Showing posts with label makeup. Show all posts
Showing posts with label makeup. Show all posts

Thursday, January 2, 2014

#bbsecretsanta What I Got

Hi Ladies!
This year I was quite daring and decided to join in on a beauty Secret Santa "swap" run by Georgina from Makeup-Pixi3 and Laura from A Scottish Lass.  They both took the time to organize it and I thank them so much! I was paired with the lovely, and very sweet Tasha from Bellezakisses.  

The rules were straight forward and a dollar amount was set, from there we got to know each other
our likes and dislikes. We sent the packages by the needed dates and then waited. 
I got my package but wanted to wait till Tasha got her package too (also retail hours on holidays didn't allow much awake time to actually open the package for a few days).  ALTHOUGH, 
*guilty*
I did shake the package a bit….nothing sounded smashed *thankful* 

SO 
Let's get into my package.
I have to say that Tasha really packaged everything SO nicely, 
and the empty book is perfect for my collection! (I have a bunch from my travels)
Plus who can resist shiny silver tinsel? (maybe that's just me)

Tasha sent me the following:


Adorable wrapping!

Real Techniques Fine Liner Brush
It's rather funny because I purchased the eye kit and was thinking about purchasing next the fine liner brush but Tasha beat me to it! (I think she's a mind reader…sshhhh)
Revlon (blah blah blah blah) Balm Stain in Precious (amazing color!!!)
The last balm stain I had from Revlon was a little too out there for me, 
I kept wishing I had purchased a more everyday shade…
and once again, Tasha was a total mind reader and picked out a BEAUTIFUL shade. 
Beautiful color!
First off, I didn't even know that NYX had these beautiful gel liners! This color is stunning and I can't wait to spice up my neutral looks with this awesome liner color. (insert happy dance)
NYX Cream Blush in Tickled
I adore this color. It'll be the most perfect over a tan blush ever.  I wish I was tanned…instead I am ghostly pale. (oy the Central European problems).  But funny enough, I had also sent Tasha a NYX cream blush! (not the same shade)
Revlon Colorstay Shadow Links (L-R) Cocoa, Bone, Java
Disclaimer: Cocoa was not broken in transit, my pup jumped up and caused me
to drop the shadow. But I can still repress it :)

Revlon Colorstay Shadow Links (L-R) Taupe, Copper, Gold
I wanted a bunch of these, but each time I found a location with them, it was so picked over or the shadows were smashed up.  I love that Tasha picked out a bunch of finishes, that copper and Taupe look amazing!



A few extra goodies from a couple of "Rugrats"  Please pass on my thank you Tasha!
Pop Rocks are my favorite and I never seem to find enough of them. The nail decals are also awesome!

Thursday, October 10, 2013

Shecky's Girls Night Out: Yay or Nay

Hi All!
   So how much fun does a "Girls Night Out" in NYC filled with jewelry, fashion and drinks sound? I know, for us beauty ladies it sounds awesome especially at a discounted price of 12 bucks!.  Shecky's is a company that does Girls Night Out's in many different cities throughout the United States.  There are some events that are three days long and are more fashion focused and others that are just one day and are makeup/ beauty focused.




**DISCLAIMER: I do not have any association with Shecky's.  All opinions are my own, and my event ticket was purchased with my own money.  I do not get any compensation for this post**

I went to a fashion focused event, and found it...lacking.  The original price was $30, but the tickets were discounted at $12, but the day of the event the price went up to $14 for a weekday. Ummm...okay? Sounds a little strange for me.

Taken directly from the Shecky's New York Event page. 
So what they make it sound like seems like it'll be an awesome, relaxing evening with drinks and an AWESOME goodie bag. Before you hit a "purchase button" let's do a quick run down of the reality along with a rating based on what they are telling us a night would be like:

 Food/ Drink: 
1. Expectation: "delectable drinks" logic would also say some finger foods.
    Reality: 
-2 white wines (1 oz samples). 
   - Smirnoff Ices (2 flavors: Crisp Apple & Original) and a few beers.  
-Cash bar available upstairs but looked very cheesy. 
-No snacks at all.  
-Mac & Cheese like foods in styrofoam carry out containers by cash bar, and cupcakes. 
   Grading: 4 out of 10. 

