Nicki Minaj is pretty much the Lady Gaga of the Hip Hop and Rap world. Bold, wild, and eccentric. Their quirky styles sets them apart from their cookie cutter competition and it makes them that much more interesting. And did I mention how much I'm a big fan of both of them. I love the confidence that they exude and their IDGAF attitude. It's really empowering!
As I was watching one of Nicki Minaj's latest video with will.i.am called "Check It Out", her Barbie-esque makeup look became a reason for me to reach out for my hot pink eyeshadow. I never thought I'd wear something so bold and so bright in public (I really did). And finally, a look that goes beyond my comfort zone.
So thank you, Nicki Minaj, for inspiring me to wear hot pink eyeshadow on my eyes.
Watch the video:
Eyes:
MAC Soft Ochre Paint Pot
88 eyeshadow palette (hot pink, matte cream, and golden yellow eyeshadows)
FTC: Products used on this video were purchased on my own. I am not affiliated or sponsored by any brand companies mentioned on this video. All opinions expressed on this video are my own honest opinions. This post contains an affiliate link to Sephora.
This past weekend, Heart and I made plans to double date (with our boyfriends) and check out the Sanrio event. Small Gift Los Angeles held a free event at the Barker Hanger in Santa Monica to commemorate Sanrio's 50th anniversary which ran from November 12 to 21. It was definitely a playground for Hello Kitty and Sanrio Lovers. They had games, miniature golfing, art show, food trucks, and more.
I previously met Heart at the Beautylish event and ever since then we've kept in touch. We had so much fun, and our boyfriends just got along just fine. And might I add that they're the sweetest couple I've ever met. They're so cute together that I was seriously gushing over them.
After checking out the event, we all ended up hanging out and grabbing dessert and played board games at Syrup in Downtown LA. I can't wait to double date with them again!
Hello Kitty Collection Exclusively for Sephora (Available January 2011)
Hello Kitty/Sanrio Artwork
I don't know why but this My Melody painting really creeps me out.
Game Time!
Proof that I spun 1st prize in one try.
Prizes from the games we played. How cute is the Hello Kitty notebook!
At Syrup Desserts in Downtown Los Angeles
We were beating the guys when I took this photo.
We totally posed for the camera.
Group photo ♥
How was everyone's weekend? Did anyone else from the LA area check out this event? Share them on the comments below!
Drugstore brands can be a hit or miss, but sometimes you'd just be amazed on the gems that you do find. On a previous and random trip to Rite Aid, I came across these Wet n Wild Color Icon palette that I've also been hearing a lot of buzz around it. At the time of my purchase, the palettes were buy one get one free, so I took that as a sign that I should grab them and give it a whirl. For about $5 for both palettes, it's almost hard to pass them up.
Prior to this trip, the only product that I've tried from Wet n Wild were their nail polish... back in high school. I mean c'mon, they're only a dollar each! I haven't really tried their eyeshadows before, so the Color Icon palette would be the first one.
Packaging:
The Color Icon Palette contains six coordinated shades. It is encased in a black plastic glossy case with clear cover. The palette doesn't come with the mirror, but I like how the cover itself is clear. There is no guessing here with which eyeshadow colors are in a palette. When you have a massive collection of makeup (not that I'm anywhere near that), it's the small things (like having a clear cover to determine which eyeshadows are in that palette) can be a pretty big deal. Although they way the eyeshadows are laid out kinda reminds me of the old MAC Holiday sets minus the fancy packaging.
The palettes are also compact enough to stow in your makeup purse for those last minute touch ups or even when you're in a hurry and you need a little pick me up. Like most drugstore makeup, these palettes come with tiny sponge tip applicators (that you'll probably not use). The packaging is not much on the cute side, but it's is more on a more practical side.
Quality:
The quality of the eyeshadows in the palette is decent to great. Wet n Wild's Color Icon palettes has three matte shades and three shimmery eyeshadows. These eyeshadows have great color payoff especially with a good base. Although the matte eyeshadows are slightly chalky, it didn't cause too many fall outs. I really liked their darker matte eyeshadows as my crease color as they blended pretty well on my lids. However, I did find some of the shimmery eyeshadows a little difficult to work with since they were a little bit on the sheer side and they can get a bit blotchy. These were also the ones that easily faded when colors are blended. The eyeshadow with glitter (found in the Greed palette) surprisingly didn't cause major fallouts when I tried it. Glitters can be annoying sometimes because they're a pain to take out when it ends up on your face. All-in-all, I was pretty happy with what the Color Icon palettes has to offer.
Value:
No doubt about it that this palette is almost a steal for six eyeshadows with decent pigmentation. It is even better when there's a promotional sale going on at your local drugstore. It's a good palette to have whether you are a beginner with makeup or already way ahead of the game. And with the holiday seasons quickly approaching, these palettes will make a great stocking stuffer.
Swatches:
Wet n Wild's Color Icon palettes are one of my favorite drugstore finds. They're stepping their makeup game up by improving the quality of their products yet still offering them at an affordable price. When I'm in a rush in the morning for work, I find myself reaching out for the Vanity palette when I need a no-brainer look. It's a great everyday and natural palette for the working gals who are limited to wear a more neutral look. And if you want to transition your look to a night time look, just grab your Greed palette and smoke those eyes out.
From the most recent event that I attended, hosted by Beautylish, they were handing out all sorts of makeup swag for us to try. One of them happens to be this e.l.f Waterproof eyeliner. I was actually interested in trying this out since I was on a hunt for a good inexpensive eyeliner. For a dollar, you can't get anymore inexpensive than that.
