June 2011 Favorites!

Another month is gone, another bunch of favorites are due, and for yet another month I'm late on doing so.  Pooh.

Well, I'll just jump right into it!

1. Zoya nail polish in Tangy.  What a lovely summer color!  It's bright and fun, but not obnoxiously so.  The best part is the duochromity (is that a word?) and if you tilt your nails ever so slightly, you can see the orange glitter. So pretty :)

2. Diorskin Nude Glow Healthy Glow Summer Powder.  I admit.  I got this cause it was pretty and limited edition.  Of course, if it didn't work well, I would have returned it promptly.  And none of this has to do with why it's a well loved product.  I have been mixing foundations lately because my regular foundation has gotten too light, and I'd rather not go out and buy a darker foundation.  I sometimes end up going too light, and I like to use this product to bronze up a little.  It looks wonderfully naturally, and I think I could find myself using this a lot even when it gets cooler.  This is adds just a perfect all over glow to my face.  I like it so much that the idea of purchasing a backup as crossed my mind....

3. NARS Laguna Bronzer.  Only during the summer would you find a blogger with two bronzing products in a single favorites post.  I have fallen prey to this cult favorite when I decided to finally try the bronzer on at Sephora one day.  I really love how this works wonderfully as a contour color or all over bronzing powder.  I still like my NYC Matte Bronzer but Laguna is just so wonderfully smooth and has that hint of shimmer that I have to lean more towards Laguna.

4. Stila eyeshadow in Kitten.  Ah, another cult favorite.  This is Stila's best selling eyeshadow.  It's a lovely peachy champagne color that is essentially a more refined glitterbomb, as it is super shimmery but is not chunky or frosty.  Last month a wore a lot of smokey brown/taupe looks, and Kitten was absolutely the most perfect inner corner highlight.

5. Sephora eyelash curler.  My last eyelash curler died tragically from overuse.  I ran into Sephora, demanded for their best eyelash curler, and was presented with a Sephora brand eyelash curler.  I was skeptical because that's like telling people you bake the best cookies in town.  But!--This actually works quite nicely!  I have to work really hard to pinch myself, and I can wedge this sucker right to the base of my lashes to really amp up the curls.

6. Urban Decay Alice in Wonderland Book of Shadows.  This was a very neglected palette until I decided to take on Project 7 Day Palette with it.  It's funny how creative you can get when you're forced to use one palette for your eye looks.  Not to say I didn't enjoy it, otherwise it wouldn't belong in my favorites.  Like with all Books of Shadows, there is a good variety of colors to choose from.  I'm happy to report that all the eyeshadows except for the chunky glittery ones are just lovely.

7.  MAC Painterly Paintpot. In addition to smokey neutrals, I have been playing a lot with color this month.  I used this product a lot because it's a nice sticky, neutral base.  I can pop any color on top of it and make it look nice and bright!

I like to move it move it x]

[I have nothing to disclose.]

May 2011 Favorites

Boo...I did this video in a hurry so I accidentally left out a few things.  But I see myself using them a lot into the summer months so they will be featured next month :)

Anyways back to the month of May....

1. Combination of Too Faced Lock down Cream Shadow in Dramarama, MAC's Satin Taupe, and Inglot matte eyeshadow in 376.  Together, this just makes such a lovely neutral toned smokey look.  Slapping this look together takes minutes, so I've been wearing this look pretty often.  I have a FOTD featuring these products if you'd like to have a look.

2. Kat Von D perfume in Saint.  My boyfriend got this for my 21st birthday and I used it regularly for a while.  I stopped using it to enjoy some of my other perfumes, but I've found myself reaching back to this one, and have been using it pretty much everyday .  It has a lovely vanilla and citrus scent, with some floral notes in it.  It's just a wonderfully fruity and yummy scent!

3. L'oreal Voluminous Waterproof Mascara in Carbon Black.  I needed a waterproof mascara a while back and picked this up.  I didn't use it till lately because I had been using a waterproof formula by Inglot.  I find that this mascara lengthens and voluminizes my lashes quite nicely.  It's also very black and very waterproof.  It has been raining a whole lately which does not make sense, but this stuff won't budge.  It's a pain in the ass to remove, more so than other waterproof formulas that I have used, but I suppose it is just doing its job!

