CqI6tsAiIOA26WlTHdef4rRwqqn04RAp7-WOjOUvihkqpnhuk09X/s400/pho.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 255px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 340px;" /></a><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ph%E1%BB%9F">Phở</a> is a type of Vietnamese noodle soup that is really yummy! Although I can cook a lot of Vietnamese food, I simply cannot get my phở to taste right due to the lack of ingredients. I really miss So Cal right now! Someone please send me some phở lovin'! <div style="text-align: left;">So ladies, if you haven't tried phở, please head to a Vietnamese restaurant in your 'hood! A bowl of phở during the cold weather is divine! Let me stop this post right now so I can drool over my imaginary bowl of hot phở. Some Extra Coupon Codes: <ul><li><a href="http://www.blogger.com/www.macys.com">Macy's</a> has a Friends and Family Sales: get 20% off your order and free shipping using code MACYSFRIEND, expire on 12/15/08 (some restrictions applied.) They sell MAC there as well, so take advantage of this to get yourself some MAC!</li><li><a href="http://www.sephora.com/">Sephora</a> (oh, I love thee!) gives a 15% off your order when you use code FYP96, expires on 12/14/08. Free shipping when your order is $50 USD and above.</li><li><a href="http://www.tarte.com/">Tarte</a> gives a 40% discount in your order when you use code FF08, expires on 12/15/08</li><li>Alienman has a break down of how to use your coupons effectively at her blog. <a href="http://goldfishcake.com/?p=730#content">Click here</a> to read!</li></ul>Have a nice weekend ladies and as always, stay gorgeous! Your Makeup Blogger</div></div> 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!

Friday (Kinda) Funny: Random Pictures Edition

Hi ladies, Once in a while, I'd love to do a random post: it's very low-profile, not thought provoking, but not in any ways meaningl...

