NOTD "It's Celestial Glory!"

9:54 PM
Today's post will be magical, full of celestial beauty! I've combined Butter's "Royal Navy" with Deborah Lippman's "Cleopatra in New York". I've also tried a combo with Essie's "Bahama Mama" and again, the Deborah Lippman's "Cleopatra in NY". I must have been the moon ring I bought at Catbird last week that has inspired me to do this nail design :)


This dress completely states the "celestial" inspiration I'm talking about! Do you see the resemblance? :) If not, oh well! But I love the midnight sky, the way stars glitter contrasting on a dark background!




Butter's "Royal Navy" is seriously the most gorgeous midnight, royal blue. In person, it's so deep dark blue that it looks almost black sometimes. Yet, with flash you can see the midnight blue that becomes the perfect background for stars and moon! The Deborah Lippman's "Cleopatra in NY" is a black polish with gold specks inside (of course, not real gold). It's so beautiful. It really looks like gold scrap mixed in, and the combination of black and gold is phenomenal.


Because Deborah Lippman's glitter polishes are extremely... I mean, extremely hard to take off, I decided to only put one thin layer on, on only a few select fingers. With a really dark base, it works beautifully.



Honestly, in pictures the Bahama Mama with Cleopatra looks prettier, but the pictures aren't doing the "Royal Navy" justice! Although, I have to say, this gold speck works good with all dark nail polishes. And I love accenting only one or two fingers. For the Royal Navy, I have two fingers with gold specks, and for Bahama Mama, only the ring fingers. I am tempted to brush this on every nail, but I am resisting. I think less is more with the Deborah Lippman glitters. I'm just in love with this combo :)
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NARS sampler by Sephora

6:27 AM
I bought a few items from Sephora recently, as mentioned in this post. I was also able to add a few bonuses to the basket using all my points. One of the bonuses I chose was this NARS sampler, which is one of the best free/point service products Sephora provides (in my opinion). I was way too excited when I saw this offer, and after I added to the basket, it was quickly sold out and unavailable!


It comes in this really cute pouch. Inside was four of their products: Orgasm blush, pore primer, eye primer, and a lipgloss.

As I mentioned in a previous post, I don't own too many NARS blushes and so I was super excited about trying the famous orgasm blush. I've tried their SuperOrgasm before, but never the original. It comes in the size of a single eyeshadow packaging. I'm sure I don't need to go into too much detail since I think everyone has tried it once in their lives (all besides me!) But it's this really shimmery orange/coral/peach. When applied to my cheeks, it seems quite similar to the Benefit "Coralista" blush. It's truly shimmery, and I doubt you need to apply a highlighter with this over your cheeks. I think it'd look prettier in the summer indeed.


NARS primers are also quite famous aren't they? I've been using their face primer for quite some time now and though I try to avoid primers for the sake of skin, I do think it helps keep my makeup on longer than it would otherwise! (Although I still love my This Works Perfect Skin Look Miracle primer). It also has the eye primer in the pouch that I have yet to try, but I hear great things about it (although eye makeup stays on all day for me even without eye primers)!.


Besides the blush sample, I love this lip gloss. It's the shade "New Lover" and it looks really... pretty! You know how sometimes you get ugly shades for samples and such. This NARS pouch was amazing in that they had colors most people could wear and love! It is this frosty pink that looks super natural on the lips, with of course a gloss that probably isn't too natural, obviously but still. If you didn't know, I am not a lip gloss person at all. I hate stickiness and just everything about it is bothersome sometimes. There are only a few lip glosses I actually wear (like the Chantecaille's Brilliant Gloss), but seriously this is up there in terms of "wearability" and it really is a pretty color!

I wish Sephora would offer more of these for the points we collect. I'd save them all the time then. I had gotten another sampler for Laura Mercier as well. That will be coming up soon! xx

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Urban Decay 24/7 Glide-on Eye Pencils

7:21 PM
Sephora recently had 20% off for "Friends and Family". I took advantage of that once-in-a-bloom-moon discount code to buy this much wanted Urban Decay "Ocho Loco" eyeliner set. Honestly, I don't need all the colors in here but hear me on this. The price of this original price of about $200 was selling for about $55! Let's be honest here. Isn't this a total bargain? 8 full size eyeliners with a sharpener? Worth it.




