Review: MAC Cremesheen Glass

Richer, Lusher?

Is there such a product that makes me richer while plumping up my lopsided sausages?

Sadly, the answer is no. These cremesheen glass, or fancy tinted lip glosses, from MAC run about 20 dollars at Nordies. Surprising, since MAC lipsticks are only about 15 dollars. Good thing the mother offered payment in exchange for giving her advice on a new red lipstick shade and foundation. I recommended Studio Fix Fluid for a summer foundation and Viva Glam I (one of my recent finds) for a sexy red shade. She actually gave her SFF to me in an act of great charity, and upon seeing its finish on my skin, she had to re-buy. Women logic. SFF's full coverage and strong oil control makes flaw covering and tone-evening a one step process for lazy summers (no concealer or powder needed).

Anyway, I digress. Richer, Lusher is a beautiful coral/orange shade that looks lovely on its own or over a pink lipstick for more dimension.

PROS:

- Non-sticky. Lip gloss reminds me of the third grade. Sticky lip gloss reminds me of my third grade frenemy. Associations are powerful. This gloss doesn't stir up any old memories.

- Color is semi-opaque. In the tube, it looks like a heavy liquid gloop lipstick. The color payoff is a little less sheer than an actual Cremesheen lipstick but is more...

- Moisturizing. Even more so than its lipstick counterpart. The gloss can pair with any lipstick in order to prevent cracked lips or settled lip color.

- Doefoot applicator makes it easy to apply, though not precise enough without some reference to a pocket mirror.

- In general, a beautiful and subtle color that can lean nude for a smokey eye or brightening on its own. It is not opaque enough to clash with another lipstick but only helps amplify another lipcolor, either from a lipstick or lip liner.

- The Cremesheen Glass line has many beautiful, collectible, wonderful, obsession-inducing shades to choose from.

CONS:

- What the expensive heck? 20 dollars for a lip gloss? Good thing lip glosses last me for ages until I get annoyed at the sticky caps and throw them away.

Would I repurchase? Not likely. Would I purchase another shade in the collection? Yes, given that the color was absolutely to die for. I spotted many other lovely shades, but the price tag induced rational hesitance. My wallet actually screamed "No!" audibly. Just kidding. But 20 dollars for a lip gloss? Am I wrong for thinking that lip gloss shouldn't be more than 5 bucks under any circumstance?

Anyway, I am heading back to San Diego tomorrow to start my summer classes and clean up the house in order for a big move to another part of town. The upside is that I won't have to unpack anything, but I would still love to do a collective haul for you guys if you're interested. I'm not meaning to brag, a lot of the stuff I got were presents and gifts from my family for graduation who knows how much I love makeup and cosmetics. I got hooked up with some really great gems like a BeautyBlender, Origins face products, MAC products, and plenty of stuff from Sephora. If I do a collective haul, I'll be posting it up as a video on Youtube and link it here.

Tata for now,

Be

San Jose Haul: Part 2 at Ulta

I have officially converted my soul into Ulta points for the first time today. I know full well that there is probably 3 Ulta stores in the greater San Diego area, but never found the time to explore it. Of course, tagging along with my cousins in their quest for red lip liner, I finally enlightened myself to its makeup haven. The store has both drugstore and high end cosmetics, hair care products, nail products, and skincare for anyone who doesn't want to make multiple trips to pick up what they need or pay too much for separate online shipping. What a great idea!

One thing I noticed, however, is the giant mess its employees were making on the shop floor and their organization during open hours that made searching for a certain shade/product a little awkward. "Excuse me, let me just grope you gently from behind as I reach for my favorite lip cream, I swear." I did notice that they had a nail station and several hair stations in store, making the store a convenient drop in location for the lazy (or busy, depending on how you look at it). Another disadvantage is how the point system is only converted into paltry cash savings. 100 points to get 3 dollars off a purchase? Really? I guess they really think that the cosmetically impaired need little incentive to buy makeup.