I haven't had the chance to try any e.l.f products up until now. I've always been a bit wary due to the negative feedback I've been reading or hearing about their brand. Regardless of what I knew or heard, I kept an open mind that maybe this one will work out for me.
Day one of my trial run, the bf and I planned on a trip to a flea market in LA on a Sunday afternoon. It was a bit of a gloomy day, but the weather was pretty warm, around the mid-70s, and it was perfect. I didn't want to put too much effort in getting ready that day, so I just lined my eyes using e.l.f Waterproof eyeliner pen and put some mascara on.
Because the eyeliner was in a pen form with a felt tip application, lining my lashes with liquid eyeliner was a cinch. I was pretty impressed on how precise the eyeliner pen lined my eyes. It was easy to control how thin or thick you want your line to be. I also didn't have to go back and draw the line again. I did it all in one swipe. I just achieved a cat-eye look in less than 2-minutes. Not bad.
I also swatched the eyeliner on the back of my hand. I tried rubbing it off, and it barely budged. At this point, I was pretty excited already. But little did I know at the time, its staying power would not be applicable on my lids.
After being out and about for maybe two hours, driving, looking for parking, and walking around perusing the local flea market, my bf taps my shoulder and says, "Umm... you might want to check your makeup." I look at him and thought he was crazy since I barely had anything on my face. I checked the mirror anyway. And to my horror, my eyeliner has crept up to my crease!! The line has faded and went north. It was a mess. I almost felt embarrassed since I've probably been walking around like that for awhile. Well, I guess the staying power of that was a fail. For the rest of the day, I found myself trying to clean off mess that my oily lids have created. Not to mention, my eyelids were getting a little itchy. It wasn't stinging, but it was itchy. It wasn't anything unbearable, but it was still itchy.
Day two of my trial run, this time I primed my eyelids with Urban Decay Primer Potion. The eyeliner still creased but it lasted a few more hours longer compared to sans primer. I still found myself checking the mirror and trying to clean up my eyeliner.
As far as removing the eyeliner, it really is waterproof. Although it created all sorts of mess on my eyelids, taking off the rest of the eyeliner will budge with water not unless you use a good makeup remover.
Overall: This eyeliner just didn't cut it for me on warmer days when my eyelids decided to secrete more oil than ever. I probably would only recommend this to people with non-oily lids (as the swatch on the back of my hand didn't really budge) who are looking for an inexpensive liquid eyeliner. This might also be a great practice tool if you want to transition into using liquid eyeliner. Although keep in mind, that it did make my eyelids itch a little. I'd probably only just use this again if ever I need black eyeliner to draw something on my face.
Watch the Video:
Rating: 2.5 out of 5
FTC: The product mentioned was a gift from a previous beauty event that I attended. I am not affiliated or sponsored by the brand company mentioned to write this review. These are my honest thoughts.
The Nitty Gritty...
If there is one makeup item that can make a difference in the world for me, it would be mascara. It is almost a night and day difference when I have it on. Sometimes good mascara can brighten up your eyes with so little effort. I really can say it is a magic wand for me. A little coat on and I can turn my tired looking face to a little brighter and lively look without spending 30 minutes in front of the mirror.
For someone working full-time and having an early start in the day, it’s always a gruesome battle deciding whether you should sleep in a little longer or spend those same minutes putting a face on. The former is usually the case for me.
Call me lazy but sometimes sleep is more important to me. Although lately I’ve been picking up my Lancome Definicils mascara sample that I previously got from a gift with purchase as a pick me up when I want to look more alive at work… and sometimes it’s the only thing I need.
It is almost everything that I look for in a tube of mascara. It lengthens my lashes to great lengths without having the false looking lashes. Think of being blessed with long lashes but a little bit enhanced. And since this mascara evenly coats your lashes, it does not clump or stiffen your lashes (no spider legs looking lashes here). I do hate mascaras that harden your lashes that will seem breakable if you touch it. This mascara works with what you have. Sometimes it’s a little bit unbelievable that I have that much lashes on my eyes.
The wand is very easy to work with since it’s on the thinner side which makes it great for your lower lashline. The mascara wand has your traditional bristle which I prefer since they seem to coat my lashes better (hence the less clumping). Because of the slenderness of the wand, it can easy reach the corners of your eye without making a big mess in application.
But as I mentioned earlier, it’s almost everything I look for in a mascara. Definicils lacks in the volume department. If I am going for a night out, I do like my lashes a little fuller for that drama. Sometimes I’d like to skip out on the false lashes since they’re painstakingly annoying to put when you’re in a hurry. I wouldn’t reach out for this mascara if I want volume. However, this is definitely a win in my book as part of my everyday look.
What about the price? It’s a bit steep price point for a tube of mascara. For $24.50 that will be thrown out in three months, I’m not too sure. Money is tough right now, but I guess it just depends on how much you value good looking lashes and if you’re willing to splurge. If I have money to lavishly spend… I’ll probably by this in the bulk. But for now, I’ll be using up my Definicils samples that I’ve accumulated through numerous gift of purchases.
Overall Rating: 4 out of 5
FTC: The product mentioned on this post was purchased was from a previous gift with purchase. I am not sponsored or affiliated with the brand company. I am not paid to write this review and these are my honest thoughts about the product. In order to support this blog, this post contains Sephora affiliate links of the mentioned product.