4:43 AM

3-D Lips: Delicious Pucker in 3 Simple Steps

Hi ladies, These days I rarely wear a lot of makeup because my skin has improved dramatically. However, I've been wearing the same lip combo everyday and I love it! Although this technique may not be new to lots of people, it does make my lips look more pouty and luscious. You only need three items and I bet you already have them: <div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj491sYG3Ro_VQUXBFlWcljUOqqfdXbvBCyY_QIMGY8EVvigtp2noiU-8K2MBq1eUAT6IY1TNmdKbhgP627Eq65h-Ixc0X9gGKKl7icF4YXWu3sJZlUibF63OrVsZsapPYwdhGK4orZKAEh/s1600-h/mkup+027.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5278228140175042642" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj491sYG3Ro_VQUXBFlWcljUOqqfdXbvBCyY_QIMGY8EVvigtp2noiU-8K2MBq1eUAT6IY1TNmdKbhgP627Eq65h-Ixc0X9gGKKl7icF4YXWu3sJZlUibF63OrVsZsapPYwdhGK4orZKAEh/s400/mkup+027.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" /></a>What you need (L-R): A lip liner (I used <a href="http://mymakeupblog.blogspot.com/2008/10/lippie-week-day-4-wet-n-wild-666-creme.html">Wet n' Wild 666</a>), a pearly white lipgloss (I use MAC Elle lip glass), and your favorite lipstick (MAC Plink!) <div style="text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKN6E4eqeNcsxLpx42zJNQqGbkQsT_06AmZXr-m9Lqq5kMXGUsvBu6pamJb4ujj75-kBKIdb538EMhmnlFmzi7rd-XzGkhHUiwCCMLdRZmZkq9642X1-YtEbobBVRIlDxVkzEuWhLhi1PF/s1600-h/mkup+013.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5278228129053894034" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKN6E4eqeNcsxLpx42zJNQqGbkQsT_06AmZXr-m9Lqq5kMXGUsvBu6pamJb4ujj75-kBKIdb538EMhmnlFmzi7rd-XzGkhHUiwCCMLdRZmZkq9642X1-YtEbobBVRIlDxVkzEuWhLhi1PF/s400/mkup+013.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 258px;" /></a></div>Step 1: line your lips with the lip liner and gently smudge it to have soft lines <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpMgCUbNP505whegXaN6dd_1z-AvVxFqaIXTAns4DtX5MArXomEwYfpaPz-Je2eQxldLjxd3vdMWhuuMPMsTw52dudHxSQc_LAoSA7pxdZW2rVBTjV2ravlCy9tLnvnynOczWiNx6rEUUo/s1600-h/mkup+018.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5278228132960187266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpMgCUbNP505whegXaN6dd_1z-AvVxFqaIXTAns4DtX5MArXomEwYfpaPz-Je2eQxldLjxd3vdMWhuuMPMsTw52dudHxSQc_LAoSA7pxdZW2rVBTjV2ravlCy9tLnvnynOczWiNx6rEUUo/s400/mkup+018.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 252px;" /></a>Step 2: Apply the lipstick on your lips You can use a lip brush to apply but it is optional <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheam31VpaGfCJ7CGgpvrWYFSoHqhps6SGqVujdV4DmJ6RD26_4iyI-qoqY0YAkD2r3wURCBnuzmh4tc6A5AMsyTqqpKP_jfUmNqdxCk6nHB5s9thSgcS8Kk2OqacxYcYRWgJrSgMj5Ocum/s1600-h/mkup+020.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5278228139145078578" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheam31VpaGfCJ7CGgpvrWYFSoHqhps6SGqVujdV4DmJ6RD26_4iyI-qoqY0YAkD2r3wURCBnuzmh4tc6A5AMsyTqqpKP_jfUmNqdxCk6nHB5s9thSgcS8Kk2OqacxYcYRWgJrSgMj5Ocum/s400/mkup+020.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 227px;" /></a>Step 3: This step is very crucial to obtain a kissable pout! Apply lip gloss at the center of your upper and lower lip <div style="text-align: left;">This will make your lips look very pouty but not goopy! I find applying lip gloss all over your lips really make them look greasy, which is not pretty. </div></div> For those who are curious, this is how I look now (without makeup) <div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjsibyI_awtIEQ8oKYbXUAN-XTe3_IraDEUQhCVOGL_W3_QHrrJLh1gYVJ3mx379ZVwj_3DIqBepT5w2zM8j-xaSLBl_-2tcqIYHUIEn87i1V2MN85vuo43d29L_f_2kGCwCXAONQwA_3r/s1600-h/mkup+045.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5278228145687803954" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjsibyI_awtIEQ8oKYbXUAN-XTe3_IraDEUQhCVOGL_W3_QHrrJLh1gYVJ3mx379ZVwj_3DIqBepT5w2zM8j-xaSLBl_-2tcqIYHUIEn87i1V2MN85vuo43d29L_f_2kGCwCXAONQwA_3r/s400/mkup+045.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 334px; height: 400px;" /></a>"What are you looking at?" she said. Except for the lipstick combo, I did not wear any makeup at all! My skin does look a lot better and Canon lens is awesome! <div style="text-align: left;">MAC Elle lip glass is a limited edition item that is pearly white and very pretty. I don't think you can find it anymore since it was released a while ago. You can substitute it with MAC lustre glass in Lustrewhite. Plink! lipstick is not a LE item and you can get it at any MAC counter. It's a very wearable sheer pink that is very close to the color of my lips. </div></div> One Coupon Code for you: <a href="http://www.victoriassecret.com">Victoria's Secre</a>t offers a 20% off your total order when you use code 20PERCENT. The code expires today so please hurry up and get yourself some sweaters (some of 'em are super cheap!) That's all, folks! For those who are studying for finals, I wish you all the best! Take care and stay gorgeous, Your Makeup Blogger 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!

3-D Lips: Delicious Pucker in 3 Simple Steps

Hi ladies, These days I rarely wear a lot of makeup because my skin has improved dramatically. However, I've been wearing the same lip c...

