Bobbi Brown Creamy Lip Color

Tim recently went to Las Vegas for a business trip at Zappos and he was nice enough to help me pick up a couple items from Bobbi Brown. It's always such a confusing thing for guys, if they ever have to go into a makeup store.

I saw on the BB website the Marrakesh Chic Collection and fell in love with the Creamy Lip Color in Washed Seashell #52. It's described as a shimmering medium tone nude pink on the website.
This is my first Bobbi Brown lipstick and I'm impressed by the packaging; a sleek black tube that has a nice click when I close the cover. No need to worry that it'll come loose if it fell out of my makeup bag.

It's a nude color indeed, it pretty much matches my lip color and adds a light shimmer on top without changing my lip color. The shimmer looks almost frosty rather than crystal-y shimmer. Great for everyday wear with subtle color on the lips.

My only complaint is the texture/feel of the lipstick. I figured a "creamy lip color" would feel very smooth and soft, but I had to use a bit more pressure to apply. It feels more like I'm applying a lip balm, but it feels sort of sticky on my lips. For comparison, my Laura Mercier gel lip colors are much softer and smoother when applying on my lips.
I don't mind the stickyness too much unless it's windy outside, I wish it didn't feel like I'm wearing a lipgloss. I suppose the stickyness makes up for the lasting power. Also the lipstick has a slight plastic smell to it, which I'm not too fond of.
Oh well, it's still a very beautiful nude pink, as if I didn't have enough lipsticks already, still worth a try since it's cheaper to purchase in the states.

Just a quick EOTD with Lancome Crystal Rose duo eyeshadow. I can't believe how sheer this goes on, sheerer than my beloved Japanese eyeshadows, which I think aren't super pigmented to begin with. Throughout the day, I notice the eyeshadow slowly fading out a bit.. -___-'

Using the Majolica Majorca pink cream shadow as a base helps the pinky beige color stand out a bit more. Also blended the darkest shade on top of MUFE Aqua Liner in 2L and topped it off with Majolica Majorca liquid liner in BR601.

Chocolate Strawberries

I had noooo idea what to name this post. I was trying to decide what kind of eye makeup to do on my friend's wedding. I needed something quick and easy to do in the morning since I'm doing makeup for the guys, might as well figure it out now.
I couldn't decide on brown or pink (considering my dress was lavender with a hint of grey hue to it), so I decided on both. Hopefully I won't change my mind when time comes XD

Here's what I used:
Majolica Majorca cream shadow pink
Laura Mercier Sateen Eye Colour Duo Sandstone/Cognac
Integrate Accent Eyes PK760 (pink and shimmery highlight shade in the middle)
Jill Stuart Seductive Eyes - Seductive Doll 01 (bright pink shade)
MJ Perfect Automatic Liner BR601
MUFE Aqua Eyes 2L
Fiberwig Mascara Extra Long

I always start off with a cream base if I have one, makes the color appear more vibrant and lasts longer. And of course, I always use UDPP too.

Using Sandstone shade, apply all over lid and up to the crease.

I warm up the MUFE liner on my hand to make it easier to apply. Draw a thicker line than usual on top lashline.

Using the Cognac shade, smudge it slightly upwards and blend out any harsh edges.

Next, I blend the pink shade from the Integrate palette on top of the smudged liner, careful not to apply the pink on the lashline. This will wash out the brown color on the lashline if applied there.

Using the same Cognac shade, blend starting from the middle of the lashline out towards the outer corner, making sure to apply more on the outer.

Next, I blend and pat the bright pink shade from the Jill Stuart palette on the outer corner and into the crease. I pat the pink shade on top of the brown to avoid making it muddy looking.

Highlight the inner corner and lower half of the lashline with the shimmery highlight shade from the Integrate palette, and apply Cognac on the outer half.

Line the top lashline, careful not to make it too thick. Drag the line out a bit and create a slight wing.

Load up on the mascara top and bottom and add false lashes. It was so difficult applying mascara to my bottom lashes!..since I don't have a lot -___-'
I forgot to mention, I highlighted using Sandstone on my brow bone.

Oopps..looks like the lashes are coming off =p

I might end up changing my eye makeup for night time...thinking of just using brown and gold shades..but with a heavier hand...hmmm... decisions decisions..

Anyone heard of Beauty So Clean? Well, if you haven't, it's a makeup mist that you can spritz onto pressed powders, shadows, blushes and even cream foundations!

This spray kills bacteria and helps keep makeup cleaner, especially if you're like me and just can't seem to part with your eyeshadows hehe.

The spray is mostly alcohol, but it's also got added ingredients (like isopropyl palmitate - moisturizing ingredient) so it won't dry out or damage your makeup.

I purchased mine at school as a special order. I don't think you can get this size anywhere, unless you order online from Eve Pearl. Last week, I saw they had the large bottle, but it seems like they only have the small one in stock at the moment.