4. L'oreal TruMatch Foundation.  I purchased this last summer because I wanted a darker, inexpensive foundation to mix with my current foundation to match my darker complexion.  I have had to start mixing foundations again because working outside with students during my internship has resulted in some tanning.  This stuff has phenomenal coverage, even better than my Smashbox foundation.  I has SPF 17, which is nice because it provides a bit of protection, but not too much SPF so that it does no photograph well.

5. CoverGirl Lip Perfection Lipsticks in Divine.  I love all of these lipsticks, but this one I have been wearing a lot.  I picked it up because I have a thing for purple lipsticks.  This one comes out a bit more fuschia with a hint of blue, but is really lovely all the same.  I have been wearing this lipstick with a neutral eye but heavily winged eyeliner.  Definitely a fun color to wear out.

6. Laura Mercier Translucent Setting Powder.  I mentioned why I purchased this on my last Sephora Haul post, but just to recap,  I was looking for a setting powder for all skin tones and one that would photograph well.  I used this powder on two other girls' prom makeup, as well as on myself after I have gotten darker and could no longer use my light setting powder.  This stuff is lightweight and photographs quite well.  I'm really loving it so far.  For $34, it was quite a splurge but you get a lot of product and the stuff works great.

Okidoke, that's all I have for the month of May.  Hopefully for June, I will have lots of new products to feature because that is when I'll have plenty of time to do more looks.  I'm hoping to do lots of bright, dramatic looks while I still can, before I have to tone everything down and look professional in Korea.  We'll see how that goes.

Until next time, au revoir!



[I have nothing to disclose.]

April 2011 Favorites!

Oh my jesus yes I know I'm late with this. Sorry!  So I'll stop the blabber and get right to it.

1. Combination of MAC's Viva Glam Cyndi and INGLOT AMC Lip Pencil 21 is bomb.  I don't know why I stupidly covered the tip of the pencil in the picture, but it's the same color as Viva Glam Cyndi.  I love the color of the lipstick but since it's Luster, it's a bit sheer.  The combination of the two products is love.  Check out this FOTD post with these two products featured.

2. NARS Blush in Deep Throat.  A cult favorite, I know, but I can see why.  Gives just the most lovely glow to the cheeks and goes with many different kinds of looks.  It doesn't over power dramatic looks and complements simple looks.

3. NARS Multiple in Copacabana. Love this as a highlighter.  Goes from a cream to powder finish and so easy to blend.  It's my go-to highligher, but I sometimes have too much fun applying it and put on a little bit too much.  A little goes a long way so this will last me freaking forever.

4. NYC Matte Bronzer.  I've been using this for a few months now.  At first I didn't like it but that was probably because I didn't blend it out enough.  I'm reluctant to try out other bronzers for contouring because this one is so freaking cheap and works so well.  It's the first face product I've hit pan on.

5. Garnier Ultra-Lift Anti-Wrinkle Firming Eye Cream.  I did a lot of crying through March and April.  That combined with removing makeup stripped the moisture from the skin around my eyes to the point where it was kinda flakey.  I grabbed this eye cream because it was the cheapest one.  Applying it daily helped restore the moisture.  The best part is, it doesn't make my eyes all puffy like other eye creams I've tried, so I'm quite pleased.

Okay, that's all for now.  Have a fabulous day everyone!

Lotsa love,
Janny

[I have nothing to disclose.]

March 2011 Favorites!

Hey ladies and gents~

Allow me to present some items that I've been really enjoying and reaching for a lot during the month of March!  It's been a hectic month, but I still had a bit of time to play with my toys =)

1) Tresemme Heat Tamer--This is an oldie but a goodie.  I've always loved this product but I've been experimenting with my hair a lot more so I've been reaching for this a lot.  It smells really nice and is relatively inexpensive (around $6 USD and under).  It does a fantastic job of keeping my hair from burning.