4:18 AM

Ask My Makeup Blog: Victoria Beckham Edition

<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1Qz0VfD9wY2Gih-81RBYJobASCta-5m2FOKHBlRr9Jsq974w12xfUYvkOBZGOVCbsVclzxMY-CttT3kc0HkdiEXlsUgHDW4pTuBo9ZssHmdzvQ6AxaQSvg31u6NnP-eZwTNPDqsHVeKVf/s1600-h/Ask+MMB.png" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5277490005458466834" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1Qz0VfD9wY2Gih-81RBYJobASCta-5m2FOKHBlRr9Jsq974w12xfUYvkOBZGOVCbsVclzxMY-CttT3kc0HkdiEXlsUgHDW4pTuBo9ZssHmdzvQ6AxaQSvg31u6NnP-eZwTNPDqsHVeKVf/s400/Ask+MMB.png" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 380px; height: 125px;" /></a> Once in a while I got a question from one of my beloved reader about makeup and this time around, Ivinea from France emailed me and this is what she wrote: <blockquote>I'm French, and I came across your blog by chance, as I was looking for info about Victoria Beckham...and I'd like to know: do you happen to know what type of make up Vic uses, for instance which eyeshadow colours does she usually wear, or what she puts on her cheekbones, what gloss/lipstick on her lips etc. I think her make up is perfect and makes her look so gorgeous! I know my questions aren't easy to answer, but maybe do you have some ideas about her beauty secrets as far as make up is concerned at least ;)</blockquote>Dear Ivinea, Geeze, I am so happy! Finally my blog goes global! People from France wrote to me, of all the people in the world! Cheesus Crust Banana, tell me I'm dreaming! Alright, enough of the giddiness! As soon as I saw her email, I immediately know where to find the answer. After all, I love V. Becks (or Vicki B) very much. Her style is full of fierceness and so is her makeup! I remember reading somewhere about the products that she often uses and it dawned on me: Marie Claire! I read MC every month and have a subscription. They definitely featured her somewhere in some recent issues. After some minutes of digging, this is what I found: <div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLDH4dMSY0PboqqotUpAWQBhX5swpT5kyqYrBJg_1dvX01TXHImEeScUmQHRlRkaM342Lghy2Xj68cQa2v2pyonyb_Ff8s-UDg6fJKh04W47KR88hdBqww66XTg6YzvtednShJkAkd03tB/s1600-h/mkup+077.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5277490014124282146" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLDH4dMSY0PboqqotUpAWQBhX5swpT5kyqYrBJg_1dvX01TXHImEeScUmQHRlRkaM342Lghy2Xj68cQa2v2pyonyb_Ff8s-UDg6fJKh04W47KR88hdBqww66XTg6YzvtednShJkAkd03tB/s400/mkup+077.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" /></a>MC October Edition with Lindsay Lohan on the cover (I white out my address as it's a subscription!) <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibqy3BSrr5btK-p4DJqb33fSMcm62gtNYcT8wktWaTQ52D1FGVavG8QlRQkyGpKlk4GcfoZYPQ_-af-VpJrdm2YzHzmeX38R7scrqS9VYqH-Bp3I-cMq4pcDVz4QGfR-gzo8oBcVDD4uv_/s1600-h/mkup+073.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5277490003681282066" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibqy3BSrr5btK-p4DJqb33fSMcm62gtNYcT8wktWaTQ52D1FGVavG8QlRQkyGpKlk4GcfoZYPQ_-af-VpJrdm2YzHzmeX38R7scrqS9VYqH-Bp3I-cMq4pcDVz4QGfR-gzo8oBcVDD4uv_/s400/mkup+073.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" /></a>Well, Ivinea: I hope you're happy because V. Becks did open up her stash for us to see! </div> <div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-R3AdgTjWbvdqwz6hgFJBuYJgzKT2sUs4B-pUT1oAf2s9HYO37Bny2J9tcL9oFgGGDZ6k9Kye9frUAmHMPw6b4MxWbOPZBg_G1v-JuihL0wax5GgdgRg_Mb9Jdb9MNeOXGbDHjmS_9TuU/s1600-h/mkup+074.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5277490008962416098" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-R3AdgTjWbvdqwz6hgFJBuYJgzKT2sUs4B-pUT1oAf2s9HYO37Bny2J9tcL9oFgGGDZ6k9Kye9frUAmHMPw6b4MxWbOPZBg_G1v-JuihL0wax5GgdgRg_Mb9Jdb9MNeOXGbDHjmS_9TuU/s400/mkup+074.