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Sunday, October 23, 2011

Emergency ULTA Hair Related Haul

I can think of very few beauty situations that are less frustrating than when your hair dryer starts to spark and smell like burning plastic about two minutes after you've initiated contact with it. I'm not one of those girls that can go natural in the hair department. I need me some heat and lots of it or I look like a drowned rat or a grease head who hasn't washed her hair in a week because there is absolutely no volume or lift when I air-dry my hair, it just lays there flat against my head but still frizzy. Flat and frizzy? I can't think of anything worse. Except knowing you're going to have to spend three digits on something that is an essentially rather boring purchase. I'm not big on hair stuff, I'm more of a makeup girl and spending $100 in ULTA on stuff that isn't makeup just seems kind of a waste and more of a duty than an enjoyable spending spree.

But as beauty fate would have it, the same day my hair dryer fizzled out, a 20% off coupon from ULTA landed in my mailbox. A coupon with barely any exclusions good on your entire purchase! 

So I spent some time testing out all of the hairdryers in the mid-expensive range because I want this baby to last. Spending $30 on a hairdryer will ultimately end in spending another $30 and then another $30 because they just don't last. Do you know that before I started spending a lot on a hairdryer, my hair would just break off so easily and never grow. Fast forward to buying a good hairdryer and my hair finally grows and feels a lot better. Who knows if there is a correlation there but it helps me to justify cost. 

So the most expensive hair dryers at ULTA are the T3 brand that range from $100-$250. I have two requirements for a hair dryer: that they are semi-lightweight and that they come with one of those attachments that eliminate direct between hair and metal. Moving on, Chi makes the next most expensive category of driers from about $150-$200 and then Rusk, Sedu and others. My shopping willpower is weak and naturally inclined to go with the best available because of curiosity as to WHY its supposed to be the best. But I finally showed my willpower who was boss and opted for a T3, but a cheaper T3 that was on sale for $100 + my coupon brought it down to around $80.
T3 Veloce Tourmaline Hairdryer $99 at ULTA, exciting isn't it?

Not willing to let my coupon go to waste on just ONE item, I purchased the Rusk Bright shampoo that is good for blondes, like not for normal blondes but the ones like me who actually have zero pigment left in their hair and take platinum to whole new level. My hairdresser advised me that the Rusk was good but not to use it TOO often or it would turn my hair pink. That was actually the selling point for me because that means it is powerful and that is what I need when the brassiness starts to surface and the dreaded "gold" starts to take over your previously silvery/blonde locks. 


I also picked up some fancy eyelashes by Eylure, the number 1 selling false eyelash in the UK. The Party Perfect line from Eyelure includes fancier looking lashes than its normal line. I love them because they are thick with sparkles and then get longer on the outside portion. I'm wearing them for my cat costume on Halloween. Not that long, sparkly lashes have much to do with cats.

And that was it! I did look at the makeup aisles but wasn't tempted so that must mean there is absolutely nothing of interest out right now for me to not even be tempted! Dare I say I am content at the moment with my makeup collection? Don't worry, it won't last.

Saturday, October 22, 2011

A Lipstick for Everyone! My Current Favorite From Too Faced

I may have mentioned this lipstick briefly in a previous post but allow me to reiterate. I have been enjoying the Too Faced lipstick in "Centerfold" ($20) for quite some time now and I thought it was my duty as a beauty informant to tell you about it. This was my first Too Faced lipstick and I am quite impressed. I don't normally go for those cutesy gimicky brands with all of the fancy packaging, although they are quite pleasing to the eye. However, I have come to realize that Too Faced makes a fantastic lipstick. The formula is pretty much perfect in that it is formulated with Shea Butter and other hydrating components that make it so comfortable and totally non-drying. Honestly its the perfect consistency and what I love is that the formula doesn't emphasize any of your lip imperfections like flaky and dry patches (:cough:like some MAC lipsticks can). And it has a pleasant fragrance which oddly enough, kind of smells like beer if you really concentrate on the scent long enough to experience those fragrance notes. Call me crazy, it still smells good. I apologize to Too Faced for thinking I was too good for its products. I now know they sure make a killer lipstick. And I know my lipstick.

Bonus: no need for a gloss with this lipstick because it gives enough of a pretty sheen on its own.

