Blue lines

For a subtle change in my every day makeup look, I've been wearing blue eyeliner instead of the usual black. I've been using the Smashbox Jet Set Waterproof eye liner in Deep Navy. I apply it with a Real Techniques Fine liner brush and while I used to think it would be really hard it's actually super easy to apply and get a nice defined line. Especially since I have such dark brown eyes, it's nice sometimes to have a little surprise in your eyeliner or mascara color to play up your eyes.

I topped it off with Urban Decay Big Fatty mascara which seriously gives you insanely full lashes. The wand is huge and can get a little messy but your lashes look fat. I don't wear this often because I usually go for waterproof formulas but for days when I know I don't want to be removing that waterproof mascara later in the night... this is the better option.

What do you think? Do you guys like wearing different color eye liners?

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Becca Shimmering Skin Perfector in Opal

After hearing Miranda Kerr's Australian makeup artist, Noni Smith, likes to use Becca Shimmering Skin Perfector to highlight Miranda's cheekbones (and in the shade Opal!) I really wanted to try it. This is another Australian based company, BECCA, that has an amazing range of products I want to try more of! This is only a deluxe sample size I got from Sephora but it's a good amount especially since you only need a little!

I have been applying this with my fingers just to the tops of my cheekbones and whatever excess to my cupid's bow. Noni mentioned also mixing it in with your foundation or tinted moisturizer to really give the face a natural looking glow. This product gives you radiance and a gorgeous glow. Not sparkly skin or anything overwhelming. It is an illuminator containing light-diffusing pearls of shimmer so it's safe enough to even apply as a base all over your face.

It was really hard to capture the radiance and glow that this product delivers. On the left it's not even completely blended in because it was hard to even see on my hand. I definitely recommend you try it out at a local Sephora or Space NK!

"The whole philosophy of BECCA is about creating a natural, flawless look. It's really about skin looking amazing - everything else is secondary."
- Rebecca Morrice Williams, Founder
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Bioderma Crealine H2O

Hello most talked about makeup remover! After hearing people go on and on about this on youtube, I was so happy to receive it as a birthday gift from a good friend this year. I waited awhile to use it and now I use it every single night to remove all the makeup from my face. The best thing about this as a makeup remover is how non-oily and smooth it feels. It just feels light as water and yet it delivers the same results as an oil-based makeup remover. Very simple. It's really amazing and my skin feels nice and clean instead of oily and shiny. It doesn't leave my skin feeling very dry either which I dislike and it's unscented.

I noticed the 500 ml bottle I have is the "TS" version which is for sensitive skin so if you want the regular one look for the bottle without the "TS". There is also another version with green packaging named Bioderma Sebium H2O Micellar Solution and that version is more for oily skin. I think after this runs out I will be curious to try it.

I became a quick fan of this stuff and when I saw there were mini bottles I had to get one. I ordered my mini travel sized bottle on ebay and this time I got the regualr Bioderma Crealine H2O formula. I'm leaving tonight for a weekend trip in the Catskill mountains so I will be bringing this with me!

How I use it:
I simply pour a little of the solution onto a cotton round to remove all the makeup on my face. It's not hard work at all. The makeup just slides off and onto the cotton round and you're left with clean skin. I use a different makeup remover on my eyes first since I wear waterproof mascara but I always go over it with Bioderma. There's also a pump version but after hearing some negative reviews about how it's hard to control and how much product gets wasted, I'm fine with using this version.

I buy my Bioderma on eBay but I've seen some Asian makeup stores in Flushing and Chinatown carry Bioderma. Also, Sears of all places is now carrying it online as well!

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Diptyque Choisya

The diptyque room sprays are a great alternative to candles for the summer.  I love candles throughout fall/winter but for summer I trade that in for a nice light citrusy scent: Diptyque Choisya room spray. Have I mentioned how obsessed I am with diptyque packaging? This beautiful room spray isn't over powering, it's sweet and floral and really freshens any room with a few sprays. Described as the scent of Mexican Orange blossoms, I love having this around the apartment to brighten the atmosphere and put a smile to my face. I got this at a diptyque sample sale this past year and I've barely made a dent in it! It's pretty strong so I don't need to spray much and I'm happy it's going to last me a very long time!