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 386px; height: 400px;" /></a>Close up look at the pix I took from the magazine, click for a bigger image <div style="text-align: left;">From <a href="http://www.marieclaire.com/hair/beauty/products/expert-beauty-secrets-insider?click=main_sr">Marie Claire</a>: </div><div style="overflow: auto; display: block; opacity: 1; text-align: left;" id="fb_captionbox"><blockquote>Victoria Beckham: Fragrance Mogul Her haircuts make headlines and her husband makes her the world's most famous soccer mom. So with makeup and hairstylists from London to L.A. at her beck and call, it's no wonder she has a field day with beauty rituals. "I think I'm due for a change, but I just can't decide what to do," she says. "I look at pictures of people who've had the same hair for years. I'd love to do that, but I'd just get incredibly bored." Watch this space for Posh's next look. Meanwhile, spend it like Beckham and get her beauty essentials: 1. Marc Jacobs bag: "Marc's accessories are fantastic. I also collect Hermes bags. If I have a daughter someday, I'll pass them down to her. And, no, I'm not pregnant!" 2. Yonka Paris Fruitelia moisturizer: "I use a lot; I have dry skin." 3. La Prairie Cellular Radiance eye cream: "David uses this, too." 4. Elizabeth Arden Eight Hour Cream: "Just a little on the edges of my eyelashes makes them look long and dewy." 5. Beckham Signature for Her: "I'm a girl's girl. I know how we want to smell, and this is my interpretation." 6. Bliss Glamour Glove Gel and Gloves 7. Dermalogica Solar Defense sunscreen: "People in Hollywood are obsessed about protecting their skin. My face is never in the sun." 8. MAC Lustreglass in Instant Gold: "If I go heavy on the eye makeup, I'll go paler on the lips. It's like wearing a really short skirt, then choosing a top that downplays your chest." 9. DVB sunglasses: "I like them big because they hide a multitude of sins." 10. & 11. Giorgio Armani Maestro Eye Shadow in 7; Fluid Sheer in 2 12. Body Shop Mango Body Butter: "I've got someone who makes house calls for my spray tanning; I use this to maintain the color." "David always looks at my toiletries and asks, 'What on earth do you do with all that stuff?'"</blockquote></div><div style="text-align: left;">Also, Victoria has her own team or hair stylist, makeup artist, and style advisor to make her look glamorous all the time. We mere mortals don't have our glam squad so I think as long as we keep on trying, we'll eventually get there. Another product that she uses but not put in the list is <a href="http://www.yslbeautyus.com/MAKE-UP-COMPLEXION-CONCEALERS/c38_40_45/p141/TOUCHE-ECLAT-%3CBR%3E-Radiant-Touch/product_info.html">Yves Saint Laurent Touche Éclat</a> which is a very good highlighter and under eyes concealer. It's a little bit pricey ($40 USD) and I'm curious about how it works. For skincare, V. Becks also flies to Japan once in a while to enjoy this <a href="http://www.popcrunch.com/victoria-beckham-bird-droppings-facial-cream/">special facials</a> (and sometimes David goes with her as well!) With or without makeup, she looks incredibly good! She also has a makeup line sold in Japan called <a href="http://bellasugar.com/877572">V-Sculpt</a>. What else didn't she do? Alright ladies and gents, that's all for today. I would like to thank Ivinea for sending me the question. If you have any questions for me regarding makeup, skincare, and beyond, feel free to email or comment. I'd love to hear from you. As always, keep the faith! (Oops, that's from <a href="www.pbs.org/kcet/tavissmiley">Tavis Smilie</a>!) I mean, stay gorgeous! Love, Your Makeup Blogger </div></div><div style="text-align: left;">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! </div>