I was happy to find a few products both for myself and my mom, who has been looking for an eye brightening pencil liner but didn't want to splurge on MUFE or Stila. They carry NYX (a rare find outside of the online warp vortex) and also feature an Urban Decay stand where I found my next all encompassing cheek palette. By the way, does anyone know what NYX stand for? Naughty Yummy Xylophones? Never Young Xenophobes? What the hell?? I always pronounce it as "nicks" anyway, so maybe that's what this makeup is used to cover up. Heh. Their stand also had a BOGO 1/2 off deal and I couldn't resist.

Below are some quick pictures of my haul for the day. I love how my kitchen counter at home is so conducive to makeup photography.

First off, I picked up three NYX Soft Matte Lip Creams to round out my collection, as I wasn't interested in collecting the other shades (too light, too dark, too...weird). They are Sao Paolo (a darker rose mauve),  Istanbul (a soft milky pink), and Adis Ababa (hot pink fuchsia). All three are shades I've been wanting to buy but never found enough NYX products to accumulate into one shipping order. All are very on trend for the summer, complements my current coloring, and have lovely color payoff that doesn't slip and slide as easily as lipstick in the heat. They are a little more drying, but nothing a dab of lip balm can't fix. They also last for at least 5 hours and are mindlessly easy to touch up.

Second, I FINALLY found the Maybelline Vivids lipstick in Fuchsia Flash. Yes, it's my 4th or 5th fuchsia shade, I've lost all count with wild purposeful abandon. I never could find it in the SD Walmart and wanted to try the shade in a formulation that is almost perfect for a DS lipstick: creamy. long lasting, moisturizing, and bright. It really makes up for the swap I made for the Vivids Pink Pop shade, which is only flattering to Miami beach mothers with hideous leather skin and bleached blonde hair with yellow teeth. *Insert long wistful sigh here* I lost a MAC lipstick shade for that swap.

Third, I found an eye brightening pencil for my mom. This liner apparently also works as a spot concealer and reverse lipliner, making it a "wonder pencil." I hope it lives up to its job as an eyeliner by being creamy and soft on the waterline and decently long lasting. I could care less that nude liner can be used as such on the lips. And god forbid someone tries this on a zit and expect literal wonders. I'm thinking that an eye brightener will definitely open up her eyes and make them look less severe with eyeliner, as per her complaints. Her eyes are large and hooded, and she constantly asks me of ways to make them look smaller. I think the best way to enhance her eye shape, however, is to line only the upper lid with eyeliner and keep things as soft and natural as possible when it comes to eyeshadow.

Finally, I invested in the Urban Decay Naked Flushed Palette. I read a review on this by Temptalia saying it was a little lackluster, but upon first application and impression it seems to be a great set for me. The bronzer is pigmented without being severe, the highlighter is shimmery but subtle, and the blush easily flatters all tones. I'm not sure what her complaint was, maybe for its lack of universality. On me, however, it's a great go to palette that will simplify my routine from 3 separate, clunky, please-don't-drop-oh-you-just-did fragile, mirror-less compacts into one sleek design I can proudly display for its efficiency over anything else.

Overall, I had a good experience with Ulta, although I would've felt better leaving the store sooner. The cousins took ten years and a first born child bargain each to decide which red lip liner would go with their new found red lipsticks, whereas I told them to invest in one clear or natural shade lip liner to save time and effort. Alas, they each went with their own red liner and walked out of the store wondering if it was really a good match. Well, hate to say "I told you so..." but I so told you so.

What do you guys think about Ulta? Too expansive or just right? Is it like another version of Sephora for you, or do you prefer your drugstore and high end brands separate?

Enjoy the weekend! Being on vacation at home is stressful when I'm job hunting at the same time!

San Jose Haul

Sorry for the absence, I've been busy entertaining family and friends ever since my commencement ceremony on Saturday. Now that I'm back in the Bay Area, I've been constantly visiting the mall. No, I don't have a sickness. The reality is, the best thing to do in my hometown is shop and people watch at Santana Row and Valley Fair. This is why my cousins and I joke that our second home is Valley Fair and that we shower in the Bath and Body Works sink, which I doubt is possible at the moment, as the mall is undergoing massive renovations and store additions. Anyhoo, I managed to pick up quite a lot of things thanks to my graduation money without breaking the bank.

