Perfume Collection⎪FINAL PART #4

I have finally made it to the end of the tunnel. This PERFUME COLLECTION video series has been a long journey, taking over a month to finish. I have finally gotten to the final part of the series, which is PART #4. This part will consist of Miscellani fragrances, meaning fragrances that I only have one of from their brand and so there was no need to make a separate video on just that. If you don't know, all the other three parts of the series were talked about by brand. Hence, these five didn't fit and so I have put them together into this miscellani video.

If you are interested, here are the other 3 parts:

Part 1: DIPTYQUE
Part 2: JO MALONE
Part 3: BYREDO PARFUMS

left to right: Stella McCartney, Le Labo Rose 31, Chanel Beige, Miss Dior, Escentric Molecules 01

For a full review on Chanel Beige, click here.

As for the Blogsale Alert on my Miss Dior eau de parfum, click here.

Now then, let's begin with Escentric Molecules, Molecule 01. This has taken a heap of craze on all the beauty blogs. I actually bought this over a year ago, in the smallest bottle so I could really try it out. Like everyone mentioned, at first you cannot smell it on yourself. The concept is thrilling. One molecule that develops on your skin, making this alluring effect on others. This was listed as one of the world's most sexiest scent. I mean, this totally sucked me in! I tried it at out store and found of course there was nothing to really think about then because I couldn't even smell it!

But here's the turn of events. After a few months I was able to smell the actual scent that it has. It is a very woody scent that has this human body smell on it. Oh goodness. That sounded gross. But really, what I meant was that it has that warmth of a human presence. I found that the scent was also pretty masculine and I did not like it at all. After all the intrigue about it, I came to a conclusion that it wasn't worth the hype. I hear more compliments wearing the perfumes I too love than this product. So as you can see from the video and pictures, I still have a lot left!

As for the Le Labo Rose 31 and Stella McCartney fragrances, they are both rose scents. These belong to my sister, who is a fan of all things rose. I, on the other hand, am not. Le Labo Rose 31 is a really strong masculine rose fragrance that was made targeted for men who love rose but find that most of the rose fragrances in the market are for women. Although they say it is for both men and women, I find that it is just really musky, spicy, woody and warm that embodies a lot of masculinity. If you go on their site, you can see the notes that combine in such a way that make it a really strong musky scent. I can't say that I love it, because it's far from my taste. Also, I found that most of their fragrances have the same really strong overpowering scent.

What I do love about Le Labo fragrances is their services and packaging. I went to the store in Soho and there is a perfumist there who works with you and combines the chemical/ingredients there on the spot for you. Also, you get your own personalized label with your name, location of where you got this fragrance, and the perfumist.

On the other hand, Stella McCartney is such a beautiful feminine flowery clean rose fragrance. Although I don't like the smell of roses, somehow this really captures a wonderful sensuality to it without any notes of anything heavy, thick, or musky. But again, it's not too light or airy either. Though it is not a very complex or dimensional scent (like the ones I love) I still enjoy for what it is!

So, there! This is the last Perfume Collection post of the year and who knows when the next one will be. This series has received the most responses and positive feedback on my blog and Youtube! So, thank you for all your great comments and responses :)

2 comments chanel, chanel beige, collection video, dior, escentric molecules, fragrance collection, fragrances, le labo, miss dior, neom, stella mccartney

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BLOGSALE Miss Dior Fragrance!!!

I am selling my Miss Dior Eau de Parfum, originally $70 for $58! For details about the product, watch my video here and read my blogpost here. Basically, I have used this only once which can translate to about 3 spritzes. In exchange for being (so slightly) used and not having the box that it originally came in, I will be selling it for much discounted price of $58+ free shipping.

You must be living in US, preferably in NY. (Sorry to my international readers!) Also, you must 18+ years old or else, receive permission from parents so that I can send you this product to your home address. Please also note that there is NO RETURN once the product has been shipped to you.

I will send this perfume in a safe box with a few goodies (secret!) as well. It will be shipped within a week after the payment has been made. The shipping will probably be standard shipping, and I will notify you when I have shipped it off.

Please leave a comment down below if you're interested and we can talk about the transaction :)

1 comment blogsale, dior, fragrance, miss dior

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Loving Drugstore #1

Can you tell I'm into numbering my blogposts? They seem organized that way. I've been numbering my collection videos, my routine videos, and who knows what else!

