Budget Friendly Organization for Your Jewelries

Some of use can't afford a fancy jewelry box but we still need to find a practical way of storing and organizing them. These are just a couple ideas I wanted to share and hopefully you will find them useful.

I use a tie rack from Wal-Mart to hang my necklaces. This is very inexpensive. I can't remember exactly how much I paid for it since I've had this for years. As you can see, I either need to give away some of these necklaces or get another rack because that would defeat the purpose of being organized since I have way too many on this rack, lol. What I love about this rack is you can store A LOT of necklaces! If you want you can also use it for rings.

Another storage idea is getting these containers from the sporting good isle. These clear plastic containers are in the fishing section and the intended use is for storing fishing lures. However, the small divided compartments makes it also ideal for storing earrings or rings. My boy-friend always said my earrings look like fishing lures and how ironic is that I store then in these containers, hahahah. They come in many different size and are very affordable. Plus the fact that the container is clear you can see exactly what's inside before you open.





TJ Maxx is a good place to look for organization tools. I bought this hand from there for jut a few bucks and this holds some of my rings.



I purchase this jewelry holder from Forever 21. It's very inexpensive and I use it to store rings and bracelets. This baby is pretty cute, holds a lot of stuff, sturdy, and doesn't require a lot of space.

Do you have any storage tips and ideas you would like to share or suggest?

Bow-tie Jewelry Obsession

I wanted to do a fun makeup look tonight but I am so tired that hopefully, I'll be able to do one tomorrow. Meanwhile, I just wanted to share with you girls some jewelries that I really enjoy.
I am obsessed with bow-tie jewelries. I think they are adorable, cute, and girly. I don't know, perhaps I am a little too old for it but I can't help it, lol. Every time I come across one, I just can't turn away. This is my little collection of bow ties.

I love Betsey Johnson's jewelries, particularly those that come with these cute little bows, rhinestone, or pearl. She is so creative and her designs are always fun and different. I also love her shoes. The bow is like her signature touch. I bought these off Ebay and got a good deal on them. They normally retail between $30-$45 and can be found at Macy's and other department stores. These are made of good quality materials and will not tarnish.





I found this necklace at Forever 21 few months ago. It was supposed to come with earrings but they were missing so they gave me a 10% discount since it was the last one on the rack.





I got these earrings from Charlotte Russe. They are quite big, about one inch wide. Charlotte Russe earrings are so affordable and always 2 pairs for $8.00. I love getting my jewelries from there. I always find something I like.





When I saw this ring, it was instant love. It was also pretty cheap so I couldn't pass it up.

 




I don't remember what brand this was but I bought it from Burlington Coat Factory for about $5.00






I bought this ring from Target and it was the last one on the rack too. This is made of stearling silver. I'm glad that the bow isn't so huge. It looks very classy and elegant. Cost $20.00


Do you own any bow tie jewelries? If so, where did you purchase yours?

My Favorite Jewelry set - Swarovski Crystal

I don’t know about you guys but I love Swarovski crystal and the way they sparkle. They are undoubtedly more affordable than diamonds but can still be pricier than you’d want to pay. This is one of my favorite jewelry set that I purchased and guess what…I didn’t pay an arm and a leg for it. The total cost including shipping was roughly $20.00!!! I bought these back in March 2010 from Ebay. Unfortunately, I can’t tell you who the seller is because he is no longer selling. It was shipped from Hong Kong and only took about a week for me to receive. If you love to get your hands on some pretty Swarovski crystal jewelries, I strongly suggest you look into Ebay because they are so much more affordable there. If you've never purchased from Ebay, please be careful who you purchase from. Check the seller's ratings and customer's feedback. I'd normally wouldn't purchase unless they are rated 99.5% and above and have been around for some time.

I was super stoked when I received these. They are a lot prettier than you see in the picture and they look expensive ;)! The center of the heart is a teal blue whereas the rest is like a deep ocean blue. It's so beautiful and classy!

Cheapies but goodies

So I had to run some errands today…groceries, household items, and stuff for my daughter’s project. We stopped by the Dollar Tree store close by where I live and as usual, I always make a stop by the beauty isle. I found these Art Deco nail polishes by L.A. Colors and they had so many colors! I knew I wanted to grab a few of them because I only have a couple of these. If you haven’t tried these yet, basically they are just like nail polishes but they come with a fine long brush that’s specially made for nail art design. I usually find these at Forever 21 and Sally Beauty Supply but you won’t get them for a dollar there. I think they retail between $2 and $3. I know it’s not much but still a good deal to get them at half price.