Ask My Makeup Blog: Victoria Beckham Edition

Once in a while I got a question from one of my beloved reader about makeup and this time around, Ivinea from France emailed me and this is ...

3:32 AM

Olay Definity Intense Hydrating Cream: My Skin Savior!

Hi ladies, If you have already noticed, for the past few weeks the amount of posts with me wearing makeup just decreased dramatically. It's not that I don't wear makeup anymore or I don't have any makeup to wear. The opposite to that is the truth though. The only reason for me not wearing makeup is my skin has been behaving well and that eliminates the need of wearing a face full of makeup. Since I started using the face peel, my skin has become better. Also, I've incorporated some new products to my routine that perform with full stellar. One of them is Olay Definity Intense Hydrating Cream which I use as my night cream. <div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvaDAaQ2LTEsR-XWI58KNDxfXKisHg_HM9tyPp4ATDhigbZMmKmN-y0MYGGgHl4q7xwkBFdnSpUH2ZOJ-KUwysQVHNkk2wYLRZEX7htR8F9SZzoBXildMVsKsXA6hu3hlL-CQ81sgHf3SH/s1600-h/stuff+014.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5277288380053380290" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvaDAaQ2LTEsR-XWI58KNDxfXKisHg_HM9tyPp4ATDhigbZMmKmN-y0MYGGgHl4q7xwkBFdnSpUH2ZOJ-KUwysQVHNkk2wYLRZEX7htR8F9SZzoBXildMVsKsXA6hu3hlL-CQ81sgHf3SH/s400/stuff+014.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" /></a>The container looks like a space pod, very sci-fi looking! <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLreFbUauE1P-BHFkh1js93x3BAphAy0yCo29PeKoCGAXc04et_S9DSVZyncPuL5pd2wnJKVq-tJPba7apq3hJdgj2g2oD9uMXmG2TstJjv5psqni6W-wvPFL607lErmrQEYifOP2RTGml/s1600-h/stuff+015.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5277288383186345938" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLreFbUauE1P-BHFkh1js93x3BAphAy0yCo29PeKoCGAXc04et_S9DSVZyncPuL5pd2wnJKVq-tJPba7apq3hJdgj2g2oD9uMXmG2TstJjv5psqni6W-wvPFL607lErmrQEYifOP2RTGml/s400/stuff+015.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" /></a>I gently peeled off the seal at the bottom to reveal what's inside <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0wg3NkJbaBwigL9iOKU4gU1msGskewexvCOt_-_NrSs6Ue5jKmrtc3a1t3hXKl_AzAJPWMJg47u1E0nxM589NpQ7avlfkRZGiRdVmZN223wLfWjyg6luDX2Rx76g5rHyCEm6ntCEyaQ19/s1600-h/stuff+016.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5277288394106778018" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0wg3NkJbaBwigL9iOKU4gU1msGskewexvCOt_-_NrSs6Ue5jKmrtc3a1t3hXKl_AzAJPWMJg47u1E0nxM589NpQ7avlfkRZGiRdVmZN223wLfWjyg6luDX2Rx76g5rHyCEm6ntCEyaQ19/s400/stuff+016.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" /></a>Tada! The jar of Intense Hydrating Cream </div> <div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_ZZVrPiYgo7xTXzYZZbqmhchZEAHQcrhKOStJcp834yghhNEZLrup2oWyz6X08WfWUAP0XuEj6SMJ2QGcWuC5y4Wu7LO3dqzMz0eJm0o8iEzeuAZRHx6Y9m5toCCY6oAnD_TQGg0bpf1n/s1600-h/stuff+017.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5277288394693998466" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_ZZVrPiYgo7xTXzYZZbqmhchZEAHQcrhKOStJcp834yghhNEZLrup2oWyz6X08WfWUAP0XuEj6SMJ2QGcWuC5y4Wu7LO3dqzMz0eJm0o8iEzeuAZRHx6Y9m5toCCY6oAnD_TQGg0bpf1n/s400/stuff+017.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" /></a>It is quite small compared to the container. Also, the design is not as beautiful. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjU3CW3OabZlxdvd4L3SNN1pU-ZPy8arSPtbB0M40RzLNLZMulDvIwkW8bEZciHuej-Jy1GzlazqXRDiep3kdEgCYQm2UqPtQJC6evUx84EDNprzTshStbumA7BzXrtiXxPiHTtH7a4PLo_/s1600-h/stuff+019.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5277288396834154818" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjU3CW3OabZlxdvd4L3SNN1pU-ZPy8arSPtbB0M40RzLNLZMulDvIwkW8bEZciHuej-Jy1GzlazqXRDiep3kdEgCYQm2UqPtQJC6evUx84EDNprzTshStbumA7BzXrtiXxPiHTtH7a4PLo_/s400/stuff+019.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" /></a>The texture is more of a gel than a cream <div style="text-align: left;">Alright, enough with the visual effect. Here is the review of this product: I've been interested in Olay recently as I saw good result from my daily lotion. Definity is formulated for women in their 50s and it has the highest concentration of niacinamide. Niacinamide is also known as vitamin B-3, a water soluble compound that prevents water loss from the skin and also improves the appearance of wrinkles, skin discoloration, redness, and improves skin elasticity. According to Olay, it can penetrate up to 10 surface layers of the skin to hydrate and "reduce the look of discoloration, dullness, brown spots, and wrinkles in just 8 weeks." This is the part that I stood up and said, "Olay, oh really? Because my anatomy textbook told me there are only 5 layers in the epidermis! Unless the