This is my first (no wait, second) Drugstore faves post. I hardly ever feature any drugstore products into any of my blogposts or favorites because honestly, I'm not a fan of drugstore products. No prejudice. Simply because I have failed to find some of them even worth $5. I had come to the conclusion that I'd rather save the $5 and buy one really good luxury item. I have had many trials and errors with drugstore products, so much that I almost gave up on spending anything at these places at all!

But recently, I have found that I am enjoying quite a few of them. Most (all) of the ones I'm going to be talking about are ones that have been frequently raved about in the beauty blog world. These are products that I have tested out for months before I could make my mind up about them.

Unlike most beauty bloggers, I don't like to hoard all the colors in a particular line of products. Again, just because it's cheap doesn't mean that when you reach the cash register, it won't come out to be a lot. I've seen $$$ being spent at CVS and let me just say, it really isn't hard to spend that much at drugstore. That being said, I don't like to hoard a lot of drugstore products. Not only do I find the packaging not particularly attractive for my collection, but I find it is again potentially a waste.

So whew, that being said, here are some of my favorites. [In no particular order]

1. Revlon Lip Butters

This is talked about. A lot. By almost everyone. Honestly, it took me awhile to figure out why. I bought this during the transition from fall to winter, when my lips were chappy. I found that this sunk into the creases of my lips and did not help repair the lips at all. I remember how people said that this was super moisturizing, but to me at the time, it felt like it only "felt" moisturizing but it didn't actually "moisturIZE". (I was a linguistics major so if you get my grammatical point there, yay!). Anyway, so I had put it off for awhile.
But recently, with the hot weather and the less chappy lips, I found that I actually really like this stuff. I still think that once your lips are chapped, this is a no-no. But, if you do have an already moisturized lips, this could help MAINTAIN that moisture.

I also liked the finish of it. It almost looks glossy, and so there's no need for a lip gloss (not that I even wear lip glosses). Also, if you consistently apply it throughout the day, then I found it does have lasting power and even tints the lips.

Left: Sweet Tart; Right: Tutti Frutti

The shades I have are "Tutti Frutti" which is an orange shade. This is such a flattering color for the summer when you have a bronzing summer makeup on (should I do a makeup look post/video with this? tell me down below). I have been wearing this a lot.
The other shade is "Sweet Tart" which is a pretty pink shade. Not too blue-toned, not too pale, not too red, not too pastel. It's just... pink. And it's pretty, and so it just gives a natural neutral pink lips when applied. Again, the finish is quite lovely!

2.  Maybelline Color Tattoo- "Bad to the Bronze"

Need I say more about this line of products? People go on and on about them. I only have one though and it's the shade Bad to the Bronze which, as the name suggests, is a bronze gold color. It is a really pigmented and creamy eyeshadow that you could hardly say is anything of "cheap". It feels luxurious and the color is stunning on the eyes. They have a whole line of colors, but I have yet to find enough temptation to get anything more than this.
I find I gravitate towards this on days when I am lazy with even an eyeliner and I just want some kind of definition on my eyes, quick and easy. This does the job, and it's great. Packaging is also glass so it feels pretty nice, I have to say.
The rest of the review I previously wrote can be read here.

2. Maybelline Under-Eye CONCEALERS

Okay, so I have recently fallen in love with under-eye concealers. They make all the difference in the world. And although I don't have any prominent dark circles, I do find that putting a concealer that is 2 shades lighter than your foundation can brighten up the face so much.

My all time favorite under-eye concealer has been the Burberry Sheer Glow concealer but so sadly, it's currently lost. So, I had to resort to the only other under-eye concealer I had, which was the Maybelline DreamLumi (Touch Higlighting Concealer) and though at first I kept comparing it to the long-lasting, dewy Burberry concealer, I grew to love this Maybelline one as well. I bought it in the lightest "highlighting" shade and I love it. It's definitely a salmon-pink color that will contrast any blue under the eye.

Left: DreamLumi, Right: Instant Age Rewind

Then, recently I had to run to the drugstore to pick up a concealer because I was starting to look dull that day and I had no touch-ups in my bag. So, I decided to try something new and I picked up the Maybelline New Instant Age Rewind Eraser for Dark Circles. I instantly fell in love with this because I had applied it to an already flaking makeup and this did not stick to any flaked skin or makeup! It's seem more lighter and powdery than the DreamLumi concealer so it does not crease. I am definitely going to carry this in my bag! The shade is again in the lightest shade "fair". It doesn't have as much salmon shade as the other Maybelline concealer, but it does the job beautifully!