The other things I picked up are these Revlon Matte eyeshadows. They of course had more shades but I only grabbed the ones I didn’t have. These usually retail for about $4.00, so I was thrilled to buy them for only a dollar a piece. These eyeshadows are so pigmented and good quality for being matte.

Other products I saw there but didn’t buy are Sally Hensen, L.A. Colors eyeshadows and lipsticks, ELF eyeshadow quads and gloss, Maybelline lipliners, etc…You guys should check out your local dollar store when you get a chance. You never know what you may find. This Dollar Tree doesn’t always have the same thing, every time I go there, I always find something new.

I used a plain black nail polish as base to swatch these nail art polishes.

 

Yellow – This is a bright yellow but the formula goes a bit on the sheer side. It has no shimmers or glitters.



Baby Pink – This is a soft pink with white pearly shimmers. Applies opaque.



Bright Green – The name says it all. This applies a bit on the sheer side with no shimmers or glitters.



Magenta – This is a pinkish purple with white pearly shimmers. Applies opaque.



White – This has no shimmers or glitters and applies opaque.

 

Tempting Teal – It doesn’t look anything close to teal in the pan but once it is swatched there’s a little hint of it. I still find the name misleading. This looks more like a cool-toned dark sage green.

Venetian Blue – This is such a bright and pretty matte blue color. I can just imagine creating a very bold look with this color.

My Favorite Lipsticks under $10 – Revlon Colorburst

This is one of my favorite affordable lipsticks. In fact, I loved them so much that I bought at least half the colors they have available. I have the shades: crimson, plum, fuchsia, lilac, rosy nude, blush, and soft nude. I also purchased the color in grape but I ended up exchanging it because I didn't like the way it applies on my lips. For some reason, it felt more slippery and the color didn't go evenly. It was very odd that the formula of this particular shade didn't work for me because I'm very happy with the ones that I've kept.

The lipsticks are quite pigmented and glide very nicely on the lips. It's definitely more moisturizing and better quality than the Super Lustrous lipsticks. All the colors pretty much have the same satin sheen finish. They have a very faint synthetic scent that you may not even notice as it quickly fades when you apply it. The packaging is pretty and has quilted pattern. The color on top of the cap heps you identify the shade within a glance and not having to open it or turn it upside down to find out the color. If you wait for them to go on sale, you can get them for even cheaper so more bang for your bucks!

If you haven't tried these yet, you should but if you did, which is your favorite color?

Revlon Colorbust – Soft Nude

Soft Nude has a satin finish and applies quite smoothly on the lips. These Colorburst lipsticks are what I call drugstore gems because you get quality along with affordability. This particular color is a light peachy nude. Honestly, this is the best nude I’ve tried. My skin tone is light and I’m about an NC30 in MAC (if that’s any relevant to some of you). Nude lipsticks can be difficult to choose just like foundation. You want a color that isn’t going to washout your lips but make it look like your lips but better. This shade looks better on fair and light skinned people. I wouldn’t recommend if your skin tone is medium and darker.

I heard a lot of people say that it is a dupe for MAC Crème D Nude but in my opinion, I find them both different. With that said, I will do a post comparing the both so you can decide whether they are the same.

Revlon Colorbust – Blush

Blush is a color that I think will look nice and show up on most skin tone. If you are darker and have pigmented lips, this may not show up but add a nice sheen to them. I think the names of these lipsticks correspond very well with the color. This color looks like a blush; hence the name blush. I would describe the color as a light mauvy rose. I love this color. It’s very flattering, subtle, and appropriate for daytime and office.

Revlon Colorbust – Rosy Nude

The name of this lipstick may be misleading. This isn’t exactly a shade I would describe as rosy nude because it’s much darker than I would have guessed. It’s more like a brownish rose since brown is more prominent in this shade. This is also a daytime appropriate lip color but with a little more color to your lips.

Revlon Colorburst – Lilac

If you’re into purple, you don’t want to miss out on this lipstick. Lilac is exactly what this color is. It’s a muted cool-toned lilac/pink color. Because it’s got a bit of a pink undertone to it, this shade is very wearable and flattering. It’s suitable for a daytime and office look but can also be worn with smoky eyes for nighttime if you decide not to opt for a nude color.

Revlon Colorburst – Fuchsia

Fuchsia it is. I love bright pink lipsticks! It’s more flirty and girly as compared to reds. If you think red is too much for you, try bright pinks like fuchsia. This is a shade probably more suited for young women. Then again, I don’t think age is a big factor. When I see someone wear this color, I think of the person as fun, playful, and sassy. If that’s the impression you wanna make, go for it! Believe it or not, the colors you choose for your makeup add moods and personally to your face.