medical field recently has a breakthrough that wasn't announced to the world, I stick to what my anatomy book told me!" <div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjT5PR8t-YBtt_QAOWJ_RABKsKSaqflNIEcVQ13uBoiXLHa6KqFFQaIYDfCxic_k2zKb1-sr6RmpaciuOWu-M8JBoUYH3M-QUq8jd4NnqF1Xasfxzc7SftD9VXQGKLzkETHNXo6_1mkBSaQ/s1600-h/Skinlayers.png" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5277505479728580482" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjT5PR8t-YBtt_QAOWJ_RABKsKSaqflNIEcVQ13uBoiXLHa6KqFFQaIYDfCxic_k2zKb1-sr6RmpaciuOWu-M8JBoUYH3M-QUq8jd4NnqF1Xasfxzc7SftD9VXQGKLzkETHNXo6_1mkBSaQ/s400/Skinlayers.png" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 332px; height: 329px;" /></a>Typical structure of the <a href="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/2/20/Skinlayers.png">epidermis</a> in anatomy textbook </div> <div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOBH1S5IX8FmitiNvZi0LIVwfcfWF4C6zf8c_2L4FXsETjhiW-bbRqwyaAaXecjDPYbqaAc_G1GTwHcmcwe7CMLA9gJv394Ix1jpwyTlvxvpYdThERFUf8Dw-lVyDfEm39gFDtEjTskLxM/s1600-h/image005.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5277505074473006482" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOBH1S5IX8FmitiNvZi0LIVwfcfWF4C6zf8c_2L4FXsETjhiW-bbRqwyaAaXecjDPYbqaAc_G1GTwHcmcwe7CMLA9gJv394Ix1jpwyTlvxvpYdThERFUf8Dw-lVyDfEm39gFDtEjTskLxM/s400/image005.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" /></a>Seen from the microscope Image courtesy of <a href="http://www.mc.edu/campus/users/jpaige/jjackson_files/image005.jpg">Jessica Jackson</a> <div style="text-align: left;">The 5 layers of the epidermis are: stratum corneum, stratum lucidum, stratum granulosum, stratum spinosum, and stratum basale. Stratum lucidum, or the light layer, only presents in areas that are most frequently used like the sole of your feet or the palm of your hand. In the above picture, the skin sample may be from the thin skin area that lacks stratum lucidum. Ingredients: </div></div>Water, Cyclopentasiloxane, Glycerin, Dimethicone, Niacinamide, Isobutane, Propane, Acetyl Glucosamine, Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Polyethylene, Polyacrylamide, Panthenol, Polysorbate 20, C13-14 Isoparaffin, Dimethiconol, DMDM Hydantoin, Tocopheryl Acetate, Laureth-4, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Disodium EDTA, Carthamus Tinctorius (Safflower) Seed Oil, Laureth-7, Fragrance, Vaccinium Macrocarpon (Cranberry) Fruit Extract, Butylene Glycol, Iodopropynyl Butylcarbamate, Glycine Soja (Soybean) Seed Extract, Morus Alba Root Extract, Phenoxyethanol, Soluble Collagen, Methylparaben, Sodium Benzoate, Sodium Hyaluronate, Tin Oxide, Titanium Dioxide, Mica. So the question is, "Does it work?" If you've noticed, the products I featured in my blog either works wonderfully well or does not work at all (because once in a while I need to alert people!) This Olay Definity actually works very well for my oily skin. It absorbs very fast and is not greasy at all. Since I use it as a night cream, I wake up looking fresh and alert. One morning after some days of using this product, I looked at myself in the mirror and almost uttered, "Who the h*ll is this?" to myself! I indeed look like me at the A.M, not a bloated, puffy-eyed version of me that I'm so used to! It works! On top of that, who glows like J.Lo at the early morning? Not me before! But the me after Olay does glow a bit! Wonderful, right? It's because the last product is mica, which is a light-diffusing type of mineral. When used with high concentration, mica can clog pores but as it is formulated with the smallest quantity in the product, it does not do so much harm to me. In fact, I did not have any flare ups since started using this product. Usually, when I switch products, my face acts up within the first week but now I'm still lookin' good! This product is not fragrance-free, although the fragrance is quite nice and not obnoxious at all. It's kind of floral to me and quickly goes away after I apply to my face. Olay Definity is getting more affordable these days: I saw them priced around $18 USD at Target and Walmart. Also, you can always find coupons for these products and if you want, you can go to <a href="https://pgpromotions.archway.com/olaygrace/">this website</a> for a $5 coupon sent from Olay! They send the coupons pretty fast, I'm telling ya! Overall, I think this is a great night product for those with oily skin. For those with dry skin, <a href="http://www.olay.com/boutique/definity/products/de1008">Olay Definity Night Restorative Sleep Cream</a> will work better. So if you've been looking for a night cream, I think you should give Definity a try! Take care ladies and stay gorgeous, Your Makeup Blogger </div></div>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!