If I had to choose between the two to repurchase, I honestly don't know what I'd pick!

Leave a Comment color tattoo, concealer, drugstore, lip butter, loving drugstore, maybelline, revlon

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MINTY PASTELS!

If you can't choose between two shades, why not just keep them both? Well, normally I won't do that but I really couldn't choose between Essie's "Mint Candy Apple" and Sally Hansen's "Mint Sorbet". Because they are quite similar colors in terms of being in the blue/green minty shade of things, I decided to go one for one.

Left: Essie Mint Candy Apple, Right: Sally Hansen Mint Sorbet

 Mint Candy Apple is a more blue-toned mint. The Mint Sorbet is more of a greeny-mint. I like to call it a pistachio green. I love them both and I find people look down at my nails and go about choosing what they like best :) Oftentimes, they end up saying they can't choose because I mean come now, who doesn't love both these minty pastel colors?!

Leave a Comment blue, essie, green, mint, NOTD, pastel, pistachio, sally hansen, seche vite

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Skincare Favorites & Routine #1

Introducing my current skincare routine and favorite skincare products! I've realized that the weather/season makes a huge difference on my skin. As the days became more hot and humid, I have been breaking out ever since and all the products I was using before just wasn't cutting it for me. I had to add in a few more products to get the wheel moving! Also, I call this my #1 routine/favorites post even though I have done a Skincare Routine post before. It's just I want to keep track starting this time around. This is also probably my summer skincare routine! So here they are:

left to right: Atomy "Again" Serum, Elizabeth Arden 8hr Cream, Michael Todd Blue Green Algae Toner, Michael Todd Charcoal Cleanser, Michael Todd Charcoal Exfoliator, Mario Badescu Special Cucumber Lotion (Toner), Origins Rescue Mask, Origins "Clear Imrpvoement" Mask, Origins "Make a Difference" treatment, Mario Badescu Vitamin C serum

I am still trying out the Michael Todd's products. I had them for about five months now and I am still undecided about a few. My sister, on the other hand, faints over them. Literally, she can't say enough about it. I've seen it do magic on her skin. I'm still testing it out however, but currently I have been loving their Charcoal Cleanser, Blue Green Algae Toner, and their Charcoal Exfoliator. I'm kind of obsessed with Charcoal:

I am also going to do a Skincare Haul sometime soon, and in there you can see some of the other products I am trying out. But currently, as for masks, I am in love with these two from Origins. One is my 3rd repurchase! It's the "Out of Trouble" Rescue mask. This does wonders! A new addition though is Origins "Clear Improvement" Charcoal Mask. Oh goodness, I need to rave about this. So, this is one of the products that have saved me recently. 

To explain, my skin was not rejuvenating and so no matter what good moisturizer or serum was putting on top of my skin, nothing was working! My skin was terribly congested and I needed to flake away my dead skin, exfoliate it, cleanse it, and let it soak in some good moisture. Nothing was working. So, I started looking for something that would suck the goo out of my face. Basically, DETOX my skin. Eventually, I thought of this, and thought I'd give it a try:

I usually stray away from products made for acne skin. I find they are too strong for my uber-sensitive skin and dry me out too much. Hence, I never really knew if I should try this charcoal mask. Still, I knew I really needed help for my congested skin. My pores looked all icky and gross! I thought I'd give this a try. The first day I bought it, I put it on my face after washing it clean in warm water to let my pores open. Then, I left it on for about 20 minutes and then washed my face off. 

SO SOFT. The bumps subsided and my skin was so much clearer. It sucked the oil and dirt out of my skin so well! I'm honestly not a great fan of products that take forever to work. I like the instant kinds. The ones that make my skin look better instantly. And honestly, that makes more sense for me. This definitely is one of those products and after trying a sample, I went and got the full size. I have applied this every day since and have not broken out once. Amazing! 