Shopping:
1. Expectation: "discover unique designers": 
   Reality: 
- Summer cast off's or rejects (almost nothing that said "fall"
- unique... erm... aka Forever21 products with raised prices?
-90% jewelry selling almost identical pieces (enough with the collared necklaces already!)

2. Expectation: "cap your night with pampering" 
Reality:  What is this pampering?
-Sally Hansen Airbrushed Legs trial booth. 
- 3 body products: soaps (actually worthwhile), Shea Moisture (yep like from CVS or Walgreens), and body wrap for weight loss. 
- 1 Mary Key rep with EXTREMELY limited display.

Goodie Bag:
1. Expectation: "Glorious good bags"ooooooooo
Reality: Insert Palm to Face. 
-Underwhelmed. Severely. 


Some of the contents of my bag

Yay or Nay?(what do you think!?)

NAY

 If you want to attend this event don't you DARE pay more than $12 for a weekday. Honestly I wouldn't pay more than 5 bucks for this ability to have poor drinks, no food, and "sample sale" shopping. I mean there was not even seats to sit down for a few moments! Several ladies attending the event commented to me that over the last few years the quality of Shecky's events has gone down dramatically.  Goodie bags used to be STUFFED with products, and this year seems to have been the worst yet.  As of October 9th, photos from my event STILL weren't up on the website, when the photographer had promised that they would be up by September 30th.  DOH! I feel like this COULD be a fun event, but the level of expectation they raise needs to be put into check.

Have you attended this event? Let me know how your experience was in the comments section!

xoxo,
Emi


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Tuesday, June 18, 2013

Packing Makeup

Holy Moly... 
Ever try to narrow down the makeup products you might feel like using for the next three months? I was going through my makeup collection and deciding which products I might want to take along...it soon ended looking like this:

Yikes! This reminds me a bit of that Victoria's Secret commercial a few years back for the fashion show where the clothing suitcase is TEEEENY tiny, and the makeup trunk was insanely huge? Yep I had a minor flashback of that one. I know for sure I CAN'T take all of that makeup because I actually need to fit a decent amount of clothes, and now airlines are a lot more strict about weight and size of suitcases and carry ons (no thank you 50 dollar fees).  Needless to say...even Guam has makeup stores so if I realize I need something, I can easily pick it up from a Sephora, Inglot or drugstore.

So this was round two, three,  four and five (yep took that many rounds for my real bare basics) of pairing things down.  Still you can tell I was really wanting to take a LOT of eyeshadow...when in reality I'll be lucky to just finish one or two shadows the next few months.  This is still probably going to be picked through because I'm not 100% sure on some products but it's safe to say that I've got some great eye looks, great combos, etc available.


It took forever to finally narrow down my choices!
The bag I chose is a part of a 3 bag set that I got as a birthday gift a few years back.  I'm using the middle sized bag which compared to my computer is still a decent size. 

So let's really see what I plan to take on my trip:
Lips:
I am taking a good variety of products, but colors that I know I will use. 
I always need a few lip balms because my lips get painfully chapped. 
Products from L-R in top image: Fresh Sugar Rose (x2), Buxom Lip Gloss in Sandy,
NYC Applelicious Lip Balm in Applelicious Pink, NYC Lipstick in Violet Shine, ELF Studio Matte
Lip Color in Coral, Buxom Lip Stick in Two-Timer, Anastasia Lip Gloss in Bellini, Rimmel Kiss Off!
Lip Gloss in First Time, Love & Beauty Lip stick in coral/pink

Face:
When it came to face I knew I needed products that were small, and that would not shatter, 
that is why I went with the blush and bronzer.  I also don't switch those as often so it's really
not a big deal to just use these two. 
L-R: Laura Geller Spackle Primer in Bronze, Smashbox Photo Finish Primer,
Wet n Wild Coverall Foundation in Fair, NYC Smoother Mineral Finishing Powder in Natural,
Rimmel London Blush in Pink Sorbet, ELF Under Eye Concealer in Fair, Benefit Hoola Brozer

                          
Eyes: This is my favorite category!
I had a really hard time trying to figure out which products I would love, 
and which would be less fussy.  While I'm boring when it comes to colors,
there is just something about the packaging and the product itself that makes the application 
so much nicer.  I chose products that I knew would not fail me (even though some are already 
running low).  
L-R: ELF Exact Lash Mascara, ELF Waterproof Eyeliner in Midnight, Jordana Fabuliner in Brown, LA Colors Trio
 in Nude, MAC Mineralized Single in Aurora, Physicians Formula Trio in Baked Sands,
NYC Quad in Best of Broadway, NYX Eyeshadow Base in Skintone, Rimmel London Single in Royal
Linen, ELF Cream Liner in Coffee, Benefit Badgal Lash. 
                                    