More so because Urban Decay gets very respectable reviews. I wanted an eyeliner pencil for awhile. Again, much like my dilemma with the liquid eyeliner, I was again hesitant about which eyeliner pencil to buy. I find eye pencils are so hard to work with unless they are extra sharp, or unless you instead to tidy them by smudging them! Also, although you can with liquid eyeliners, pencil eyeliners are honestly better for the lower waterline. Again, because I wanted it to stay on the waterline, I needed it to be long-lasting.


The set comes with a matte jet black eyeliner. The other seven colors are sparkly. When I first took the black one and swatched it, I was surprised with how smoothly, thickly, and fully it ran across my skin. I had literally just placed it on my skin when it just glided it away. It is super creamy and soft, with full on pigmentation. Although I honestly am one that doesn't have smudgy eyes near the end of the day because somehow eye makeup lasts on me, I still will say that I do think this is very long-lasting.


I began to try other colors and although I'm not sure how often I'll get to where these colors, they are all so impressive and beautiful. I especially love "Hustle" for my lower waterline. It gives a softer look than black. Some pop of color here and there would also be very nice according to the look you want and such!

Overall, I agree with the 5/5 rating people have given them (on Sephora's website!)! Oh, and I forgot to mention! This is only and exclusively ONLINE. You cannot get this deal in stores so if you like the deal, find it online at www.sephora.com
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I ♥♥♥ Catbird NYC

7:36 PM
Catbird NYC is a jewelry/ beauty/ accessory boutique store situated in Brooklyn. I've been eyeing this store for the longest time, hoping one day I'd save enough to get something from here. I mean, every NYC/Brooklyn girl needs at least one piece from Catbird, don't they? I have since been obsessed with all of their dainty rings, most famously for their stacking and knuckle rings.

I thought I'd finally take a day off the weekend and from studying to take a look at the pieces I've been dying to have! I wanted to order some of them online but then I realized there was no free shipping. Besides, I wanted to be sure of my ring size as well. On the way, I thought I'd pick up a nice little gift for my sister as well, for her birthday (sweet sister, I know)!

Inside the famous Catbird NYC store 11/17

I went with my best friend to this bustling area of Brooklyn. It's absolutely full of life! And the great thing about this area is that there was actually places to park. You'll know quite readily how hard that is in the city... Anyway, I loved just walking the streets and looking at so many lovely boutiques and bookstores, cafes and restaurants. We even were stopped by a street fashion photographer who asked us if he could take pictures of our outfits! He then asked us to pose (which was awkward I must say!) and after, he gave us his business card to check his website because it'll soon be posted. If it does come up and I think it's decent enough I'll post it here :)

Anyway, not to digress all too much... What I really wanted to say was that we weren't prepared enough! All we had with us were our iPhones and therefore, the quality of these pictures (of the store) won't be too great. I also wanted to capture the bustling streets and the general atmosphere, but again... iPhones do have a limit!

Outside the street window are displays of their beautiful dainty rings!




The store is quite small, but my my... how busy it was! I don't think the door remained shut for more than say 30 seconds! So many people came in and swooned over the jewelries and I have to say, I'm right there with y'all :)

Now, I picked up three pieces. Two were for my sister's birthday present, and one was for me! The one I picked up for myself is this all too dainty, all too beautiful "Dark Side of the Moon" ring. I originally wanted the size 5 to put on my right ring finger, but unfortunately, that size was sold out! So instead, I got a 5.5 and put it on my middle finger. I've been wanting this so... much and now that I have it on, I seriously can't stop looking down at my hands! It's a thin gold band with a slightly angled moon, studded with jewels within. Under light, this thing sparkles so prettily! 




Do tell me this is gorgeous. I mean, if I could, I'd pick up all the rings in that store. This is my first Catbird, but no doubt, I'm going to be building a collection!

Next are the two products I got for my dear sister, who loves (like anybody would) luxurious and quality products. I picked up this Rodin lip balm, and I've always wanted to try Rodin. It's, I believe, an Italian brand (do correct me if I'm wrong) and they are known for delivering what you pay for. The packaging is to die for. It's in this sleek case and ugh! Just too nice, and perfect to put into your handbag!



Next is this necklace called Katie Diamond "Astrid Necklace" in Turquoise. I originally thought of getting her black so that she could wear with all outfits, but in person, the turquoise stood out more and therefore was more flattering. The length of the gold chain is 18 inches and falls perfectly!