Description of Choisya on the diptyque website:
Referred to as golden apples in mythology, Jupiter offered oranges to Junon on their wedding day. The orange blossom symbolizes the eternal bond of marriage.

Message: As pure as it is beautiful

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August Birchbox

I was a little disappointed with this month's birchbox samples. I think I get more excited when I get makeup bits and the majority of this month's samples were all skincare. The only real makeup thing here is the BB Cream. I also think it's a bit weird when they include things like a tea bag. But ok.

On the left in the MIYU pouch, I got a de-stress mi beauty essence spray which says it's a fusion between a facial mist and a serum to help calm down irritated complexions. I do love facial sprays so I am excited to try this out but not that excited to try the tea bag it came with. Next are the Whish deodorant swipes (???) i guess I'll have to try this out to talk about it. I guess it's for when you're on the go, such as after the gym or something. Another Whish Body product included this month was the Whish exfoliating body wash. This will be good for travel. I am going away again this weekend so I will bring this with me.

Next is the Dr Jart Premium BB Cream with SPF 45 which I already have been using and love because not that many BB creams have such high SPF. I love almost all the Dr Jart BB creams (I love the Dr Jart Waterfuse BB cream. It's super light and natural looking!) And finally I got samples of the OC8 Professional Mattifying Gel (8 hour matte finish) which I just read about in Refinery29 and am excited to try! I definitely suffer from oily t-zone so hopefully this will keep my face looking fresh all day!

Are you guys subscribed to Birchbox??

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Nailtiques Formula 1

I mentioned before a few of my nails were a little brittle which made my nail polish chip a lot faster. Awhile back I had purchased Essie's Feed Me intense hydration treatment but that did not work for me at all. I was browsing through drugstore.com and found Nailtiques Nail Protein Formula 1, Maintenance. I read some reviews and overall looked pretty promising.

Nailtiques come in a few formulas for different nail conditions and Formula 1 is the weakest in terms of strengthening nails. I've heard a lot of good things about Formula 2 but I wanted something just to keep my nails in good health. The description says the formulations include ingredients such as hydrolyzed keratin and protein in combination with gelatin and calcium.

I'm currently using this as a base coat and I have to say my nails have not chipped or split since I have been using this. It is a little pricey because the bottle is very tiny but overall I'm very happy with it. I pair this with the Seche Vite top coat that I absolutely love and right now it's the perfect nail combo for me!

I Heart Summer Tag

This is the I <3 Summer Tag!
missglamorazzi on youtube started this tag and i love her so here are my answers!

1. Favorite bronzer for summer?
everyone's favorite bronzer - nars laguna - is also my favorite! however i actually don't really wear much bronzer in the summer... i tan naturally super fast so i tend to just skip this step.

2. You're relaxing in a hammock, on a tropical island. What are you sipping on? (Favorite summer drink)
i crave bubble tea in the summer all the time. melon bubble tea ftw.

3. Favorite summer lip product?
this changes weekly, but right now I am currently loving Soap & Glory Sexy Mother Pucker Gloss Stick: Lip Balm in Nudist!

4. Pool or Beach?
i pretty much lived at the pool all throughout middle school and high school and even though i do love the beach now and then, i prefer the pool and getting in some laps :)

5. Summer = crazy hair! What's your must-have styling product?
dry shampoo! 

6. Sun bathing or fake tan?
Neither... though I would sun bathe over fake tanning!

7. Favorite summer nail polish?
i did a post awhile ago on my top essie summer nail polish picks. while i love mixing it up, one color does stick out and that's Essie's In the Cab-ana. It's is a color I have never really worn before this summer and I've been reaching for it all summer long.