After the mask and feeling ever so deeply cleansed, I apply this newly-purchased Origins Make a difference Plus treatment. I bought this because I read up on a lot of good blog-reviews on this product, especially from Essiebutton and GhOstparties on Youtube. My skin was feeling tight, dehydrated and in desperate need of moisture and rejuvenation. I heard that this was a great product for oily/combination skin. This was supposedly great in calming angry and aggressive acne!

Indeed! The next morning, in combination of good cleansing and good treatment, my skin was drastically different. It's been over a week since I used this treatment. My scars are disappearing slowly but noticeably, and my acne has definitely died down! I apply is day and night and it leaves my skin feeling so soft and really hydrated.

It kind of reminded me of this:

I reviewed Atomy's Again Serum here, and after that review, within a week, I was done with the product. It seemed so hard to get a hold of this item, but I have finally received my second bottle of this! Briefly summing up that review here, I love this because it hydrates my skin better than any serum I have ever tried. Don't know what it is, but my skin as of the past two years has often become really parched and dehydrated. Ugh! It gets to the point where I can't even smile because my skins so tight. No amount of moisturizer can sink in hydration like this serum can! I almost feel like it penetrates so deep into my skin, it even relaxes my facial muscles haha :) Love it and I'm so happy I've finally gotten my hands on this!

Another serum I love is this Mario Badescu Vitamin C serum. I've also reviewed this product singularly in this post. It is amazing for getting rid of scars and blemishes. However, I have found that when my skin is just dead and it needs help rejuvenating because something is just consistently blocking my pores, I don't use this because again-- if you are not cleansing properly and your skin is not prepped to take in great products, you'd just be wasting it by putting these serums on your face. You'll find that it'll just sit on the skin and NOT sink in. So, before I use this serum I make sure that I am exfoliating and cleansed properly (with the masks and whatnot I mentioned above). 

Another Mario Badescu product I have been loving is their Special Cucumber Lotion (toner). I use it in complement with the Michael Todd's Blue Green Algae Toner. I think the Blue Green Algae is good on days when my skin seems itchy and in need of antibacterial action! Then, the Special Cucumber is great when I want to heal and refresh my skin! I use them hand-in-hand on days when I need them, accordingly. 

Lastly, Elizabeth Arden Eight Hour Cream is lovely! It replaces Vaseline as a much better lasting, truly hydrating, and necessary item for your handbag. I know Tanya Burr on Youtube raves on about this. Ever since her earliest videos, she mentions this as her favorite product.

I can see why! Great for anywhere and everywhere: lips, elbows, dry patches, face, cuticles... name it! It also smells so nice (not floral or sweet or anything, but very simple and a bit herbal). In the summer, when the skin becomes damaged by the sun, I think this will become even more handy. I use it currently though for my cuticles and lips. Love!

So basically, this is my skincare routine.

Leave a Comment atomy, charcoal, cleanser, elizabeth arden, facial masks, hydration, make a difference, mario badescu, mask, michael todd, origins, origins make a difference treatment, out of trouble, serum, summer, toner, treatment

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It's All About Cotton-White Nails!

Featuring OPI, Sinful Colors, Neom, & Catbird :)

White nail polishes seem to be trending. I've always thought of white nail polishes as something of the icky white-out feeling. Also, I was afraid the white would contrast a bit too much with the hand. But, instead it looks clean, fresh, and perfect for S U M M E R .

First I bought the one from Sinful Color, in the shade "Snow me White". It was good enough once you had the topcoat on but dear dear, it was so hard to paint! Then at Sephora, OPI was having a sale and so I picked the white shade called White Hot. So much better!

Then, I got this topcoat that I know beauty bloggers RAVE about. Indeed, it is quick and shiny. Like, I mean really quick dry time and it makes the nail polish look so... polished.

I've been wearing white nails for a week now!

2 comments catbird, catbirdnyc, neom, NOTD, OPI, sinful colors, white

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CHANEL Stylo Eyeshadow, Summer Collection 2013

Moon River + Pink Lagoon

Chanel almost feels like a hype. Sometimes they seem overpriced. But then again, you buy a Chanel beauty product and once it gets into your hands, somehow you feel a bit honored by its presence. I'm sure I'm not the only one when it comes to Chanel products. They just make you feel good, and sometimes everything about them is simply LUX. 

Moon River

My most recent Chanel purchase is this Summer Collection 2013 eyeshadow "stylo". A long stick of eyeshadow that comes in about five colors (or more?). I picked up the shades "Moon River" and "Pink Lagoon". The shade "Moon River" is great because I think it would suit all occasions. I swatched it at the Chanel counter and instantly I was head over heels for it. 