Catbird's staff were really helpful. They gift-wrapped the two products free of price. I got them into a really cute Catbird shopping bag. (I wore my ring out :)) Thankfully, when I gave my sister her presents, she really loved them. Now, she's obsessed with Catbird herself!


 

So, this was my amazing shopping experience at Catbird! I loved every single piece (they sell candles, lip balms, body oils, rings, earrings, necklaces, miscellany jewelries, etc.,). Online, they are having exclusive gift sets on sale (unfortunately unavailable in store). If ever around NY, do take a look at the store. They are amazing, and rightfully famous.



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Easiest Way to Remove: Sephora "Instant Nail Polish Remover"

9:30 AM
This post is following up on the post right before introducing the prettiest beige-pink nude nail polish! Here, I'm going to tell you about the easiest way to remove nail polish that will allow less hassle in the whole nail care/polish routine. 


To tell you the truth, I am not a "nail gal" and that makes me a really lazy nail girl... meaning, once I find a shade I like, I wear it until it chips... and sometimes, that means going with the same shade for about a week. No, that doesn't mean removing and reapplying the same shade, that means, applying once and keeping it on for a week or more. 

Yeah, if you are a nail-art guru and lover of all things nails... you're probably thinking I'm one lazy girl! But really, the process of removing nail polish is just a pain. I must admit, applying and waiting for it to dry is also another slew of pain sometimes. But after bloggers have been going on about the Bourjois instant nail polish remover, I thought, why not try the American side of things: Sephora's "Instant Nail Polish Remover". 

It comes in a similar pink-reddish bottle. If you open it up, you'll see what you see in the picture above. You stick your finger it. Give it about three seconds of swirling, and just like that, it's off! And the cotton inside is ever so soft.

There is no sickly alcohol smell you get with nail polish removers. It's rather bearable! In fact, I think they've scented it with something to cancel out that strong distasteful smell. Also, the sponge, as I mention again, is so super duper soft. 

And to think it takes about 3 seconds! 

I've tried cheaper ones because I can get nitty gritty about wasting money and so I thought, let's try the drugstore version of things... Well, the one I got from CVS was pathetical unhelpful! (Sorry to those who may find it favorable). It smelled like they poured the regular bottle of nail polish remover into the bottle, letting a thick, crude sponge soak it all up. Unfortunately, the cotton doesn't "soak it up" all too well so really, when you stick in your finger, you realize you're just swirling your fingers in a puddle of alcohol! But I mean, it was $3... so I shouldn't complain all that much. 

 This is a good price of $9.50, or let's just round it to the nearest dollar... $10. It's definitely worth it! And it makes the whole idea of painting your nails easier :)




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NOTD Essie "Topless & Barefoot"

7:57 AM
I am going to introduce to you one of the prettiest nudes you'll ever encounter. It is the all-famous "Topless & Barefoot" nail polish from Essie. I bought this on Amazon, trusting the reviews and the beauty bloggers who've raved about this pretty nude, beige, pink color. I said, why not? And bought it. When I got it in the mail, I didn't think it looked like much in the bottle. But then...


I applied it and thought, darn this is a pretty color! I keep looking down at my nails, and I'm not even sure these pictures do justice. It really gives you a "topless and barefoot" effect. It's nude, but then it's beige-pink that gives you a clean, polished, and feminine color. I've mentioned that some of my favorite nudes are the ones like Dior's Safari Beige or Butter's "Tea with the Queen". This, I have to say, is up there with them!


I applied the Sally Hansen Double Duty as a base coat, then applied two layers of this nail polish. I'm sure this happens to a lot of people when applying nail polish, but since I'm a righty, I apply my left hand fairly well. But then, I get to painting the nails on my right hand, and it's just a mess! So, I had to apply three coats on my right hand. If you paint nails well, I'm sure two coats would be fine. But three, it's more definite. Then I applied the Double Duty again as a top coat. It does take quite some time to dry, which Essie polishes are known for. In a post that will follow this, I want to introduce to you the Sephora "Instant Nail Polish Remover" that does wonders. But that being said, if ever a mistake, it's just gotten a lot easier to fix it up!


How pretty is this color anyhow? Just go out and buy it, that's what I say!

Do you guys have any other nude polishes that you swear by? xx


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MAC Studio Fix NC35⎪Review!