The first order of business was getting my weak and brittle nails....fixed. I stopped by the new kiosk in VF named Laka for a quick express manicure and picked up 5 new nail polish shades for the summer. They have the same gelly sheen as the Butter London shades for about a third of the price, and I figured that if I was to do my own nails at home, I better had some other colors besides pinks and nudes. (Notice how I still managed to stay in my comfort zone with the red and coral pink.) Plus, my old nail polishes are beginning to dry out and need an update. I'm still not a huge nail polish person, but it's useful to have some spring shades at my disposal.



Next, I picked up a new NARS Satin Lip Pencil, this time in Luxembourg. A hot watermelon pink, this shade has serious staying power and isn't as drying as its sister Yu. It's very bright, so a steady hand is needed when shading in your lips.



I also picked up another Brow Wiz pencil in Medium Ash. I was hesitant to try this shade as it seemed a little light and more appropriate for blonde or lighter brows, but it manages to come off as a perfect match for my black brow hairs. I tried to convince my mom to try it and ditch the boxy brown brows look (oh god...) but she is still insistent that it looks "too natural", as if there's such a thing.



I also picked up more MUFE lipsticks, this time in 36 (Satin Fuchsia) and 42 (Satin bright tomato red). My cousin recently picked up the 42 for herself and I loved how well it showed up on camera. In person, it's a vibrant and cheerful red that's very appropriate for summer without crossing into harlot territory. On camera, it is more of a true classic red. And of course, you guys all know how much I've been lemming for the fuchsia shade but was never able to find it in stores in San Diego. Maybe NorCalites don't like lipstick. These were also a whole 2 dollars cheaper in store than in San Diego... How suspicious. Have I been overpaying for makeup ever since living in SoCal? Do people in SoCal go through lipstick at such an odious and desperate rate that they must raise prices to decrease demand?

  

Finally, I splurged on a new Michael Kors watch, the only gift for myself using my own graduation money. Sad, isn't it? I've decided that it's in my best interest to make good decisions like putting money into my savings account. It's a giant, oversized look in all gold that's extravagant to the point of tacky, but is a great contrast to my forearm tattoo. I originally wanted a Nixon 51-30 (like heyclaire's) but my bank account told me to calm my mammary glands down and be realistic. I also think that a watch is the best statement piece for armcandy that requires little thought or prior planning. This one definitely spruces up my plain jane outfits.



I'm planning to move back to San Jose now that I'm done with my undergrad education and find a well paying job that allows for my lipstick hoarding to continue. For now, I'll be busy scoping out housing and jobs in the Bay and hopefully head to some interviews before I head back to San Diego and pack up my things.

HAUL: Summer Basics and Red Lipsticks

[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z5nvwG6yoWY&w=560&h=315]

Hi guys! My latest haul video is up!

It's been a really long time since I've had the opportunities to

a) Trim my hideously overgrown, full of split-end, overall in bad condition hair.

My hair is now healthy, has structure, and doesn't look like the Grudge's curtain of black as she descends the stairs. I used to get my cut and coloring at Mary Jane Salon in the Hillcrest area of San Diego, but the price tag was steep for their great service. I decided to give the salon on UCSD campus a try.

b) Go shopping for new clothes without the judging eyes of the husband, forever perusing why I have "a closet full of clothes and I never seem to wear it all."

I've actually cleaned out my closet of anything that I don't touch and trying to revamp my style post-grad. The pastel teeny bopper chiffon shirts really need to go. I definitely know I like living in comfy clothes, so from now on I'll be trying to pick up some cute dresses and invest in key pieces such as shoes, accessories, and handbags and just be okay with everything else looking like it came from the thrift store. Which it probably will.

c) Pick up some red lipsticks that aren't orange-based for the summer.

I hate my love for blue based lipsticks, but they seem way too vampy for the summer. The three lipsticks I've picked up has that spiciness to them that keeps things vibrant without crossing the line into "made up". It takes a certain conviction to rock red, especially when water and greasy food is being flung at you from all corners.

d) Find a foundation that holds up to the millions of photos I'll be taking on commencement day.

Yup, I'll be graduating this Saturday. And yes, the family will be there armed with cameras. I haven't decided on an outfit, but I know my face needs to be flashback free and neutral. If you guys want a quick "get ready with me" video, please leave a comment down below!