Now I know this is a good amount of stuff I plan to bring, but I also wanted to have certain extras if I finish a product, it gets lost or stolen or smashes.  If you want to have a review on any product let me know! 

xoxo,
Emi

Tuesday, June 11, 2013

The Big Move

Hi Everyone!

   So this post has been a long time coming, but I will be studying abroad (in Poland to be exact) for 3 months, and thus got the idea that some people might like to read/ hear about packing for very long trips, differences in culture etc.  I know it's not necessarily beauty, but it still fits into the "lifestyle" aspect of this blog.  I feel like we know how to pack for a week or two vacation, but how to pack into one suitcase everything you need for three months, AND living in a dorm? The packing will also include my makeup and what I will be buying there verses what I will pack and my reasoning for that.

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Anyways, feel free to leave any questions you may have about packing, my upcoming experience, the transition, school etc.  For all my beauty loving people, yes I will be posting plenty about cosmetics there too!

xoxo,
Emi

Tuesday, April 16, 2013

Beauty Blogger Tag!

Hi All! 
So I'm a pitiful mess because I'm currently sick (thanks be to my little sixth graders...I'm so changing where the hand sanitizer and tissues are located when I'm back in my classroom) and was thinking about what to post on here.  I've been a little at a loss at what to write since I've been using a lot of the same products for several months. But I came across this tag on Beauty Broadcast today, and couldn't think of anything more fun to try! I tag anyone and everyone!
 
1. Is your hair naturally curly or straight?
It depends.  When it's cut short, it hangs pretty straight, as it gets longer it starts to wave or curl at the ends.  But it's also a little frizzy so I usually blow dry it, or at least straighten my bangs. 
2. Do you dye it yourself or go to a salon?
I haven't dyed my hair in a few years.  At least not since my Junior Year of high school (aka 6ish years ago) My hair during the winter turns light brown and during the summer becomes a mix of red and blonde highlights, which I totally adore.  When I dye my hair, I lose those natural highlights.
3. Do you wear the same style everyday, or do you change it?
I more or less stick to the same hairstyle simply because I need to be up at 5:45am, and need to beat traffic to school, clinicals or my job. I do try to use hair accessories to switch it up, but my hair is usually down with a little teasing at the crown for volume.
4. Do you do your own mani/pedi or go to a salon?
I mainly do my own mani/pedis. Although it is a ritual with my mom and sister that at each season change we go for a girls date for both.  There is a salon near me that does an amazing spa mani/pedi for 25 bucks.  But when it comes to the weekly/ day to day, I will do my own nails because I have such a vast nail polish collection. (Why let that all go to waste?)
5. How often do you change your nail polish?
It can range from 3 times a week to once a week.  I work two jobs, and one I NEED to maintain a polished appearance, so if I'm short on time during the week,right before my shift I'll do my nails nicely.  But when time allows, I love to change my nail color to bright and fun shades for my students. 
6. Do you polish your toes in the winter or just the summer?
I'm lazy when it comes to winter-time, and will still paint my nails but won't really take as much time on the upkeep of changing it.  Summer time it my main season for switching up the colors.
7. How long does it take for you to put on makeup?
About 10 minutes...I don't really wear a lot on a day to day basis. If I know there is a special occasion, I might take longer.
8. What do you do first? Face or eyes?
Well, my daily "face" makeup is usually concealer, face powder and blush.  I like to focus more on my eyes because even if there is an imperfection on my skin, the attention is drawn away from there.  I have a weird routine where I start with under eye concealer, then my eyes, then move down to cheeks and finally lips. It's worked for me so far!