Otherwise I know you can purchase it at The Bay, but unfortunately, not the large size that I have. Either way, I think it's a good investment for makeup artists and for personal use to keep everything nice and sanitized.

Check out the Beauty So Clean website and you can see a few other products they have.

Kiehl's and Lavshuca

I really don't like editing my posts using Google Chrome. The pictures don't move around easily and it just makes it frustrating, but IE is always crashing on me.

Anyway, on to the post. Thank you for everyone's comments. I know I've been slacking in the commenting area but I still jump around blogs to keep myself updated.

A friend from school recently went to Hong Kong and helped me stock up on some MJ liners. I got the BR601 shade which is a deep shimmery brown. I've been using the shimmery black MJ liners for so long, I don't know why this is the first time I finally tried a different shade. Hmm...actually, I think I used to have a deep blue one, but who knows, it was so long ago.

She also got me a souvenir! It's a Lavshuca PK1 eyeshadow, I'm not too sure what it's supposed to be called, but I can imagine something like double, or duo something.

I've tried so many Japanese makeup from the past couple of years that I don't really remember if this is my first Lavshuca eyeshadow..I'm pretty sure it is. 

It comes with a pale pink that applies very smoothly and leaves and nice soft shimmer. The darker shade looks taupe with a hint of pink. It's not really pigmented enough to be used as a liner though, but great for adding definition.

I thought I'd post a quick picture tutorial with the eyeshadow. Nothing too difficult =D It's been a while since I did a picture tutorial.

First things first, I always start with a color base whenever possible, it really helps the eyeshadow last longer and gives a more vibrant finish.

The shadows actually last very long without having to touch up for at least 8 hours.

I also don't always put color on my lower lashline... I'm slowly getting more used to seeing myself with some color there, although it seems to fade really quickly, or my eyes get watery.

I love the MJ liquid liners...what would I do without them.

I curled my lashes and used a heated lash curler before applying mascara. Just using 1 coat with the heated lash curler is enough to make my lashes really stand out. I skipped the second coat since I was wearing glasses. And done!

A little update to the L'oreal Color Infailble. Just some good and some bad.. I wasn't too pleased with the product but wasn't disappointed either.
The good things about this shadow is the texture, it feels very silky, almost like cream but more powdery, but very light when applied to my lids. It has a more powdery finish. I'm not even sure if this can be considered a cream shadow.
It's also super pigmented and can be layered for a more intense finish..which I think is quite nice, considering some shadows don't appear any bolder no matter how many layers.

Besides those good things, I was slightly disappointed in the application. Although very silky in texture, I found it a little bit difficult to blend out the harsh edges, maybe because I was using my fingers? I also noticed the first signs of creasing after an hour of wear so I just took it off. I'll probably give it another chance another time. The color is very pretty but I don't see myself using it much because it's so much bolder than what I usually use.

I also changed my Maybelline Fit Me foundation. After using 125 for about a month, I started to feel it wasn't the right shade. It was a bit too pink, so on my visit to Buffalo, I picked up the 210 which was a better match. It has more of a yellow undertone while still looking more cool toned, which is what I apparently am now (according to my makeup teacher). So far, I still love this foundation because of the light-medium coverage. I don't like anything too heavy. I wish I could get my hands on the Paul & Joe Protective Fluid Foundation S, but it's so expensive online *sigh*

Birthday Goodies II

Some more birthday goodies, except these I went out to buy with red pocket and birthday money.

Originally I wanted to buy the giant bottle of Philosophy Apricots and Cream body lotion, but I thought I'd probably get sick of the scent before I finish it, so I wanted the smaller one and Sephora didn't have it!

Intead I decided to get a new concealer. I wanted a better one for a while but never got around in getting it. I went to get the Bobbi Brown concealer from Holt Renfrew but the SA wouldn't sell it to me unless I got a corrector (aww...how considerate...but it saved me like $80). He led me to the Laura Mercier counter instead.

Here's what I came out with @__@

I got my new concealer and the Laura Mercier Color Preview Collection kit. I don't even see it on the Laura Mercier website or Sephora yet..I wonder how new this is????

I see it on the Neiman Marcus site and it's supposedly exclusive to that store. The lipstick picture is soo off btw.

I knew I didn't need another blush or more brown shades but long story short..I came up with some excuses and ended up getting the kit.

When the SA was trying on the concealer, I glanced over at the display case and saw the most gorgeous coral lipstick EVERR!! I said to myself that I must have it! But sadly it was only available in the kit since it was the new LE Gel Lip Color (the whole color selection is supposed to be out in the summer, but this shade was LE)

The kit comes with an e/s duo, full sized blush, mini mascara, 30mL of the foundation primer, pouch, full sized gel lip color, double ended shadow brushes and application card.

I didn't do swatches of the blush since I gave it to my mom. This shade is called Citrus Spark which is a reddish coral shade. Quite pigmented...the SA tried it on me and barely touched the blush with the brush.

