Closed Eye Typing

Lipstick Lovers Unite!

2012-01-13T04:44:00.000-08:00

Hi everyone!
Last night I had the idea to open up a new blog on Tumblr (to see if I got myself blogging...) called Lips of the Day. I have a huge lip color collection and I thought it would be a great day to quickly share pictures while I try to go through my stash.

I am currently looking for submissions, and authors as well. Submissions can be added through the page, and if you'd like to be an author you can e-mail me at misstat0515 at gmail dot com

What I'd like to have is, basically anything. Most important, pictures of great lipsticks/glosses/lip tars, etc. Also FOTD's lip product reviews, etc. As you can see, I really want this to be a collaborative effort. Of course, this is just for fun...

So please, follow, submit, share!!! http://lipsoftheday.tumblr.com/

Thanks!

-Tat

Xmas? Look

2011-12-24T13:32:00.000-08:00

I'm probably not doing anything tonight. However, staying at home doesn't mean I can't play with my makeup. Right?
I'd been a little down all day, sitting on the couch eating Macarons and watching movies when I suddenly decided to just get up, do my hair, do my makeup, and get dressed. Even if I'm staying home. This was the result of that...

Sugarpill : Love +, Bulletproof, Goldilux
Fyrinnae: Purgatory
UD 24/7 eyeliner in Zero
Halloween lashes

I applied Love + all over the lid, with Purgatory in the crease and outer corners. On lower lash line I applied Bulletproof and Goldilux. I also used Goldilux wet as a liner. This is not really a Xmas look, because it's not the typical gold, red, green people usually do... But I still think it's quite festive. Maybe in a more rock n roll kinda way?

Here's how the full face looks! Neutral cheeks and lips make this actually wearable. I'd probably skip the crazy lashes too.

Hope you enjoy this quickie post! Have an awesome Christmas :) <3

Love,
Tat

The Lime Crimes.

2011-12-09T19:39:00.000-08:00

Black Friday came. Then Cyber Monday. I finally gave in to the glitteriffic-unicorned-colorfulness that is Lime Crime and placed my first order.

I was lucky enough to get on the site pretty quickly, and had no trouble ordering at all. I got two of the Carrousel Glosses, Candy Apple and Kaleidoscope. I also got two lipsticks: Glamour 101 and My Beautiful Rocket.

I can't complain about them in terms of the site, ordering is easy and I like how it's laid out, and how it looks. The package arrived relatively quickly, everything was in one piece, with a copy of my invoice and a cute sticker.

However. . . I was truly expecting more from the products.

The glosses are housed in the most beautiful packaging, it's a pretty large tube, too. Everything is so pretty, that when I finally got to swatching them I was left a bit... wtf? These are almost glue-like in consistency. They are kinda dry when I apply them, and they kinda skip as I go along my lips with the brush. I do like that they have a brush applicator, but I really, really don't like the consistency. For $17 each, I was really expecting more. They are in no way near similar to the pictures on the site. There's a shimmer to them, but they're not super-glittery. Kaleidoscope is the worst. It's almost unwearable, to me. Candy Apple I'm sure I can work with.

The lipsticks are just that, lipsticks. They're not dry, or thick, and they don't have a strong smell. They glide easily onto my lips and feel moisturizing enough. I do have to go over it a few times to get opaque coverage, though. My Beautiful Rocket is a very very lovely color, it's an orange that pulls a bit more yellow than red (which is different, for me), almost pumpkin-like. Glamour 101 is more of a red that pulls brown, I'd say it's perfect for daily wear (not too bright or intense) but definitely, easily dupe-able.

All in all, I have mixed feelings about these products. I'm kinda angry that all that money was spent on those glosses when they're really just... Not good. (Sorry...?) I'd much rather spend $4 on a NYX gloss, with better results. The lipsticks are nice, but they didn't blow me away either. I do really like the packaging, though.

Anyone tried the LC glosses? Have you had the same experience as me? Do share!