2.) Teasing Comb--I got this from some independent beauty store in some shopping outlet.  It has no name or brand that I know of, and I can't tell you where you can get this comb.  At first glance it looks like a normal rattail comb but if you look closely, you can see that the teeth are uneven.  This works so much better than a rattail comb, and does a lovely job when my hair needs a little bit more "oomph."

3.) Too Faced Natural Eye Collection Palette--I'm not sure why it's called natural eye but it isn't really.  I've been reaching this on date nights where my company does not consist of people I am super familiar with.  In other words, I don't want to rock too much color and seem "normal" in their presence if that makes sense.  In any case, I love this palette because I can make a few bombass night (and day!) looks that are not over the top.  The gold and brown combination especially is a favorite of mine, and looks great on any skin tone.

4.) Vaseline Lip Therapy--I received this as a prize from Emma of Birds Decorate Branches last Christmas as I won her giveaway.  After coming back from Quebec my lips were far from sexy after having been beaten by the cold and dry weather.  This is the only stuff that I feel really soothes my lips.

5.) Maybelline Dream Mousse Concealer--I'm sorry to say that this has been discontinued, because it certainly is a wonderful product.  I purchased this over the summer and found it too light for me, so I waited till I lightened up again during the winter.  I use this wherever I need some extra coverage, including under the eyes.  I love how it provides good coverage and doesn't get cakey if applied correctly.

I'm trying to keep it short and sweet cause I am butt tired (as usual....what else is new?).  Feel free to ask me if you have any questions about the aforementioned products.  Thanks so much for stopping by!

Much love,
Janny

[I have nothing to disclose.]

February 2011 Favorites

Not too many  products this month mainly because I never seem to have time for it!  I don't know how those super busy mamas do it but maaannnn I guess I tend to value my sleep more.  I have finals next month so I will probably only have a handful or products that month too.  Oh poop.  School is never going to end =(  Especially since I'm going to be a teacher. HAHAHAHAHA....I'm so tired.

On to the products!

1. Essie nail polish in Coat Azure.  Love how smooth and strong this formula is.  I love the color even more because it's just so happy and bright without blinding your eyeballs out and turning them into mush.  I wanted to wear it again after it started chipping and I removed the polish but I forced myself to experience the other lonely nail polishes in my collection.

2. MAC Viva Glam V Lipstick.  The ultimate swipe-on-them-lips-run-out-the-door-looking-like-a-hot-mama lipstick.  Sheer enough so your lips don't look like they changed to a different color yet dark enough to add color into your life.  Goes well with pretty much any look.

3. Sigma F05 Small Contour Brush.  Now I know why my contouring always looked like crap.  Because I didn't have the proper brush.  This baby is small, dense, and gets that bronzer on exactly where you want it.

4. INGLOT Volume & Waterproof mascara.  Looks like a boring long stick but this stuff lengthens and hold my curls like no other.  Not TERRIBLY voluminizing but not bad at all.  For $10 USD a pop, I  would totally repurchase this bad boy.

Save me from these papers T_____________T

January 2011 Favorites!

Boy am I late on this.  But again, I have a legitimate excuse! I had 2 midterms and 1 paper due last week.  Thursday was also the Lunar new year, so I went home last weekend to celebrate with my family.  So without further ado, let's get hopping!

 1. Aeropostale Perfume in "Pour filles."  The name of the perfume means "for girls" in French.  This is currently my FAVORITE perfume.  The scent is suitable for both younger girls and older women.  The scent is light and not terribly complex or strong, but it is just perfect.  Not at all offensive.  I smell notes of flowers, citrus, and vanilla.  It will last all day.

2. I actually left this one out of my December favorites on accident.  My boyfriend picked this out for me with the help of a sales associate.  Of all my Inglot eyeshadows this is probably my favorite grouping as I can use it for flashy and daytime looks.  Just as all of you guys have probably been hearing from the big youtube gurus, the pigmentation and texture are phenomenal.  