8. Any summer traditions?
Nothing specific - go on some vacations and visit the beach!

9. Favorite summer scent?
I love the same scent all year round... Chanel - Coco Mademoiselle! 

10. Favorite BBQ food?
corn!

11. What's your favorite summer-proof product?
Primer is definitely important for making your makeup last. I've been using the Laura Mercier Radiance foundation primer. My makeup stays on longer and looks dewy and radiant!

12. Any summer vacation plans this year? No plans? Tell us about your dream summer trip!
A dear friend is leaving NYC this fall so a group of us have rented a cabin in the Catskill Mountains. I'm super excited about it!

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Review: Revlon Lash Potion

I think I may have found my new everyday mascara. While I still love Maybelline the Falsies mascara… it was a bit too dramatic and clumpy for an everyday makeup look. It also would easily get onto my eyelids and that wouldn't be pretty.

The New Revlon Lash Potion gives just the right amount of length and volume for me. When I first applied it I wasn't hugely impressed, but I've found myself reaching for this for my everyday work look because it's much more natural. The best part is that no matter how many coats I pile on, it does not clump! I have the waterproof version and the mascara stays on my lashes all day - no smudging!

I was also intrigued since this formula is by the Grow Luscious line. It doesn't actually help grow new lashes but it does provide a lash enhancing phyto-peptide formula which helps the natural growth cycle of lashes and improves the overall appearance and condition of lashes.

On the website for Lash Potion mascara: "Magically transform lashes to lush, long and lustrous. A potion with strengthening proteins drenches lashes for volume. Triple-groove wand combs through for clump-free length."

Empties #1

My first Empties post! I love when other bloggers do empties posts so I thought I'd share my first one. Empties are products I have finished using up. I will review each product and let you know if I would repurchase or recommend them. It's seriously so satisfying when you finish a product!

1. La Roche-Posay Effaclar Duo
Sort of one of my fav products ever. Yes I have already repurchased this and will continue to do so. For a complete review on this awesomeness, read my review here.

2. Neutrogena Triple Moisture Silk Touch Leave-in Cream
This was actually the second time I had purchased this item but I don't think I will in the future. It does make my hair feel softer but over time I seemed to have notice it less and less. I was happy I finished my second bottle but I'm more excited now to use my other products.

3. Aussie Moist 3 Minute Miracle
I've raved about this before. I use this twice a week in the shower and for $3 its pretty darn good. Amazing value for money. I've already repurchased it and would recommend anyone to just give it a go.

4. Philosophy the Microdelivery Exfoliating Wash
I purchased this almost 2 years ago (that's how long it's lasted me!) because I felt like whenever I went to get a facial, they all told me to exfoliate more. So, I bought this everyday exfoliating wash that's gentle enough for every day use. The beads are super tiny and I definitely enjoyed using this. I often paired it with my Clarisonic. Although I did enjoy this wash, I think after 2 years I'm ready to move on to something new.

5. Kiehl's Rare Earth Pore Minimizing Lotion
I really loved this moisturizer and I think after I have finished all my current ones, I could possibly repurchase it. It's super lightweight and blends really well into the skin. Not good for winter when your skin is super dehyrated but ideal for the summertime.

Thanks for reading!

The 5 Product Face: No Makeup Makeup Look

Less is more! That is my new favorite summer makeup look. The weather has been in the 90s all week in New York City and my normal makeup routine has not been staying on. I got the idea of trying to limit my makeup to 5 products from a post Viviannadoesmakeup did. She may have gotten the idea from her lazy not much makeup weekends but I'm loving it for the day-to-day. Here's the 5 products that I used for a quick, youthful, no makeup makeup look.

I started with a light coverage of Nars Sheer Glow in Punjab. And since I could only pick 5 products, I put down the concealer and powder and put on MAC paint pot in painterly because I hate how oily my eyelids can get by the end of the day. The only other product on my eyes was two coats of Maybelline's the Falsies Waterproof Mascara in Black Drama. No eyeshadow. No eyeliner. Just mascara. This is a great feeling because by only using waterproof mascara I know my lashes will have great curl and I won't have panda eyes by the end of the day.

