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.


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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.

 

Purple Smokey Eyes

I didn't expect or plan to do another makeup look but after taking the kids out to trick-or-treat, my daughter asked me to put makeup on her and wanted to use one of those fancy eyelashes I have. So here I go again, playing with makeup and I'm really liking how it turned out. For the record, she doesn't wear makeup at all but like me to play with her face once in a while. So here it is...

I am using the Wet N Wild eyeshadow in Lust, the same one I used for the fairy makeup look (http://xxxbeautyredefinedxxx.blogspot.com/2010/10/fairy-makeup-look-using-wet-n-wild.html); however, I am using the darker color on the lid to create a darker smoky purple look.

Products Used:

Eyes: Urban Decay Primer Potion, Wet N Wild Lust palette, Lorac Front of the Line Pro eyeliner black, NYX Jumbo Eyeshadow pencil  Strawberry Milk and Black Bean. Ardell Cleopatra eyelashes.

Face: MAC Hang Loose blush, MAC On a Mission Beauty Powder Blush.

Lips: MAC Petals & Peacocks lipstick.

Masquerade inspired look

So I guess this is going to be the last look I'll be doing for Halloween. It didn't quite turn out as good as I had hoped. The lace pattern didn't show up as much as I wanted it to and the mask turned out a bit brighter than I expected. Lastly, I didn't have any gold liquid liner, which would have been ideal for the outter details of the mask. I curled my hair because I feel it coordinates better with the look. Anyways, I did the best I could with what I had.

Products used:

Mask: NYX jumbo eyepencil Electric Blue, NYX Eyeshadow single Atlantic, Milani Liquif'Eye Gold, lace, black eyeshadow.

Eyes: Urban Decay Primer Potion, Urban Decay Naked palette, Sally Girl baked eyeshadow, Lorac Front of the Line Pro Eyeliner, false eyelashes.

Lips: Wet N Wild ColorIcon Lipliner Berry Red, N.Y.C Lipstick Retro Red.

Face: Benefit Erase Paste, Wet N Wild bronzer Princess, Ulta Cheek Color Afterglow.

I added a Halloween theme to my nails. The tips of my nails looks like dripping blood. I used a sheer light pink OPI nail polish as base, it's a mini nail polish and it doesn't have a name on it (I think it was on the packaging), I bought it as a set and came with 2 other mini OPI. The red bloody tips were done using Sally Girl mini nail polish. It costs only $1.00.

To complete the masquerade look, I added some feathers, a rose, and a couple butterflies that I had put together and attached it to a head band. I used a couple hair pin to position it and secure it...And voila!

Last Weekend Haul (MAC, Shiseido, NYX, etc...)

It's been a busy week for me at work and I feel like I never have enough time to do what I want to get done when I get home. Last weekend, my boy-friend and I hung out in Chicago for a bit and like usual we were hitting the stores and malls so I ended up getting some stuff, lol. If you don't know it yet...I'm a shopaholic! Had to do this haul before my Sephora order gets here.

 I stopped by the Cosmetic Company Store at the outlet mall and bought these MAC makeup. You may be able to find some of these items from previous MAC collection in your local outlet mall too.

From left to right: Prim and Proper Blush (Satin, nudy pink), Dirty Plum Blush (Matte cool-toned plum), On a Mission Beauty Powder Blush (mauve). All colors are pigmented and pretty....Definitely needed to add more blush shade to my collection.

 MAC Peachstock is a peachy nude lipstick with a satin finish. This came out with the Liberty of London collection over the summer. I did previously buy other items from this collection so these were just adds on. The packaging is so cute. Peachstock is also available at MAC Pro stores.  

MAC Pro Longwear Lustre Lipcolor (Gypsy Rose and Shimmer It). I picked this up because I thought the color was so pretty and I don't think I have anything like it. Gypsy Rose is kinda like a coppery rose color with some gold shimmers. You're supposed to apply this color first and once it sets you can put the Shimmer It gloss over it. Without the gloss the lipcolor alone feels slightly tacky. If you want your lipcolor to last, this will do the job.

MAC Hocus Focus Colourful Face Kit. You get 2 blushes and one highlight. The packaging feels a bit bulky and heavy. I really liked the colors and figure I could use more blushes, lol.

Shiseido Lipstick BE208 is a pinky nude shade. I found this store in Chicago's China town that sells Shiseido products so I had to check it out. They also had other asian beauty products in the store including Cle De Peau, which is also made by Shiseido (it's so damn expensive!). I found the prices to be kinda high so I only bought a lipstick and eyelash curler. I picked this color because it's more wearable and subtle. This is something I could wear every day if I wanted to. I wore it to work the other day and I absolutely love the formula. It feels smooth and creamy when you apply it. Very good pigmentation and last about 4 hours on me. What I love the most is that it is sooo moisturizing! I didn't even need to reach for my lip balm throughout the day.

NYX Nail Polish - Paradise. Occasionally, you can find NYX products in perfume stores like I did. This nail color quickly grabbed my attention. It has like a duochrome effect. It's a sheer teal blue color with very fine gold shimmers. With two coats you get a semi-opaque color.

I bought this Point Curler along with my Shiseido lipstick. What's interesting about this product is that is it pretty small and you can choose which section of your eyelashes you want to curl. It folds flat and you can throw it in your purse if you need to. I don't like the fact that it's made of plastic because it can break easily.

I also bought a MAC Lipglass set and an Estee Lauder Lipstick set that I am planning on re-selling. Hoping people will buy. That's pretty much it for my beauty haul. Thanks for looking if you've got this far!

Yes I'm a Snake!

 The Water Tower Mall on the Magnificient Mile of Chicago...Looking down from the 7th floor.

How cool is that? The structure you see on the right is where the elevator is.

Another high-end shopping center on the Magnificient Mile.



Fairy Makeup Look (using Wet N Wild eyeshadows)

I was actually working on this look last night but I was so tired that I didn't get a chance to upload and post a picture. This is actually pretty easy to do. I am using one of my favorite eyeshadow palette. If you don't have it, you should check it out because the colors are so creamy, pigmented, and it's dirt cheap! I used some feather eyelashes that I bought last month at Walgreens and thought it would be great for a fairy look. I'm also wearing a lot of blush for this look. Also contouring my face with a darker blush, I guess it's hard to see on the pic.

Products Used:

Face: Estee Lauder Individualist Natural Finish foundation, Make Up Forever HD powder, MAC On a Mission blush, ELF pink passion blush, MAC Hang Loose blush duo (the purple side), Benefit Erase Paste.

Eyes: Glue stick for eyebrows, Rimmel Exaggerate Waterproof Eye Definer in ocean, MAC Grand Entrance  (from Intriguing Scarlet palette), Wet N Wild Lust eyeshadow palette, Fantasy Makers Feather Fetish Lashes, Wet N Wild Mega Liner in black, Essence Surfer Babe Waterproof eyeliner in Hang Loose.

Lips: MAC Blooming Lovely Lipstick, a little bit of gold shimmers on center of lips.

Swatches are done without a primer. See how pigmented it is!?