-Tat

...Y ahora, en español! (un review)

2011-12-09T18:34:00.000-08:00

Hola chicas! (Y chicos...?)
Desde que entré al grupo de Beauty Bloggers Puerto Rico me ha estado picando la vena de "bloguear" en español. La vida entera de mi blog se ha llevado a cabo en inglés, ya que las personas que lo siguen siempre han sido, mayormente, gente que no es de PR. Ahora, tengo que admitir, que los blogs de estas talentosas chicas me han inspirado, y aunque no todos son en español, entiendo que así me expreso de una forma mas fiel a quien soy yo en la vida real.

Y bueno, despues de esta introducción, les traigo un "review" pequeño pero buenagente de unas sombras que se que les van a encantar.

Tuve que hacer un trip de emergencia (si, claro) a CVS hoy, y al entrar me encuentro con un display de productos nuevos de L' Oreal. Entre estos estaba un corrector/iluminador de esos de brochita (muy parecido al estilo del famoso Touche Eclat de YSL), un "primer" iluminador para la cara, y las sombras Infallible. No muy disimuladamente me acerqué y quedé loca con la selección de colores (tenían unos metálicos hermosísimos). Decidí tomarme el riesgo de comprarlas sin haber buscado "swatches" primero (horror! =P ).

Las tres que escogí fueron Midnight Blue (azul oscuro, metalico), Eternal Black (negro con escarcha plateada), y Perpetual Purple (violeta oscuro metalico).

Vienen en unos potecitos plásticos transparentes, de esos que se ve el producto por debajo y tienen toda la información en la tapa. Honestamente no soy muy fan de estos empaques asi, pero ya todas las compañías los están usando. Anyway... Aquí una foto de cómo se ven por debajo:

Algo que me pareció un poco raro es que no vienen selladas. Si, cualquiera puede abrirla ahi mismo en la tienda y meterle el dedo y hacer un desastre con ellas para luego no comprarlas (asi, a lo buen puertorriqueño...). Ninguna de las que había estaban así, pero lamentablemente es cuestión de tiempo.
Al abrirla te vas a encontrar con otra tapita plastica, que dice claramente "do not discard". Cuando la levantas te das cuenta que funciona como un tipo de prensa para mantener el producto compactado. Probablemente te preguntarás el porqué de esto. . .

Pues mira, no se como explicar la textura de estas sombras. No es un "mousse", pero tampoco son en crema. No son pigmentos sueltos, pero tampoco son la típica sombra compacta que todas conocemos. Es, simplemente, algo raro y bastante diferente. Y me gusta. Son super pigmentadas, aun sin usar un "primer" antes, y la textura un poco húmeda que tienen ayuda a no tener el tan odiado "fallout". Me probé la negra en el ojo, que creo que es mi favorita, y la apliqué sin primer, con una brocha sintética plana (como de concealer, por ejemplo), y me quedé en "shock" al ver que el color aparecía tal y como debería, los brillitos tan lindos que tiene no se quedan pegados en la brocha (ODIO cuando pasa esto...) y lo mejor de todo, no había un reguero de polvo negro y escarcha por toda mi cara después (WIN!).

Ves como parece que han sido aplicadas humedas? Creo que el violeta es el menos "Wow" de los tres, pero sigue siendo super bello asi para un maquillaje sencillo. Son fáciles de difuminar también, cosa que las sombras en crema no son. Dice que son Infalibles, que duran 24 horas. Yo nunca me dejo llevar por eso, ya que a menos que no vivas dentro de una telenovela, no hace falta tener el maquillaje puesto por tanto tiempo ( y no es bueno para la piel tampoco...)