Revlon Colorburst – Plum

Plum is a name well-suited for this shade. This is a cool toned plumy shade and adds more drama to your lips. Probably more appropriate for night time look and parties. I think this color would look good on any skin tone but probably best if you are either fair or dark. There are so many shades of red and I read a lot about what kind of red will look best on you, etc…but in my opinion, anyone can pull off any shade of reds. It’s just a matter of personal taste. If you don’t like red lips on yourself because it looks too dramatic, you’re not going to find one that you’ll like since you already believe that the color doesn’t suit you. So in order for you to pull off red lips, you gotta believe you look great in it. J

Revlon Colorburst – Crimson

Crimson is a warm toned red with a little hint of brown and orange undertone. It’s a shade suitable for festive looks and probably will look best on people with warm undertone complexion. Again, whether you gonna like it or not will depend on your personal taste. I personally find it flattering on myself but it isn’t something I’d reach for often. Only on special occasions or when I’m playing with makeup. I personally find red lips to be mysterious and seductive. If that’s the impression you wanna make, go for it! LoL.



Circle Lens Full Review

Almost a year ago, I discovered circle lens on YouTube and was very intrigued so I started doing some research about them. For those who still don't know what circle lens are, they are special lenses that are made to enlarge the iris of your eyes and to give you the effect of big dolly eyes. I believe they originated in Korea and are quite popular in Asia. Circle lenses are not for everyone and can look a bit unnatural and freaky depending on the style you select. Some people may dislike them but I personally love how they make my eyes pop.
In February 2010, my boy-friend agreed to get them for me. I asked him to purchased them from *Pinky Paradise as I have heard many good reviews about this site. Other sellers with ask you to pre-order and include your order along with others as a batch; therefore, it may take longer to receive your lenses. I decided to go with Pinkyparadise because they have a large selection already in stock, and many of which also come with prescription for those who need it. My boy-friend ordered them during the Chinese new year and as a result they were closed for a week so it took a little longer for me to receive my order. Others have claimed to receive their contacts within a week or two but it took about 3 weeks for me. By the way, the order came from Malaysia. I know for a lot of us, it is a concern to order from a foreign country that we don't know anything about. In that case, we just have to take a chance to find out. I have looked at a few websites that sell circle lenses and so far, this one is pretty reasonable in price and the good reviews encouraged me to buy from them.
You've probably heard the controversies and warnings about circle lenses in the media. I personally think they are just full of BS because they just don't want you to take your business outside of the US. I have been a contact lens user for over 10 years and just started wearing circle lenses this year. Basically, any contacts even FDA approved, can pose potential risk if you do not handle them properly. Making sure your hands are cleaned and sanitized before touching the lenses and your eyes are very important to prevent infections. I have not had any problems with my circle lenses and I personally find them more comfortable than the regular contacts. They can be used for a whole year before you toss them out. I used to wear the FreshLook color contacts and after 2 weeks, they start to feel a little scratchy and irritating on my eyes. But these circle lenses don't do that. Many of the reviews I've heard or read recommend that you shouldn't be wearing them for more than 6 hours but I need them so I do wear them for 10+ hours. I don't experience any dryness or discomfort after 6 hours...then again that's just me. I believe everyone reacts differently. My eyes are not that sensitive.
I only have 3 pairs (grey, green, and violet) and I can't wait to order more colors and different style. The following pictures were taken when I first received them.



They are packaged inside these little glass containers. You should take them out and soak them in your regular contact lens solution for 6 hours before putting them in your eyes. I think the solution they come in have some disinfecting agent that I heard will irritate and burn your eyes if you immediately put them on when you open them. The top of the container is securely wrapped with a thick aluminum cap. Be very careful when removing the cap as it will create sharp edges when you pop it. I used tweezers to pull the cap. Pinkyparadise also include these cute animal contact cases with each pair you purchase.



Geo Angel Green - the dark ring on the outer edge emphasize the shape and color of your eyes. It looks a bit unnatural when up close but with a little distance, doesn't seem as frightening.  This color is very intense and has a hint of blue. It's 14.00 mm in diameter. Not the biggest enlargement effect you can get but still slightly larger than your natural eyes. Geo contact lenses come with an authenticity code on each of them. Follow the instruction on the package to verify authenticity.



Geo Nudy Grey - this pair doesn't have a dark ring on the outer edge like the Geo Angel. It is 14.00 mm. It has a pixelated pattern, giving you the effect of reptile eyes. I don't like it as much as I thought I would.