Rolled it all the way to the end. You can see how much product you're given (personally don't think it's that much!)

It glides over the skin. The shine is intense, truly pigmented, and wet. It has sparkles similar to the Tom Ford Enchanted eye palette/shadows and a wet effect similar to Estee Lauder's gelee formulas! I love that it's so handy because it comes in a stick. 

The color Moon River is a silver brown/ gray-gold (somehow I can't point an exact finger on it!) that actually blends with my skin color. I find that because there is so much depth to this shadow, I don't even need to "contour" my eyes with darker or lighter eyeshadows. All I need is just this. All over my eyelid, and it catches the light in such a way that makes my eyes look deeper and well... prettier :)

$34 LIMITED EDITION

Again, it is insanely intense. The five or more shades are all awesome as well. Some are too vibrant for everyday makeup, but looks just as enticing.

Without Flash

The color Pink Lagoon is a beautiful vibrant pink that gives the perfect pop of color to the eyelids. The color is so long-lasting! There are some eyeshadows that fade overtime and sometimes pinks end up looking purple and whatnot. But I found that this pink stays vibrant pink all day!

Again, it is so intense and it will gleam all over your eyes throughout the day! The pink is so pretty and flirty. I think it looks really pretty when girls have that perfect shade of pink and it shows every time they blink. Also, I find that this pink shade doesn't make you look "high-school" or "swollen-eye'd" as some pink tones can make one look.

The only conflict I have with it is that when I swatched it, I felt it easily blended itself out and with water, it washed away pretty quickly. But since my eyes don't crease or fade easily anyway, I'd be okay. But then my sister said that this eyeshadow was really long-lasting because it just stayed on the whole day without budging! Then I tried it again the next day, and it really did not budge this time around. So, I don't have a sure note on that (in terms of whether it is really long-lasting or not). 

What's really cool about this is that when you apply it, it feels like you are putting something wet on your skin! It's really "cooling" and wet and I love it that I can just pop this all over, put on eyeliner, and I'm done! The color is so amazing. Do know that the shine/shimmer is prime and so you're not going to go for the "natural/ no-makeup" look with this at all! :)

Love the name "Moon River" and "Pink Lagoon". The names represents the colors so well! 

Leave a Comment brown, chanel, eyeshadow, gray, moon river, pink, stylo eyeshadow

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New Discovery: DRY SHAMPOOS

There are times when you discover something you've been looking for all your life, and all along it was right there. Okay, let's get to business. What am I talking about?

DRY SHAMPOOS.

Okay, so this is an old thing. A lot of people have used it, but I haven't. I never thought of trying it. Never attempted it. And, I never heard good things about it from anyone around me.

But, in case you haven't read my previous mention of my haircare routine, I get my hair chemically straightened twice a year. Originally, my hair is a frizz-ball. Sigh. But when I chemically straighten it, it becomes a blanket of silk :)

All is well with the straightening process, but there is one huge downfall. You can't wash your hair for 60 hours. Now, I don't know about you, but that's crazy and I just can't do it. I end up waiting about a day and a half and give up. When I didn't have bangs, I could wait out two days or something. When I had less things to do with my life, I'd find the time in my week when I would have NOTHING to do so that when I end up with oily hair, I can just sit in my room and come in contact with no one (a bit exaggerated but still, true).

But this time around, I had not only bangs but work. I mean, I can't miss out work just because I have oily bangs??? So, I had to think of something to cut the oiliness. Then, I thought. Why not try out dry shampoos?

My original notion of the whole thing was: yucky, gooey, powdery, messy, and ineffective. I was nothing but doubts about it.

But then I watched Essie from Essiebutton talk about it in one of her videos, then I remember Ingrid from MissGlamorazzi talk about it. So, I decided to give it a try.

I went for Batiste dry shampoos. Ulta is currently doing a buy one, get 2nd 50% off. So, just in case I got one full size and one travel size, in the scents Floral and Cherry.

I mean, before I bought this, I really did my research. There are so many dry shampoos out there and so many mixed reviews. I went safe and got the cheaper one that had the best reviews.