Otra foto para que puedan apreciar la locura brillosa que es Eternal Black. Si fueran a comprar solo una de todas las que hay ( y yo probablemente volveré por más, digo, si cuando regrese ya no han sido manuseadas todas...) les recomiendo esta. Es hermosa, especialmente para un smokey eye asi solita para esta epoca de fiestas. Me recuerda mucho a la Chanel Mirifique, que cuando salió fue de estos productos por los cuales la gente simplemente se vuelve loca, pero cuesta lo mismo que un trip al supermercado de una familia pequeña para una semana.

Estas sombras salen alrededor de $8.00, lo cual para algunas personas puede parecer un poco caro para una sombra que se supone que sea barata, pero para mi, comparandola con la de Chanel, y unas que tambien saco Giorgio Armani, es tremenda ganga. Vale la pena 100%. Un dia de estos me animo y les tomo fotos de cómo se ven puestas.

*Edit: Me apliqué el tono violeta a las 7:00 AM sobre el primer de Urban Decay (Eden) , y ha sobrevivido 4 horas en la cocina ( soy estudiante de Artes Culinarias...) , una siesta de 4 horas, y una ducha. No se ha cuarteado, ni se ha corrido, y el color sigue igual. :) *

Espero que les haya gustado mi primer "post" en español, que realmente es "spanglish" gracias a la confusión cultural que nos tienen aquí en Puerto Rico (pero ya eso es otro tema...). Gracias siempre siempre siempre por leer!

-Tat

Fyrinnae Halloween 2011 Haul + Swatches

2011-11-28T19:00:00.000-08:00

Hi everyone!
Last week I received my latest Fyrinnae order, and as usual, I gasped in lovely shock when I swatched everything. This order was a small one (two eyeshadows and a Lip Lustre) but I'm so glad I placed it! :)

The eyeshadows I ordered were Purgatory (a full size. I knew I'd love it) and Raven's Prophecy. I got Dorian Gray as a free sample.

On the left, they were swatched dry. On the right, swatched over Pixie Epoxy. Purgatory : Blackened red-metallic-awesomeness. I've been on a red eyeshadow kick lately and this color is just so sexy, elegant, so different but not over-the-top...
Dorian Gray: I had meant to order a sample of this, but I decided not to. Luckily the guys over at Fyrinnae used their psychic abilities to determine how much I wanted to try it and sent a free sample. It's lovely :)
Raven's Prophecy: Sparkles. Enough said.

The lip lustre is the newest shade, Coffin Velvet. I had to order it because I'm such a fan of these as it is, and it's purple. Everyone knows I live for purple lips. I saw the price had gone up, but I ordered anyway... And when I got it I understood...

Here it is (on the right) compared to a tube of the original lip lustres. It's huuuge. It's now the same size as the Pixie Epoxy tubes. WIN.

It's a bit sheerer than I thought It would be, but it's still a lovely shade. If you look closely you can see a bit of blue shimmer. This also leaves a stain (on your lips, it's a pretty pink stain. On your arm after swatching, you look like you've been burned)
See for yourself:

Anyway, keeping it short and sweet, hope you enjoy the swatches! Has anyone tried any of the new stuff from Fyrinnae lately?

-Tat

Beauty Bloggers Puerto Rico Round-Up !

2011-11-20T17:35:00.000-08:00

Hey everyone! This is my second time posting this, but these ladies have kept busy... Be sure to click through and visit these great blogs!

Revlon Lip Butters: Swatches, Review!

2011-11-17T03:58:00.000-08:00

Hi everyone!
I have finally gotten off my butt and have some ideas as for reviews, etc. I didn't do an FOTD this time because I'm currently sick, as in, asthma, and I look like pure sh!t. :(
Anyhow, I've been reading a lot about these things on the web, seems as though everyone is loving them. I saw so much about them that I finally said "Oh, what the heck. Let's go get 'em". Problem is, all the displays I saw were either empty or non-existent. Yesterday I finally found them, tucked away right next to the ColorBurst Lipsticks on the main display. They were also BOGO50% off, so while it could've still been a better deal, I'm not complaining.

L-R: Creamsicle, Berry Smoothie, Lollipop, Red Velvet.