Well, that's all for today. I've got the rest of the day to handle my errands and paperwork.

How To: My Contouring Routine

Sorry for the absence lately, I've been very busy preparing for finals week. One...more...week...until...misery...over. For this week, I want to focus on one of my go-to makeup routine when I want to add an extra oomph to my bone structure. Of course, I'm referring to the magic trick called also known as "contouring." Done right, your cheekbones will be sharp enough to cut diamonds. Done wrong however, and your cheeks simply look muddy, as if your natural flush is a lovely shade of river bottom brown.

For me, my high cheekbones are muted by an expansive real estate of cheek of over two acres. In order to bring out the best of my bone structure, especially for big night outs and events involving flash photography, I refer to my three favorite holy grail products for contouring:

*drumroll please*

NYX Taupe is inexpensive, cool-toned, and not too pigmented. This, my friends, is the holy grail of all contouring powders ever made. Without being too pigmented, you can't go cheekbone happy unless you rub your brush into the pan with vigor. It is also not sparkly (cheekbones simply do not "sparkle" even if you're James Marsden) and a great ashy brown that doesn't scream fake tan. I use this with a small contour brush, such as the Sigma F40, directly underneath my cheekbones in order to define them.

After this step, Too Faced's faux tan in a pan comes into play. Marketed as a bronzer (rather than a contour powder), this product is great for adding warmth directly onto my cheeks and outer edge of the face in order to focus the eyes inwards to my features. It also smells like sugary chocolate milk, doesn't have an orange undertone, and has a great color payoff. I warm up my face with this product and skip the blush. The packaging is simple and elegant for a mid-range product, and you get more than enough to last until the winter season when the vampires call asking for their foundation shade match.

Finally, I use Too Faced's Candlelight Glow in order to add a lovely sheen on the upper half on my cheekbones. With this product, I have to use a very slight hand. Otherwise, the effect is rather Disco Barbie than ethereal princess. As with the Milk Chocolate Soleil, this product is at a mid-range price point but requires very little to achieve a lovely sheen.

Below are some photos of all three products under indoor artificial lighting. You can see that the Taupe looks the darkest in pan, but actually translates to the least color payoff once it's directly on the skin. On the other hand, Candlelit Glow looks approachable, but is actually the girl who spills her drink on your face for being too direct. It's always a good idea to apply your contouring products in a well lit environment, near a window of direct sunlight, or in a cave for trolls if you have no regard for naturalism when using makeup to restructure your face.

 

For a complete video tutorial and quick "how-to" on how I contour my face, please wait for my YouTube video coming up soon.

Let me know what your Holy Grail products are for contouring!

- Be

Haul and Review: Red Cherry lashes!

Look at what I found at the local swap meet for a whole TWO DORRAHS each!

I've seen Leina on YouTube use these and have always wanted to try them out. Apparently, these are made from 100% Human Hair...not sure how I feel about that, but I'm sure they will hold up a lot better than synthetic lashes. "Excuse madam, let me harvest your hairs so that another lady can stick them to their eyeballs."

The one problem I have with false lashes is that they often take a lot of trimming to fit with my eye shape. My almond shaped hooded eyes get pinched and irritated on the inner corners even if they are just a tad too long. I will probably cut each lash in half to make....four pairs!

I have gotten a lot of practice putting falsies on, but they are still pretty time consuming. I do have to agree that they can transform your eyes instantly and some girls never leave home without them on! The right pair of eyelashes will feel lightweight and comfy enough for a whole day of wear.

I got #46 and #42. Both have a varying length look that can pass as "natural". Y'know, as natural as glued appendages can look on a girl.

What is your take on falsies? Too much or just right for daily use?

 

Update: June 3rd, 2013

These are amazing.

With a lightweight band, it may seem like it would be impossible to spread glue on the lashes themselves without making a mess, and this is true. I would take the extra time to apply with a toothpick or Q-tip.

However, these lashes are so light that it literally feels like nothing is on. This is especially important for those big events where I often rub my eyes raw from itchiness. I think I will wear these on a regular basis only because they are so comfortable.

I did end up cutting the one lash band into a pair, and they fit perfectly onto my eyes. They also take well to mascara and thus, no downward pointing real lashes to clash against the false ones.