Olay Definity Intense Hydrating Cream: My Skin Savior!

Hi ladies, If you have already noticed, for the past few weeks the amount of posts with me wearing makeup just decreased dramatically. It...

4:29 AM

Budget Makeup Gift Sets at $25 and Below

Happy Monday, my lovelies! Today is going to be very busy for me so I am going to have a mad-dash blog entry and leave it that way, instead of writing in my familiar style. I think after a month of NaNoWriMo, my writing style has changed a bit, don't you think? Since it is Monday and we are in the second week of December, I guess some of us need to think about Christmas gifts a little bit. I've been scouring the web for you and found some couple of gift sets that are $25 USD and below. These gifts are cute and does not really cost you a fortune. <div style="text-align: center;">Gift set #1: Burt's Bees Super Shiny Lip Gloss ($14.99 USD)</div> <div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwBtGydFyQl_GCq95X9JqZUitg_aG9xos-Xei1RDMbQpYEJ351Dfi5poEBdo9UPWIWKqXmUn5DZhINSzeCK1sHia_mGyhnJrGNCNC_jGX8RpQMmZbvNyBrO-kqRGGN_Oxv3kh7KjXIRW2T/s1600-h/burts+bee.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5277278854849541634" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwBtGydFyQl_GCq95X9JqZUitg_aG9xos-Xei1RDMbQpYEJ351Dfi5poEBdo9UPWIWKqXmUn5DZhINSzeCK1sHia_mGyhnJrGNCNC_jGX8RpQMmZbvNyBrO-kqRGGN_Oxv3kh7KjXIRW2T/s400/burts+bee.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 400px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a>Image courtesy of <a href="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51M7Qbi9uLL._AA400_.jpg">Target</a> </div>Burt's Bees and I go waaaay back when I was an undergraduate student. My college campus's bookstore has a Burt's Bees display and I was really tempted to get myself some products when I went there to purchase textbooks. Then one day I did purchase one product and really loved it. The lip balms, which are made from beeswax, are really moisturizing without the harmful ingredients. Burt's Bees always have a soft spot in my heart and the products are always really cute. The lip gloss set is $14.99 USD and can be found at <a href="http://www.target.com/Burts-Bees-Lip-Gloss-Pack/dp/B001II5Q7U/ref=sc_qi_detaillink?ie=UTF8&pf_rd_r=1EHPM31JCEXSYXNWANHN&pf_rd_p=436115101&pf_rd_i=B001II5Q7U&pf_rd_s=right-1&pf_rd_m=A1VC38T7YXB528&pf_rd_t=5101">Target</a>. I think it is suitable as a gift for your health conscious girl friends or your younger sister who is wandering into makeup. With that price tag, it's the equivalent of almost getting two free lip glosses as one Burt's Bees shiny lip gloss is priced at $6.99 USD. <div style="text-align: center;">Gift set #2: Too Faced To Go 2 Pocket Palette ($19.50 USD)</div> <div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieGgRjktAWog828hKkPEqwimt2jxg1ymO_smtQdtkkDtuBD4tWXjLz9TUGp8tcu3ePXM5j54L_4eE5GB6cJNK0itRFrISccd6OJ_vzT7MlCMfmP5SUlQNOsHjEudhoF-mqgvcrft2JCJei/s1600-h/too+faced.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5277282133142680738" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieGgRjktAWog828hKkPEqwimt2jxg1ymO_smtQdtkkDtuBD4tWXjLz9TUGp8tcu3ePXM5j54L_4eE5GB6cJNK0itRFrISccd6OJ_vzT7MlCMfmP5SUlQNOsHjEudhoF-mqgvcrft2JCJei/s400/too+faced.