A look is never complete for me unless I do my eyebrows so I filled them in with Anastasia Brow Wiz in Brunette. And finally, product number 5 is my favorite lip product of the moment: Soap & Glory Sexy Mother Pucker Gloss Stick Lip Balm in Nudist. I freaking love this product. It's "my lips but better" with a subtle gloss finish. I seriously can't get enough of lip crayons at the moment!

review: cetaphil uva/uvb defense spf 50 facial moisturizer

overall i wasn't very impressed with this product. i wanted to try the cetaphil moisturizer because liv tyler raved about it on her post on intothegloss and instead of picking up the cetaphil cream pot that she recommended i decided to go with the high spf moisturizer for summer. it's just a little too thick and it does leaves a shiny white film over the face - looks especially bad because i'm quite tan so the white doesn't blend in that great. i love that it's spf 50 just not that great for sitting under makeup. i'll have to leave this for beach days when i don't wear any makeup and i'm not too concerned about super glowly/borerline oily greasy skin. next time cetaphil cream pot... i'll purchase you some day.

Review: Kiehl's Midnight Recovery Concentrate

As one of kiehl's top ten products, the kiehl's midnight recovery concentrate has quite a reputation. i purchased this about a year ago and i have been using it a couple times a week at night. i used it more frequently during the winter months and now i've decided to only use it about once a week at night.

it's a lightweight overnight repair treatment. i love anything that works on your skin while you sleep so i was very curious to see immediate results. unfortunately i think it took quite a long time for me to notice any results. at first i even was disappointed because i thought it was breaking me out, but now a year later, i definitely notice that in the morning when i look in the mirror, my skin looks extremely hydrated and feels very soft. i usually only use 2 drops and i like to smooth and then pat it into my face and neck.   after it settles into your skin it doesn't really feel oily at all. i still tend to stay away from putting too much on my forehead in case it is too heavy and will cause any blemishes. and when i use this product, i don't use my normal moisturizer otherwise it would be too much.

i also hear it helps reduce fine lines and smooth wrinkles but that review will be for another day (maybe in  twenty years).

overall i think it's a great face oil to try out if you're interested in getting into oils. it's a good value for the money because it lasts a very long time. i've already had it for a year and it's going strong!

Would You Rather Tag

I saw a few youtubers do this tag and I thought I would give it a go. The questions are quite funny. And here is a cute picture of Riley sitting on my lap as I blog.

1. Would you rather lose all of your mascaras, eyeliners, lipsticks, and lip glosses or lose all of your palettes and eyeshadows?

I would rather lose my palettes and eyeshadows because I would prefer to just wear mascara with nothing else. And since I don't have that many palettes and eyeshadows it wouldn't be too terrible to repurchase those again (but lipsticks on the other hand...)

2. Would you rather chop off all your hair or never be able to cut it again?

Can I wear a wig if I chop it all off? Hair grows back but never being able to cut it again sounds really really bad.

3. Would you rather have a coral cheek or a pink cheek?

Coral! it goes better with my skin tone. 

4. If you had $1,000 to spend, would you rather buy clothes or makeup?

This is tough. But I think I would chose clothes. 

5. Would you rather apply lipstick as eyeliner or eyeliner as lipstick?

I actually have a lot of nude-y shade lipsticks that might not look too bad on the eyes (if you're into that whole wet/vaseline eyelid look)

6. Would you rather only shop at MAC or Sephora?

Definitely Sephora. So much more to choose from!

7. Would you rather only use one eyeshadow color or one lip color for the rest of your life?

One eyeshadow color. I'm much more of a lipstick/lip kinda girl and I really think different lip colors completely transform your look.

8. Would you rather wear winter clothes in the summer or summer clothes in the winter?

I hate feeling cold and I feel cold often so I would rather wear winter clothes in the summer. I can always take it off!