Oh, the packing is adorable! Its shiny, pink, and has a jewel looking mechanism on one end. And the cap is pink inside which I really enjoy. Its all in the details ladies. You know how babies are attracted to shiny things? I think women are attracted to pink and sparkly things. I'm pretty sure it stems from childhood and the desire to become a princess. 

The color: Centerfold is the perfect shade for everyone whether they be pale or dark, cool or warm, 16 or 60, this beautiful mid-tone mauve with a hint of a purple undertone will flatter anyone's lips. Trust me on this one. I can't tell you how perfect this shade is for fall. So get on out there to ULTA, if you received the 20% coupon in the mail like I did, I'm pretty sure it can be used on almost everything except Lancome and fragrances. If you already have Centerfold or another TF shade or if you end up buying it because of my recommendation, I'd love to hear how you like it! P.S. don't really pay attention to the photo above as it doesn't really represent the true color of Centerfold, the actual color is not dark. See below for a good swatch.

Too Faced Centerfold is on the left. This is not my photo, I can't find whose it is or I would give credit!
Lipstick to me is one of life's simple little pleasures. A woman always feels better in lipstick as it is an instant pick-me-up. I have so many fond memories of lipstick, from looking at my grandmother's gold lipstick tubes always encompassing a very fragrant floral scent to buying my first lipstick to becoming obsessed with it and needing to touch up in between every class in high school. I just love lipstick.

Friday, October 21, 2011

Anyone Have Access to Catrice Products?

Hello to any of you international lovelies out there that can get their hands on some Catrice "Nude Rose" lipliner(s) for me in the US. Catrice is not sold in the US unfortunately. If you are located in an area of the world where Catrice is easily accessible to you and you would like to do a little swap with me, please comment below. I would be happy to make a purchase for you that would equal the price of what I'm looking for, and throw in a little something something extra for your kindness in helping a sister out. 

According to their website, Catrice can be found in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland but not sure if they've expanded any further. 

Monday, October 17, 2011

Battle of the Blacks: Best Black Nail Polish


Photo Credit www.bellasugar.com
People used to immediately turn their nose up at wearing black nail polish. But that all changed when Chanel made black nails sexy and sophisticated a few years back when they released their "Black Satin" nail polish, an instant cult favorite and Kourtney Kardashian's favorite shade. I like the glossy black color that Black Satin provides but unfortunately I don't like the way it wears and the skinny brush. I know, insulting Chanel is blasphemous and I should just shut my mouth. Essie makes a great black called "Licorice" but the best, glossiest, most sophisticated black I have found is OPI Black Onyx. I personally feel its similar to the look of the Chanel Black Satin but it applies better, wears better, and only requires 2 coats to achieve a truly opaque look.
OPI Black Onyx, Photo Credit www.bestmanicures.com
Some of you may wonder, how does one go about wearing a black nail polish without looking too gothic and/or depressed. Well, to that I say, mix it up. Just as mixing genres in fashion is always popular, same goes for black nail polish. Wear something feminine and soft with your black nails and you protray the image of sophistication and a girl whose not afraid to take a few risks in the name of fashion. Wear black nail polish with all black clothing and studded bracelets and you may project the image of The Crow. Not that there is really anything wrong with that but still.

So there you have it, my favorite black nail polish and the best way to wear it for those that may be a bit timid.

Saturday, October 8, 2011

Nail Polish of the Week!

I've been hitting the nail polish jackpot as of late with three successful purchases from Zoya and Essie. First, if you haven't tried Zoya, you simply must! Here's why: the formulation is awesome in that it applies like a dream and dries much much faster than your average nail polish. I was shocked when I piled three coats of one of the shades the other night and it was actually dry to the touch just a few minutes afterwards. Major selling point. And the Zoya Smoke and Mirrors collection for fall 2011 is to die for. The shades included are the most perfect fall nail polish collection I've ever seen. That being said, two of the polishes i bought this week were from that collection.

Nail Polish Haul:

Zoya "Jana"- Available right now at ULTA as part of Smoke and Mirrors. In the store this looked like a true mauve but on the nails, it came across as a very deep smoky charcoal with a mauve/plum undertone. Fabulous nonetheless.
Photo found at http://nailstah.blogspot.com
Zoya "Neeka"- Couldn't resist this beautiful deep amethyst with very fine micro-shimmer. Another polish from the new collection and purchased at ULTA.
Photo Credit: www.temptalia.com (she has the whole Smoke and Mirrors collection with amazing photos!