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 250px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 250px;" /></a>Image courtesy of <a href="http://a248.g.akamai.net/7/248/8278/20080913031225/www.sephora.com/assets/dyn/product/P222443/P222443_hero.jpg">Sephora</a></div> This gift set contains 8 eye shadows, 4 lip glosses, and a blush. With my experience with the Quickie Chronicle booklet, I really like the texture of the lip glosses and blush. The eyeshadow colors are really lovely and wearable. At $19.50, I think this set is perfect for your glamorous colleague, BFF, or older sister. <div style="text-align: center;">Gift set #3: CARGO Holiday Nights Collection ($25 USD)</div> <div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQ2OMbqwWmNz5DqBNOQdKNuZn3o3o8CoyWzvIGVB7pHGzSIX8aIlQjFqK9KvRQxsSoBq9n4bIjR-Tn_sVzhnmPdyDUz6cCnm8ar4pIAC1LQvdAr_WJwUlnpNcTCbsxTq_Cfz1vpQk10yvu/s1600-h/cargo+set.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5277282135011594466" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQ2OMbqwWmNz5DqBNOQdKNuZn3o3o8CoyWzvIGVB7pHGzSIX8aIlQjFqK9KvRQxsSoBq9n4bIjR-Tn_sVzhnmPdyDUz6cCnm8ar4pIAC1LQvdAr_WJwUlnpNcTCbsxTq_Cfz1vpQk10yvu/s400/cargo+set.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 250px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 250px;" /></a>Image courtesy of <a href="http://a248.g.akamai.net/7/248/8278/20081114040023/www.sephora.com/assets/dyn/product/P225021/P225021_hero.jpg">Sephora</a> <div style="text-align: left;">This set has my name written all over it! Seriously ladies, this is the set that I so want to get! However, I have similar colors in my stash so I decided not to (but if you gift it to me, I can't say no, can I?) This set has 4 eyeshadows, one beautiful pink blush, a full-size silver eyeliner, and a body glitter pencil. The cover is removable to be used as a clutch or a jewel box. At $25 USD, this is the perfect gift for the ones who love smokey eyes (and for me!) Bonus set: <a href="http://mymakeupblog.blogspot.com/2008/07/sephora-beauty-fever-palette-home-away.html">Sephora Beauty Fever Palette</a>. I reviewed this palette before and it's a perfect gift for your jet-setting girlfriend. It's small enough to tote around and has all the essentials that you need. At $20 USD, it can make someone (and your wallet) happy! Right now, if you order from Sephora, you can use code SHOPNOW for free shipping with every order (the code ends at midnight, so hurry up!). If you buy more than $50 USD, shipping is always free and you can use code WINKORKISS for a free pair of lashes or a mini lipstick. This code expires some time in January but Sephora has limited supply. That's all for today, ladies! I hope you are going to have a wonderful week ahead. Take care and be joyful! Love, Your Makeup Blogger</div></div> 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!

Budget Makeup Gift Sets at $25 and Below

Happy Monday, my lovelies! Today is going to be very busy for me so I am going to have a mad-dash blog entry and leave it that way, instead ...

4:48 AM