3. One of the few foundation brushes that I actually like.  Soft but stiff bristles and no streaking upon application.

4. Quo lip gloss in Pout. DELICIOUS scent.   I love how opaque this gloss is.  The texture is kind of sticky but I don't mind because it lasts a decent amount of time.  I would be happy to only own Quo lipglosses.  Will definitely be grabbing more next time I go back to Canada.

5.  Benefit's Coralista Blush.  This is infamous and I'm not sure why.  It's not even coral.  It's a peachy pink with a fair share of shimmer.  I do love how it just gives a gentle glow to my cheeks.  I don't think this will show up if your skin tone is darker than mine.  If you have this, PLEASE tell me what you think!

That's all for this month folks!

December 2010 Favorites =D

Been wanting to do a favorites video for a looooong time, but I have been either lacking time to make the video or lacking time to use products.  One of my new year's resolutions for 2011 is to use makeup everyday (except when I'm cramming my socks off for exams and such) and be able to dish out these favorites videos every month.  I have used a lot of good stuff and I wouldn't be much of a blogger if I didn't share them with you.  The Youtube video will essentially say almost exactly what will be on this blog, but I leave it to you to either enjoy it in video or text form.  Personally, I prefer text so that's why I leave the choice up to you.  And without further ado.....

L'oreal HIP Cream Liners in Teal and Midnight Blue

Bought these maybe 8 months ago, and for some reason did not use them until the last month.  These are dense but very creamy.  The color pay off is simply amazing.  I use these babies both as a base and as an eyeliner.  My first black cream liner was L'oreal HIP but it dried up pretty quickly.  Hopefully, these will stay creamy and wonderful till I've finished the pots!

Stila Backstage Eye Shadow Palette

I believe this was part of the holiday collection for 2010.  It went on sale at Sephora and I had to snag it.  Although it was pretty pricey at $19, it was definitely well worth the price.  All the shadows are soft, pigmented, and blendable.  Definitely look forward to seeing tutorials and a full review of this palette!

NARS Blush in Oasis

The picture does not do the product justice. I can't seem to get my lighting right!  In the pan it looks like a warm golden brown with shimmer, but it applies as a beautiful pink blush that makes your cheeks glow.  I have been reaching for this blush for both day and night wear.

ELF Studio Blush in Peachy Keen

Fie upon thee, camera.  This is a wonderful peach blush that I always reach for when I do deep, smokey looks.  It adds just enough glow to my cheeks as to not overpower my eye makeup.  It is not as soft as NARS blushes, but I think it is almost if not just as good.

Maybelline Color Sensational Lipsticks in On the Mauve and Warm Me Up

Warm Me Up does just what it says it does, it adds more coloring to my lips in a very flattering way while still staying neutral.  This lipstick is a soft pinky nude with a cream finish.  On the Mauve is a lovely almost purple lipstick with a slightly metallic finish.  This lippie is fantastic with many smokey eye looks.  The texture of these lipsticks are smooth.  They're not as creamy or soft as say MAC or Lancome, but they were great products nonetheless.

May 2010 Favorites!

1. Evian Facial Spray--Keeps my makeup in place and prevents my foundation from looking funky even after long hour of wear

2. Hair Razor--Dirt cheap and works beautifully. My weapon of choice when cutting hair

3. Aussie Hairspray-- Very inexpensive hairspray that holds my hair wonderfully. I just wish it didn't smell like beer.

4. Covergirl Lashblast Luxe--My default mascara. Wet formula that holds curls well. Voluminizes and lengthens. Black with sparkles.

5. L'oreal Collagen Mascara--A dry formula that holds my curls better than Covergirl Lashblast luxe. Too much product on the wand will result in super clumping. Not recommended for lower lashes. A very black mascara.

6. Toilet seat covers--excellent for blotting oil off my face. Inexpensive (free) and lacks fragrance or other products that may break out sensitive skin.

7. Home made brush cleanser--For the price of 1-2 bottles of brush cleanser, you can make a few years' worth. Works just as great. Only downside is the smell of alcohol.