I tried to get four different shades to break free from my usual pattern of reds and purples (I didn't really see a good purple shade, either).
Texture-wise these remind me a lot of Clinique Butter Shine lipsticks. They go on smooth, have varying intensities in the shades (descriptions below), and they give a pretty shine to lips. I did not feel that they were super moisturizing or anything, so they will not replace lip balm for me, at least. However, I did find that they are great to wear over a lip stain to boost up the color and add some shine. The packaging is cute, to me it's a bit retro-looking. However, the caps do look a bit on the thin side, and I have images of it cracking itself open in my purse or something like that. OCD surfaces on the strangest things these days...

Creamsicle is a pale orangey-nude, and it's very sheer. It can be built up to show a bit more color, but then it makes me look dead. I was a bit disappointed in this one, but I'm sure it could be used to maybe tone down a too-intense lip stain, or to mix with other lipstick colors to make them softer.

Berry Smoothie I would describe as a pinkish-berry with a soft, subtle pink shimmer throughout. On my lips it looks really natural, almost like my lips but better. It's sheer at first, but I could build it up quite nicely and evenly for more opaque color. This lip swatch came out super light, but you can still see how it gives a bit of tint versus Creamsicle, for example.

Lollipop is a shade that's been done to death by almost every cosmetics company, indie or not. It's the typical fuschia-with-blue-duochrome that we see so much of these days, but I still love it. There's something a bit more intense about this one, it's almost deeper than the usual I'd say. First swipe is sheer, but you still get a pop of color. By three or four swipes you get full opacity.

Red Velvet is exactly how I would describe this one. To me it looks like a cocoa-red. It's just a gorgeous, gorgeous color! It also takes fewer swipes to get to full opacity.This is definitely my favorite shade.

And an arm swatch pic for more reference:

Truer-to-life swatches: Red Velvet, Lollipop, Berry Smoothie, Creamsicle.

Do tell, has anyone given into the craziness about these lipsticks? What's your opinion on them?

Have a great day :)
-Tat

Master Drama?

2011-11-08T05:36:00.001-08:00

Hi everyone!
I thought I'd ease myself back into the swing of things with a simple little swatch post. This time I'm writing about the Maybelline EyeStudio Master Drama Eyeliner (what a mouthful =/ ) in the shade Vibrant Violet.

According to the Maybelline website, "PENCIL'S DELIVERY PLUS CREAM'S INTENSITY. Created with the highest concentration of pigments for more intense eye drama. The NEW GENERATION of liner."

I bought this because I was looking for a nice, dark purple liner that wouldn't break the bank. After being disappointed with Maybelline's purple cream liner, I saw the display for these and thought I'd give it a try.

It's a retractable pencil, which is nice because it is convenient but it gets dull after the first use and then you can't really get a precise line. Although it is actually a very nice, soft pencil (it glides easily without tugging), at first pass the color is not opaque or intense at all. When you go over it a couple of times, it becomes a pretty dark purple with a bit of shimmer. I can't really use this on my waterline as it made my eyes itch because it wouldn't stay put and got into my eyes. I haven't had this experience with using in on the top lashes, though. On the top lashes, after it's applied and set for a few seconds, it is really smudge-proof.

One stroke on the left, multiple strokes on the right.

Final thoughts? I don't think I'd purchase this pencil again, it is nice but it didn't blow me over. I will continue to use up what's left of it, which I have been doing when I want a quick daytime look (I just smudge it on my top lashline and I'm good to go). I wish the pigmentation was a bit stronger at first, and maybe that it wouldn't slip so much on the bottom lashes (it can be a real PITA. . . ).

Has anyone ever tried one of these pencils? What do you think of them?

-Tat

Challenge Acepted! Purple Smokey Eyes

2011-09-02T22:05:00.000-07:00

Hello everyone!
This is my first time participating in one of BBPR's weekly challenges, this week's was Purple Smokey Eye.