This morning before work, I thought I'd give it a try. Lifted a portion of my bangs. PSSST. Spritz. Then I massaged it in with my fingers.

then.... voila! 

Fresh. Clean. Natural tousle.

The result was so good, I chucked the travel size into my bag and headed for work. I would spritz it maybe every four hours to give my bangs and anywhere a bit of a lift. Wow. It was so good!

Now, I'm literally addicted.

So, where was I before dry shampoos? I don't know. But what I do know is that now my life has gotten so much better and so much easier. And days when my hair is clean but my bangs keep getting weighed down, I can save some real shampoo for this and look as fresh as day :) Summer is also here. That can only mean sweat and oiliness. But no worries. I got these to back me up! x

completely filmed this on a whim! i came back from work and thought, why not! excuse the not-camera-ready face but hope it was helpful anyway.

Leave a Comment batiste, cherry, dry shampoos, hair, haircare, shampoo

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Byredo Parfums⎜Perfume Collection (Part #3)

I am nearing the end of my Perfume Collection video series! I am so happy with the response so far and I love to read your comments. Today is going to be about my most luxurious brand fragrance. It is a Swedish brand called Byredo Parfums (blogged about it the day I got it on my Tumblr). The 50ml values at $145. Yikes! Fortunately, I have a sister who was willing to buy them for me for my birthday some year back :)

As expensive as they are, I will without hesitation say that I do not regret a single penny! Though I have named Diptyque as my all-time favorite fragrance brand, I think that it also shares a seat with this babe too! As I say, they are perfection in a bottle.

I was first intrigued by this brand because I saw it pop up on random pictures on Tumblr. They weren't from beauty blogs but random home-topshelf pictures. The bottle I thought, was simply chic and so I began my investigation to finding out what this Byredo Parfums thing was all about!

No doubt, after a few reads and clicks on their website, I was completely sucked into them. As I have mentioned in my previous videos, I think fragrances MUST tell a story. The name, the packaging, the inspiration, and finally the scent must all come in one perfect package. This brand definitely did that job, impeccably. 

Before I popped into Barney's New York (department store in NYC) I took a hefty amount of time reading up on their fragrances so that if I was just as impressed with the actual scent as I was with their description online, I would know for what I would be spending this much money on. Thankfully, I met a lady at the counter who was so helpful in informing me about these scents. She helped me choose these two that I so love! When I went to Barney's I already had about 5 that I was seriously interested in. It came down to these two, and although I went to just get one, I ended up getting both!

The Pulp is something I wear more often than the other, partly because it is such a fresh, lively, explosive fragrance of ripe fruit. It works well all year around and what's wonderful about it is that wherever you are, you instantly create this atmosphere of life with this fragrance beaming out of your presence! It is intensely savory and heavy. It isn't one of those airy light fruit scents. I mean, this is serious business of real ripe fruits! 

In Pulp, a compilation of exotic and Swedish influences create an international fruit basket. A dramatic composition focused on the idea of ripe, sweet, shapeless mass of fruit, an unruly and intense savor. (website)

Here are the notes of Pulp

Top: Bergamot, cardamom, blackcurrant
Heart: Fig, red apple, tiare
Base: Cedar wood, praline, peach flower

Interestingly enough, very much like my other fruity scents (from Jo Malone the Blackberry & Bay and Grapefruit) it isn't as "feminine" as one would think. I don't know about you, but when I think of fruity scents I think of girly scents. It doesn't seem to be the case with these rich perfumes! They are more masculine than one would think! I would definitely find this attracting both men and women.

As for Seven Veils, the moment I took that first sniff of Seven Veils I was like THIS IS IT. When I first bought it, it had just recently launched. Here is what they say on their website: 

Seven Veils is a spicy oriental composition built around the warmth of vanilla flower and Indian sandalwood.
It is based on the biblical tale of Salome’s dance of the Seven Veils, a story of many layers. Tainted and bejeweled, Salome turns to the art of shameless seduction. Barefooted, sanguine and black eyed, she demands a man’s head on a plate in exchange for one single dance...
“On that first morning the moon sinks late and you feel the pull, as if it were night, magnetic in a way the sun could never be. Three memories pervade the air. The way you hold it; the way through fingers you let it slip; and the way the woven silk floats across the winds. So now floats a perfect fifth, in a minor chord, from an ancient bow, resonating in our ears louder and louder. And louder still until it grows stronger than even our beating hearts. You rise up, upon your feet, and even higher. With seven veils you dance, swirling swirling swirling.”