Ah, the jewel of this collection.. the new Gel Lip Color in Grapefruit, a pretty reddish coral.

I don't know why I was so attracted to this shade...suddenly when you get older..you start liking shades you never thought you'd like.

The SA said it goes on sheer, I think it's still got some nice pigmentation to it and feels very light. Although it doesn't apply like "what you see is what you get", it still gives my lips a very pretty coral, hint of strawberry color. The lipstick glides on super smooth and smells kinda like vanilla. It's not as moisturizing as I thought, like the Maquillage or Lunasol lipsticks, so using a lipbalm is a must.

I'm not sure if the e/s shades are available to buy as regular shadows. It's your basic neutral brown shades that are good for everyday wear.

The lighter shade (sandstone) is a pearly beige shade that appears slightly pink. Sounds like the P&J shadow I reviewed recently? Except this doesn't have a heavy golden tone to it.

The darker shade (cognac) has a hint of gold in it and it's not as pearly as sandstone.

The shadows are soo buttery and soft and apply very well on my eyes. They blend easily and lasting power is amazing. I'd say better than some of my Japanese ones (Lunasol, Aube Couture. I wore the shadows on for more than 8 hours with UDPP and no creasing whatsoever. Sandstone is very pigmented and cognac takes a few layers to get the right intensity.

Another basic application, also using L'oreal Lineur Intense in Earthen Rock Brown. I'm also using the LM secret concealer in #3. Doesn't cake and crease as easily (still does after a day of wear) as Beauty Maker Aqua Concealer.

The brushes are full size and picks up the shadows very well.

The SA also gave me a sample of the almond coconut milk body lotion and a nice size tube of the scrub. Smells super delicious but I don't think I'd ever buy the full size.

Me and my big head pictures XD

Another birthday goodie I got was some China Glaze nail polishes. Here I'm using Golden Meringue. It's a sheer golden shade which shows up depending on the angle and lighting.

One more week of school with tons of assignments, then study week..then going back to school for 3 midterms...wha...so not fun.

Birthday Goodies I

I like having my birthday in February because it's also near Chinese New Year, and of course most of you know what that means! I got some lovely presents this year and I'm gonna show a couple that I got from a friend. It's the new Paul & Joe Spring 2011 Parasol collection!

I loooooove the packaging..well pretty much all the packaging P&J comes in. Although the designs are so pretty, I'm a bit peeved that it's still made with cardboard...gggrrrru.. Nevertheless, it's still some nice eye candy.

I forgot to take swatch pictures, so you can view them on this blog.

I received the lipstick color in Chantilly 070 which is a sheer bubble gum pink. The color actually appears quite well on my lips.

I also got the Color Powder CS in Taffeta 072 which has a golden beige pink and a golden copper shade. The lighter shade goes in a bit sheer. I wasn't able to take some good pictures, but you can still see the darker shade show up on my eyes. I also used Coffret D'or Fluffy Shine Eyes (cream shadow) in gold as a base. This really helps with lasting power and helps prevent creasing. When the shadows are used alone with UDPP, it still creases slightly.

Just did basic application, lighter shade all over lid up to crease and darker shade on the outer.

I used the L'oreal Lineur Intense in Earthen Rock Brown, also a gift for my birthday. This has replaced my precious Lunasol liquid liner which has dried out considerably by now. (*le sigh*)

I've also used the Chantilly lipstick. Very cute pink indeed.

For those of you who are a VIB member, Sephora is giving away samples of the NARS pro prime pore refining primer (what a mouth full!). It's so tiny, probably enough for 2 uses. I look like a giant holding it.

Majolica Majorca GR750

Hello Dearies, long time no blog again. Today is just a quick EOTD using the MM palette my friend bought for me in Hong Kong. She asked me what color I wanted and I just told her something green but not too crazy. I don't have any other green shadow besides the Maquillage GR366 which has a minty green shade (more summery palette imo).
The MM palette is very earthy and very wearable for everyday.

Items used! I love how I don't have to use a lot on my eyes.

Pretty straight forward and easy to use. Before I added the liner shade, I used the black pencil liner and smudged the shadow on top. Then I used the liquid liner. Once the liner dried, I blended a bit of the green shade on top to soften the look slightly.

I love how the colors are so pigmented and long lasting. I was actually a bit disappointed in the MM palettes before because of the lasting power, but this one seems to hold up pretty well.

I got a sample of the Benefit Stay Don't Stray primer. The SA said it can also be used to prep the eyes for concealer and it won't cake. I can confirm that it did a good job as a concealer primer! Prior to that I used UDPP and it would cake/crease slightly by the end of the day, but so far the Benefit one works very well.
The primer is a bit light in color and a little goes a long way. And since it's slightly lighter than my skintone, it almost evens out my eye area a bit before shadow and concealer application.

Until next time!