Products used:
NYX Jumbo Pencil in Purple as a base
Sugarpill Poison Plum
Kat Von D Galeano and Sinner
Fyrinnae Sequined Master
MUFE Smoky Lash Mascara

Sorry for the absolute difference in the lighting of the photos, in real life it was much more bright and intense like the first pic, but I wanted to show it with the eyes closed as well.

Thanks for reading!
Tat

Beauty Bloggers Puerto Rico first round-up post!

2011-08-21T13:40:00.000-07:00

I'm super excited to post this ( I think I did it a bit late, so sorry!), the first BBPR round-up post! Someone got the great idea to bring all the Beauty Bloggers from PR together on a Facebook group, and do posts such as these. I think it's fantastic to be a part of the community, to be able to find local girls who share one common passion: all things beauty! This week's post has very few links , but I hope that future posts have more added to them. I hope you check out and follow these awesome ladies' blogs!

Roxanne Shows us her version of a colourful animal print: http://myrandomstash.blogspot.com/2011/08/colorful-animal-print.html

Ivonne Show us nice fashion pictures on: http://www.fashion-ghostt.blogspot.com/

Paola Went to dinner and made this pretty and nice makeup: http://princesspoly430.blogspot.com/2011/08/face-of-day.html

LadyLuck painted her friend nails purple and pink: http://ladyluckbeauty.blogspot.com/2011/08/be-my-guest.html

-Tat

They're Real!

2011-08-21T13:29:00.000-07:00

Today I bring you a review of Benefit's latest fake-it: They're Real mascara.
This came out not too long ago, but as soon as I tried it, I was in love! I've been using it for a couple of weeks now, and I have to say I absolutely love it.

The website claims: They're real! lengthens, curls, volumizes, lifts & separates. Our jet black, long-wearing formula won’t smudge or dry out. A specially designed brush reveals lashes you never knew you had!

Pic has been linked directly from Benefit Cosmetics website.

So let's focus on the brush for a minute. It's a rubber brush with short, even bristles, that has bristles all the way around to the top. I love this brush. It allows for very easy, even application (even if you build it up), and the bristles on the tip really help get to the inner corners, as well as the lower lash line.
It retails for $22 USD, which might seem a bit much, but this is honestly the best mascara I've ever tried.

The formula is kinda runny the first few times, but it's one of those that gets better after sitting around for a bit, when it gets a bit drier. It gives a lot of volume, looks shiny on the lashes, doesn't flake, and lasts until you take it off. I do believe it gives my lashes volume, length, and curl, so it lives up to its claims. Here's some pictures:

Here's my eye with no mascara.

And here it is, after Benefit's They're Real! mascara. You can see it really darkens, and lengthens too.

And here's a full face:

They do look like false eyelashes, sort of. This mascara is unreal! I think it's my current HG mascara (that, and MUFE Smoky lash). I wore a simple face today, just some MAC Coygirl on cheeks, MAC Violetta on lips, and Urban Decay Sin eyeshadow.

Thanks for reading!!!

-Tat

EOTD: Naked

2011-06-08T23:04:00.000-07:00

Hey everyone!
I got the Naked palette a looongg time ago, but I believe this is the first time I post a look using it. I've been experimenting with my makeup lately, and finding out what really suits me, etc. I must say I really liked how this one came out, see for yourselves:

Products Used:

UDPP Eden ( probably my favorite eye primer EVER)
Nyx Jumbo Pencil in BlackBean as a base
UD Darkhorse all over lid, and lower lash line
UD Half Baked to blend out the crease
UD Virgin as brow highlight
NARS Albatross to highlight inner corners
Benefit EyeBright on waterline ( Also really loving this for waterline. It looks more natural than white pencil, and lasts longer too!)
Almay Intense I-Color Mascara in Black Pearl
Random black liquid liner on lashline

Please excuse my messy brows. I am not a brow person. Seems no matter how much I try, I can never just keep them up to date. *sigh*

Anyway, short and sweet. I hope you like this look!
Love,
Tat

Goldilux. 'Nuff said.