5:22 PM
School is definitely stressing me out! I have been breaking out quite badly and of course, the first step in dealing with that is to focus on skincare. But the problem is I come home just to sleep and the rest of the day is spent out. For immediate solution to the breakouts, I've been looking for something with better coverage for touch-ups. I've hit pan on my Kevyn Aucoin "Ethereal Powder". Although I've enjoyed using the product, after I've found this goodie, I think it surpasses Kevyn Aucoin!


What I love most about this is the color match. I just picked from what I thought would match it, swatching it on a part of my cheeks at the MAC store. But when I came home, I was so impressed with how perfect this shade fit my skin! The Kevyn Aucoin ethereal powders didn't come in too many shades, and though I fall into the light-medium range, I was using the second lightest shade from their available shades, and even that was a bit dark! This is just perfect. I'm using NC35, good for light-medium yellow-undertone skin.


Another thing I like about this is the coverage, of course, since that's what I was focusing on. It can be used as a foundation on its own or as a setting makeup, or for touchup. I find that it is perfect for all three. As I said before, because of my breakouts, I use this for a finishing and touching-up makeup. The girl at the MAC store recommended I use it with a brush instead of the sponge that comes with it. I find it gives a airbrush effect and it does not look heavy at all. Of course, your skin is overall matte and it doesn't look "natural, no make-up" look, but considering the great coverage, it is light and airbrushed. 


 I try to avoid the sponge that it comes with. Like the girl at MAC mentioned, it becomes rather unsanitary and it can clog up pores. Also, if you use that for touch-ups and you have an oily skin, it might get... well, ugly. So using a brush it the best I think.

If you're looking for a nice covering finish/touchup/ high-coverage foundation, try the MAC studio fix. They have great shades as well :)



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Life Update #3

9:07 AM
I've just opened a Facebook page for my blog, literally just a few minutes ago! If you'd like to "LIKE" it and get updates, click THIS and check it out. I'd very much appreciate it :) It'll be quite empty now but I'll work on it by and by.
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Eyeko. Liquid Eyeliner

6:53 PM
After I've run out of my dear Bourjois liquid eyeliner, I was both on the search for an equal or better liquid eyeliner and contemplating whether I should pay unnecessary shipping for another Bourjois liquid eyeliner. I did what sensible beauty girls would do. I rummaged through my favorite beauty bloggers' blogs and tried to find something that would suit me. Unfortunately, I couldn't quite find the "one". I kept asking around, and perhaps the wise words "Seek and ye shall find!" was suited for this!


My sister's friend had long used this product and recommended it. Honestly, I haven't heard all that much about it, but on my trip to Sephora, I gave a quick look at this skinny eye marker thing. It looked sleek and the felt tip seemed decent. I saw "Eyeko... London" and I thought, "oh no... I already love so many UK beauty brands, would this be the next?"


I decided to give it a try. My sister insisted. I bought it, and tried it out, and I have to say... this could definitely replace my previous eyeliner! Now, mind you, these are the early days. I'll have to keep on watch of how long this product lasts and in what circumstances it works and/or doesn't. But so far, so very, very good!


What I am most impressed about is exactly what the words of the product says. It's the "Skinny Liquid Eyeliner". The felt tip is marvelously skinny, precise, and efficient. (Now that I realize, I haven't taken a picture of the actual tip! What a shame...) It glides on ever so smoothly and because the point is long, skinny, and tight, it is ideal for those who are paranoid of getting as close to the lash line as possible. I would also recommend this to people who want just a subtle thickening or emphasis on the lash line, and not the "in your face" thick liquid eyeliner. It is so good at tight lining, I was overly impressed. Of course, if you wanted the thick line, you could always do that too. 


Of course, to eyeliners, there's the thing about "winging it out". I've found that flicking it at the end is quite easy and you don't have to nerve yourself about it. 

I've read reviews online. Some people complain about it smudging easily. I'm not one to judge too much on that because someone, eye products "stay" on my eyes in quite some decent manner. I've worn this 12+ hours and it seems to be completely intact when I came home. I did realize that if you rub it hard enough, it'd smudge off. That could be a con, but then again, as you're drawing, if you mess up, you shan't have to worry! Just take a cotton tip and wipe it off :)

As you can see, the color is intense and thick. I love that! I'm not too sure if they come in other colors, but in my memory, they didn't. (Correct me if I am wrong!) Also, this goodie is just $15. That's a bargain isn't it. Try it out if you're on the search for a liquid eyeliner and tell me what you think. Leave some of your favorite liquid eyeliners in the comments down below. I would love to read them :)





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Plum Up the Cheeks!