It is seductive, feminine, sophisticated, sweet, and oh my gosh.. just so alluring and chic! Here are the notes of Seven Veils

Top: Carrot, Pimento Berries
Heart: Tahitian Vanilla Flower, Laurier Rose, Glycine, Tiger Orchid
Base: Sandalwood, Vanilla Bean 

I would definitely say that this is really just for women. I mean, there is no category but I think if you smell it you'd easily agree that it truly embodies women. I love it so, but I definitely only wear it in the winter time. Or else, even a single spritz would be too dense and heavy for spring or summer!

4 comments byredo parfums, collection video, fragrance collection, fragrances, perfume, sweden

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NOTD Fit for the Summer!

Looking and feeling cool, literally and metaphorically. It's probably everyone's goal in the summer. I've gravitated towards Essie's "Limo-Scene" for NOTD! It's their sheer nail polish, but with about three+ coats can look pretty opaque. I've applied just 3 coats and it is almost opaque but that slight sheerness comes through, making the nails look really fresh, clean, cool, sophisticated, and very feminine. It's a shade that is recommended for doing french tips!

Also featuring my CatbirdNYC rings :)

Leave a Comment catbird, catbirdnyc, essie, french manicure, NOTD, nude, pink

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BRUSH CLEANING ROUTINE!

I have long used the BlenderCleanser to clean my makeup brushes. However, it is a bit pricey and although it doesn't say so specifically, I thought it would also help kill bacteria as it cleanses. Recently, I've seen a few beauty bloggers talk about using the Dr. Bronner soaps to clean their makeup brushes. They are significantly cheaper than the BlenderCleanser, and because they are known to be this "magical" soap for anything and everything, even the face, I thought it would be more effective in killing bacteria. For all those who aren't diligent about cleaning your brushes, oh please do! Just think about how much bacteria is infesting the inside bristles, and how you would be transferring them from face to product, back and forth back and forth! Yucky! So, I'm all about getting them clean for both 1) clean skin, and 2) better makeup application and finish!

I bought the purple/Lavender Dr. Bronner soap, in their largest size. It was only $18, which is also the price of the regular BlenderCleanser size. That cleanser did last me about a year and a bit more, so I won't complain. But hey, look at this size! It'll last forever :)

I did my first cleanup today using the Dr. Bronner soap. It is indeed very effective in taking the crusted makeup off (ew...) and you do need a small amount.

What I like to do for foundation brushes, since those are the brushes I use the most and would probably have the most product in them, I take an empty plastic cup and fill it 1/4 with a few drops of the cleanser and water, mixed together. Then, I soak in the brushes for a minute or two. While those are soaked in, I go in to clean the easier ones-- smaller brushes.

For the smaller and easier brushes I use either a small plastic plate or a plastic cup again. I do the same. Mix cleanser and water together. Then, I swirl several all at once in the cup/plate. You can see it all foam up and the color coming out. Depending on how much product is in the brush, sometimes you'll need to do just one time or two. After I do the "cleansing" process, I go on to rinsing them.

Again, under lukewarm water, I rinse off each brush quickly but efficiently. Rinsing is so important, for obvious reasons so I make sure that even when I swirl the brushes in a cup full of just water, there is no foam or extra color coming off! If it still foams in just water, you know you haven't rinsed fully enough!

Then I go back to the harder brushes and do the routine maybe two times, until I peek inside the deep ends of the brushes and see they are all CLEAN. They need to look new and fully without product. This cleanser it good at it, but make sure you do them thoroughly.

I once used a brush cleanser from Sephora and goodness! No matter how many times I swirled and swirled and swirled, the products in the deep inside bristles would NOT come off! So, I know to get effective makeup brush cleansers now. BlenderCleanser really was good, but the more affordable option seemed to be this Dr. Bronner one! Besides, the BlenderCleanser was mainly made for their sponges, although they do say you can use it for both sponges and brushes!

To dry: I lay them so that it doesn't become flat on only one side. Then, (though not shown in pictures) I lay a long sheet of toilet paper on top of the clean brushes so that dust won't settle on the wet brushes and also so that the cheaper brushes that have its bristles sticking out can lay flat but without making the whole thing brush bend downward!

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