9. Do you collect makeup or just buy what you need when you need it?
I used to just buy buy buy but recently I've been more careful about what I actually need.  After doing an organization of my makeup, I realized I had a lot of similar shades, so I've cut back on going out and buying more.  I have only really purchased products that I've come to need (ie face creams, cleansers).  Makeup is something I think I'm set for the next few years.  Don't get me wrong, I love seeing a lot of products, but I also know I won't get to use it all if I continue on, hence why I've taken this year to focus on finishing my stuff so I have a nice condensed collection of products that I truly love. 

10. How often do you wear false eyelashes?
I don't.

11. Do you do a full face of makeup everyday?
Nope, I give my face a day or two to breathe when I can.  I find that helps will keeping blemishes at bay.

12. Do you wear makeup when you're home alone or with family?
When I'm with family, yes. When I'm home alone...not really.  I will usually do a spa time when I'm home alone (a rare treat at that!) and will just take the time and effort to ensure I'm moisturized and well cared for.

13. Will you leave the house without makeup?
 I have done that, when it is really just a last second rush to the post office or supermarket because I forgot an ingredient for dinner. I do try to put a little on when I feel like I might run into a longer stretch of time.
14. How many high-end products do you have?
I have a very small amount of high-end products.  I previously couldn't justify the costs (because I would spend so much on drugstore) now I find I can splurge a little...although I will typically hint towards something as a holiday or birthday gift.  I can truly count on one hand the high end products I have. 

15. Do you plan your OOTD every night or decide when you're getting dressed?
I decide as I'm getting dressed.  I will sometimes plan ahead, but come morning I won't be in the mood to actually wear that particular outfit.  Most nights I do stick a post it and check on the status of certain options for the next day.  

16. How often do you change your handbag?
My main bag is a large, red, Liz Claiborne bag I got from my parents a year back for teaching.  It carries everything and more.  On a going out to the mall or date night I will use my smaller hand bags, typically one from NY & Co. in a classic black.  I like big bags because I always find a need for the extra space.
17. What time do you wake up and go to sleep?
I wake up during the week at 5:45am and go to sleep around 11:30/ midnight (although I have been known to fall asleep at 8 or 9pm ahhh the college life). On weekends I'm usually up at 8 for my job or church, and go to sleep around 12/1.
18. How often or when do you workout?
I don't workout as much as I should.  That said, I'm looking into several programs...from gym membership to at home zumba videos.  (If you have tried those at home Zumba programs please tell me how they are...I need some honest opinions!) I need to improve my health before I travel to Europe in June to participate in several grad school opportunities.

19. Left handed or right handed?
Righty! Although in sports I'm left dominant.

20. How tall are you?
5 ft 1.5 inches...although I try to round up ;)

21. Do you speak any foreign languages?
I speak Polish, and will be focusing this next school year on expanding my usage of it.  I speak a tiny amount of Spanish due to abysmal Spanish teachers.

22. How many pets do you have?
I have part time custody of a Boxer/ Coon Hound rescue (he spends most of his time with his "dad" *ie my fiance*) and also two kitties also rescues and also mainly with their "dad".

23. How often are you on Blogger?
It depends on my schedule.  I try to get onto my blog at least twice a month, but sometimes it's tough because I'm not changing much of my routine. 

24. Do you read comments posted on blogs?
When someone comments on my blog: yes.  I also try to respond because I find it important to keep contact with the ladies who take the time to read my posts. 

25. Do you keep a list of products to try as you see other posts?
Not really, but I do take note of colors and how applied.  I realize that I like certain colors and won't stray far from them.  I don't need 10 of the same shade when in the end it looks exactly the same on my lips. 

26. How did you come up with your blog name?
Food and culinary arts was my original love.  After my plans to go into the culinary arts crashed through, I took time to look at a new career and learned more about makeup. It's still a play on words because I still love food, and want to take better care of myself...but a sense of humor always makes a situation a little better :D

27. What kind of camera do you use for your photographs?
Just my IPhone...my laptop doesn't play nice and won't upload regular camera photos. 

28. How often do you clean your house?
I try to clean a little each day.  Planning a one day clean out never has worked for me.

29. What's your favorite color?
I'm a sucker for deep ruby red and deep plum.

30. Do you swear?
Nope.  Working around kiddos keeps me focused on what I say.  I also am often around my 5 year old twin nieces and they parrot everything I hear.  

31. What are you doing with the rest of your day?
Working on a thesis assignment and then having a Nyquil and going to sleep!
Who else wants to take a stab at this?
xoxo,
Emi