Essie Angora Cardi: This one is from 2009 and is a permanent fixture in the Essie line-up. How I missed this one is beyond me. This is one of the most unique shades in that I didn't have anything like it in my collection. The shade is a very creamy, deep shade of rose/mauve. Its a definite must-have if you are looking for a good and dark fall shade and have enough of the dark wines and plums. I love vampy dark shades but this is like one of those with a feminine twist. Very unique and applies so creamy and opaque, I am a three coats kind of girl but I could totally get away with two coats because of the smooth opaque finish.
Photo Credit: www.vampyvarnish.com


**As for the polish photos, I almost always use someone elses photo if I am unable to capture the shade of the polish in the way that reflects its true greatness.


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Unnatural Beauty: A Humorous and Opinionated Beauty Blog: Kicking off 2012 With A Giveaway.. The Urban Decay Naked2 Palette! 

Nail Polish of the Week!

I've been hitting the nail polish jackpot as of late with three successful purchases from Zoya and Essie. First, if you haven't tried Zoya, you simply must! Here's why: the formulation is awesome in that it applies like a dream and dries much much faster than your average nail polish. I was shocked when I piled three coats of one of the shades the other night and it was actually dry to the touch just a few minutes afterwards. Major selling point. And the Zoya Smoke and Mirrors collection for fall 2011 is to die for. The shades included are the most perfect fall nail polish collection I've ever seen. That being said, two of the polishes i bought this week were from that collection.

Nail Polish Haul:

Zoya "Jana"- Available right now at ULTA as part of Smoke and Mirrors. In the store this looked like a true mauve but on the nails, it came across as a very deep smoky charcoal with a mauve/plum undertone. Fabulous nonetheless.
Photo found at http://nailstah.blogspot.com
Zoya "Neeka"- Couldn't resist this beautiful deep amethyst with very fine micro-shimmer. Another polish from the new collection and purchased at ULTA.
Photo Credit: www.temptalia.com (she has the whole Smoke and Mirrors collection with amazing photos!



Essie Angora Cardi: This one is from 2009 and is a permanent fixture in the Essie line-up. How I missed this one is beyond me. This is one of the most unique shades in that I didn't have anything like it in my collection. The shade is a very creamy, deep shade of rose/mauve. Its a definite must-have if you are looking for a good and dark fall shade and have enough of the dark wines and plums. I love vampy dark shades but this is like one of those with a feminine twist. Very unique and applies so creamy and opaque, I am a three coats kind of girl but I could totally get away with two coats because of the smooth opaque finish.
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Photo Credit: www.vampyvarnish.com


**As for the polish photos, I almost always use someone elses photo if I am unable to capture the shade of the polish in the way that reflects its true greatness.

Saturday, October 1, 2011

Drugstore Gem: L'Oreal Carbon Black Lineur Intense Felt Tip Liquid Eyeliner (Lancome Art Liner Dupe!)

I had forgotten how much I liked liquid eyeliner since I have pretty much been wearing anything but for a long time now. You just can't beat the precision of a felt-tip liquid eyeliner. Not to mention the staying power is superior to a pencil or twist-up liner. I was watching MakeupByTiffanyD do a drug store haul on YouTube and she said that this L'Oreal liner was her favorite liquid eyeliner and she preferred it to the beloved Lancome Art Liner because she said it was blacker and it applied better than the much more expensive Art Liner. So I grabbed it while at Target today! It was around $7.50 and its very very good.

Photo Credit http://littlemokaa.blogspot.com
What I Like:

It's super jet-black! And it goes ON that way, you don't have to go over it a few times like some liners that go on kind of liquidy but not super opaque.

Love the flexible felt-tip! The bendy tip just makes it easier to apply, it just feels smooth and effortless.

Doesn't Transfer! Most liquid eyeliners don't but this one really stays gorgeous and pigmented without fading or transfering.

As with any liquid eyeliner, you are in control of the thickness of your line which is what I love about this one

And finally, the felt-tip liquid liner makes it easy to do a cat eye with more precision and control

What's Not to LOVE?

Overall Grade: A+