9. Would you rather have dark nails or bright nails all year round?

Last year I probably would have said dark nails, but now I'm much more into bright nails. Especially since I tend to wear a lot of neutrals - my nails tend to be my one pop of color.

10. Would you rather give up your favorite lip product or your favorite eye product?

I would give up my favorite eye product (which is the MAC paint pot in painterly right now). I can't live without lip products!! I carry like 5 lip products in my handbag at all times because I can't make up my mind which one to use. My current favorite lip product is either the Revlon lip butter in juicy papaya or the MAC lipstick in Patisserie.

11. Would you rather only be able to wear your hair in a ponytail or a messy bun?

Messy bun.

12. Would you rather never be able to paint your nails again or never use lip gloss?

I wouldn't use lip gloss. As long as I can use lipstick and lip balm I'm good. I gotta paint my nails. My nails are never bare.

13. Would you rather shave your eyebrows and have none at all or Sharpie them in everyday?

I'm getting the thinnest light brown sharpie out there for this one. No eyebrows sounds awful.

14. Would you rather live without makeup or nail polish?

Ok this is a different story. I cannot live without makeup. Bye bye nail polish T.T

Thanks for reading everyone! I hope you're all enjoying the daily posts!

Colors of the Rainbow Tag

Happy Friday! It's the Rainbow tag! This was a little difficult for me because I'm a pretty neutrals loving kinda gal. Yellow?? Indigo?? Multicolor??

I saw this tag on youtube and I've seen a couple blogs mention it as well. I thought it would be fun to end this week with something kind of different.

Red MAC, Ruby Woo
Orange Ren glycol lactic radiance renewal mask
Yellow Burts Bees lip balm
Green Mario Badescu eye creme
Indigo Essie, Butler Please
Violet Aussie Moist 3 Minute Miracle
Pink Chanel Coco Mademoiselle parfum
Multicolor Urban Decay Basics palette

RED
Who doesn't think of a bright red lip when it comes to the color red. C'mon. I chose MAC's Ruby Woo which was a wonderful present I got this year for my birthday. It's a classic. I love how matte and pigmented it is but also not drying at all. Amazing.

ORANGE
I have been using the REN glycol lactic mask once a week for the past year and I will probably repurchase it when I'm done. I love the smell and easiness of it. Read a full review here.

YELLOW
I thought yellow was going to be hard until I remember Burts Bees lip balm! I have been using for years and years. I love the original and recently I picked up the Rejuvenating lip balm with acai berry (still yellow! only the cap is a plummy color). I am strangely in love with the smell. It doesn't leave that nice refreshed feeling on the lips but its still moisturizing and my go-to as a base for my lips.

GREEN
I'm picking the Mario Badescu eye cream that I mentioned a few days ago! You can't beat the price for a nice moisturizing eye cream.

INDIGO
This has seriously changed my mind about blue nail polish. The Essie nail polish in Butler Please. I will post the instagram picture tomorrow with more on my thoughts tomorrow.

VIOLET
I am a very simple person when it comes to haircare. I buy my shampoo and conditioner at Costco and I can't really be bothered with a long routine in the morning or night with my hair. I added the Aussie Moist 3 Minute Miracle Deep Conditioner as an extra step a few months ago. I use it about twice a week. I normally hate coconut but seriously I feel like I step into a tropical paradise every time I bust thing out. As the title suggests you leave it in for 3 minutes and then after you rinse it out your hair is so soft and silky! So easy! Plus it's like $3 or sometimes less depending where you find it.

PINK
I stick to one perfume. I don't experiment. I like my Chanel Coco Mademoiselle and that is what I wear.

MULTICOLOR
This is a fun as multicolor gets for me on my face. The Urban Decay Basics Palette. Oh yeah. I love this palette. It seriously is everything - good quality color, extremely good color payoff, nice neutral matte colors + one shimmery goodness and so good for travel. A really good investment!

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