3:21 PM
Nars Blush in "Sin" is a gorgeous plum shade for the cheeks. Honestly, I haven't tried too many Nars blush. I have no idea why, but it seems to have taken me awhile to actually purchase them. I love all their shades and I definitely want to try all and everything, but the first on my list was this shade in "Sin". I've heard so much about this blush, especially from my all-time favorite beauty guru Tanya Burr. Well, almost everything she does looks absolutely stunning on her. Still, I thought I'd jump in the wagon and give myself a try.



It's been about a month since I bought it but after dropping it (mentioned in my last video), I felt too discouraged to blog about it (for the sake of pretty pictures!). Luckily though, Sephora graciously took it and gave me a brand new one and so now, with much enthusiasm, I introduce to you SIN.


I don't know where Nars gets up with all their provocative names, but Sin definitely sounds mischievous. I was quite surprised at how purple it looks in the picture when swatched on my fingers. On the cheeks, you definitely see the plum but it's also a bit rosy, giving you a subtle flush and contour on the cheek area.



I found that the shade is a bold shade and that you must be careful not to dab your brush too much into the blush. I think a minimal amount goes a long way, and when you put just the right amount, it really makes you look... lovely! I've swatched them in different lights to help you get a gist of the color payoff and the subtleness of several shades within this single pan of color.

I love that the blush is matte. I've been breaking out way too much recently, and I just don't want any shimmer to emphasize those spots. Also, the matte blushes make your cheeks look... gentle. I have a whole list of Nars blushes I want to try now, but I must say, the rave was no lie! This blush is definitely a beautiful shade. I've been wearing it everyday since I bought it.

What are some of your favorite Nars blushes?
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Wishlist #1

6:37 PM
Christmas is approaching and I've grown quite a list of beauty products I am repeatedly tempted to buy. I actually have more bits and pieces, but I shall hold them back. Most of these are affordable (I am pressuring you guys ** friends and family** to get me these) and nothing too difficult to buy. Now, of course, if I were to buy them all in one buy, this would be wholly excessive. Nonetheless, I would if I could. I absolutely love these products and I would love love to try them all!

  1. Laura Mercier 'Ambre Vanillè' Soufflé Body Crème
  
  2. Laura Mercier Silk Cream Foundation
 
  3. Nars Contour Powder in Laguna (or Casino)            
  4. Ciate Velvet Manicure - Berry Poncho' Set
     
  5. Bobbi Brown 'Choose Your Black' Long Wear Eye Pencil
          
  6. Laura Mercier 'Mosaic' Shimmer Bloc            
  7. Nars Blush "Desire"

  8. CAUDALÍE 'Indulgent' Body Set ($45 Value) for $28
     
  9. Dior 'Diorskin Nude' Natural Glow Sculpting Powder (BEIGE PRALINE 020)

  10. Dior 'Diorskin' Ultra Shimmering Allover Face Powder (Amber Diamond)

  11. diptyque 'The Art of Body Care' Set

  12. Bobbi Brown Long-Wear Even Finish SPF 15 Foundation

  13. BeautyBlender Sponge

  14. Dior '5 Couleurs Iridescent' Eyeshadow Palette
  15. Laura Mercier 'Fresh Fig' Eau Gourmande
  16. NARS 'Andy Warhol' Larger Than Life Long Wear Eyeliner
What are some products on your wishlist? :)




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Life Update #2

2:54 PM
Hurricane Sandy has hit NY hard, especially in the area I live in. That being said, I had been cut off from the livable world when I lost power, electricity, heat, and internet (along with 3G) just a week ago. I am currently at a different place, thankfully supplied with all three. But this is for the moment being. Going home is terrible because it's going home to a ghost town with absolute zero light, into a house that is freezing cold. I have caught the cold, and a whole slew of other mess has gotten involved with this whole Hurricane Sandy business.

That being said, my blog has undoubtedly been neglected. Once life gets back to normal, I'd like to put up a few posts I have planned. Until then, if any of you read this, please keep NY in your prayers :)
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