Wonder Eye Violet - This one has a significantly bigger enlargement effect compared to the last two as it is 14.7 mm. This pair makes my eyes scary cute! But I'm actually loving it. If you want the big big dolly eyes, you should pick a diameter over 14 mm. The outer black ring adds more definition to my eyes. Since these are larger, you will notice a halo effect around your eyes, especially when you move your eyeballs. These look quite unnatural because they are so huge but since the color is not over-the-top, I find it easy to pull off. My only and main complain about this particular brand is that even though I selected the right prescription, it still feels pretty weak. I don't wear these as often because of that reason.

Well that's it for my review. Let me know if you have any questions. I plan on ordering a more natural color like brown in the future. Hopefully soon. Let me know what you think of circle lenses if you'd like to share.


* This post contains affiliated link

Sephora F&F Haul - Guerlain, YSL, Urban Decay

I purchased the following items from Sephora's website during the Friends and Family discounts (20% off everything). I hope many of you had the chance to snag some goodies too during the sale. My order arrived last friday but with Halloween and hectic long work days, I didn't find the time to post these up sooner.

I picked up some fancy lipsticks :D



Guerlain Rouge G - Grenade (Limited Edition) is definitely a luxurious beauty product. I heard so many great things about it that I couldn't resist getting one with the discount because I'm literally saving $9.20 from the retail price. The packaging is very elegant and sophisticated, not to mention heavy. A good portion of the price goes toward this beautiful case. When you pull the lipstick tube out, the mirror automatically opens. The base of the tube is magnetic and helps keep the mirror and lipstick secure when not in use.

  


Grenade is a pearly raspberry color. You can get a pretty opaque coverage if you layer it. The formula is fantastic. It glides very smoothly and feels velvety on the lips. It is also very moisturizing and long-wearing. It lasts a good 4 hours on my lips and still keeps my dry lips hydrated. It has a strong perfumy/cosmetic scent to it but I personally do not find it bothersome. This is the most expensive lipstick I've bought till now ($46) and I'm sure not going to pick another one of those anytime soon. If you want to splurge on a luxurious lipstick, this is definitely one to consider.





Another high-end lipstick I wanted to try is Yves Saint Laurent. Rouge Pur Couture is a new addition to the line. The case looks very shiny and metallic gold. Overall, it looks simple yet classy. My only complaint is that the case gets scratched easily.

 



I picked up the color rouge vermillon. It's another raspberry pink with some warm undertone to it. I am not disappointed with this lipstick either. The formula is creamy, smooth, pigmented, very moisturizing, and diminish the look of cracked dry lips. It has a satin finish and smells wonderful! Like a mix of fruity and floral. 





So because I ordered online and it was hard to tell the true color of the lipstick until I see it for myself, I came to the conclusion that the two lipsticks I bought were very similar in color. Guerlain Rouge G Grenade just happen to have more sheen and Rouge Vermillion is creamier and applies more opaque but the colors are pretty darn close! ***sigh*** I'm gonna have to go to Sephora and exchange one of those for a different shade.

 



I was very tempted to snag the new Urban Decay BOS, just because everyone else wants or has one, lol. Then I reminded myself that I'd probably wouldn't wear it much and it would just sit there in my makeup stash. So instead, I picked up the Black Palette. The colors from this palette are not as bright or bold as the other BOS. I'd probably would wear these more often and with the right application, would be able to pull it off for office appropriate look. Like other UD eyeshadows, these shades hold the same quality: pigmented, creamy, smooth, and blendable.

 



On the top row of the Black Palette, we have Black Dog, which is a matte intense black eyeshadow. Barracuda is a greyish silver eyeshadow with fine green and pearly shimmers. Jet is a cool-toned greyish purple with fine blue and pink shimmers. All swatches from this palette are done without a primer. You can see how pigmented they already are. With a primer they would look more intense and a little brighter.

 



Sabbath is a cool-toned dark navy blue with fine blue and pearly shimmers. Cobra is a brownish green color with fine gold and green shimmers, this color reminded me a lot of MAC Pearlglide eyeliner in Black Line. Libertine is a dark forest green color with fine green shimmers.





Lastly, I bought this Buxom lipstick and lipgloss set. I didn't swatch these because I was planning on reselling them. However, if no one buys them, I'd be happy to keep them to myself and will do a swatch/review later in that case. When I tested them out at the store, I liked them a lot. They smelled nice like baked muffins and have good pigmentation. I like that there is a good combination of pink, mauve, and nude. Colors that are generally easy to wear and look nice on every skin tone.

Hope you enjoyed checking out my haul and that it was also informative. Please, feel free to comment or ask questions. Let me know what you bought as well.