2011-06-06T12:06:00.000-07:00

This FOTD I did awhile ago, so sorry for skimping on details. I don't very well remember what I used, apart from Sugarpill Goldilux. Enjoy!

I realize it looks super yellow in the pictures. It did too, in real life. I liked it, though. It looked like a super-metallic bright yellow. I darkened the creases and whatnot, but tried to use the gold as much as I could :)

I loved how it brings out the color of my eyes. This eyeshadow is definitely a must-have for anyone with hazel eyes :)

That's it, super-short. I'm trying to catch up with blogging and stuff, posting old pics, etc. . . Hope everyone's been doing OK, it's been awhile and I've been pretty disconnected...

Love,
Tat

Tumblr, anyone?

2011-06-06T11:57:00.000-07:00

Hey there! :)

I am already following some of you on Tumblr, but wanted to post this just to make sure I've got everyone :)

My Tumblr page is : http://misstat.tumblr.com/ follow me and leave your URL in the comments so I'll remember to follow you as well!

Thanks lovelies :)

Paperdoll

2011-05-13T20:35:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone! I know it's been ages since I last blogged ( I do think about it. Every day. I've also been lurking around every single one of you's blogs, I'm so sorry I haven't been commenting or anything...). I've been having a crazy time , just started a new job right smack in the middle of finals, so it's been hectic for me between schoolwork and work-work. At least I have one, and so far, I love it.

Anyhow, since it's my birthday in two days, I have decided to gift myself with a couple of things, among those I placed an order to Sugarpill Cosmetics (which was ridiculously fast in getting here. And I DO mean ridiculous. Took less than a week. Awesome!) and I have to say, I believe the hype now. I am a convert. I loved the eyeshadows so much, I want to just throw out every other shadow I own and just wear these all the time.

Nah, of course not. Not really. I guess.

Anyways, since I work at Benefit, and they're all about kinda neutral beauty or whatever, I can't really bust out my Royal Sugar on a regular work day. I could, however, make Paperdoll pass as it actually is a soft, pretty color. Yay!

I'm wearing: (over UDPP Eden, and Fyrinnae Pixie Epoxy)
Sugarpill Poison Plum on outer corners, and crease
Sugarpill Paperdoll all over lid, and a bit on lower lashline
Sugarpill Tako on the inner corners and to blend out the crease
Loreal Carbon Black liquid liner
Benefit BadGal mascara

Messy brows! I have a free Benefit Brow Bar service for my birthday, so I'll be there first thing Sunday Morning to get them done. Finally.
The rest of the face is Benefit Erase Paste under eyes, Benefit Some Kinda Gorgeous foundation faker in Medium, Benefit Posietint on cheeks and lips.This has been my face routine lately, and I have to say I really really like these products. It's simple enough but makes me look polished, and I can do my makeup in less than 15 minutes!

I also wore the necklace that I made last night, (onyx and moonstone links on a chain). I got tons of compliments from my coworkers on the eyeshadow, and managed to whisper "Sugarpill!" to them between here and there. I think I might get a few of the Benefit peeps hooked on the stuff. It's like crack.

Hope you have all had a great week! And I also hope to be able to blog again, soon.
Much love,
Tat

Galactic Love

2011-03-16T18:54:00.000-07:00

Quickie post!
Last night I couldn't sleep, so I decided to play a bit with makeup.
I did one eye only, and I didn't apply mascara because it's a pain to remove and I was going to go to bed anyways. . . I'll probably do this look again with a full face and the whole deal. Hope you like it!

Products: white eyeliner as base
Hi Fi Cosmetics Lyrical Master all over lid
Red eyeshadow from WNW Night Elf on crease, lower lash line
Shimmery Cream color from WNW Night Elf to highlight, inner corner
Milani EyeTech liquid liner,
Silver glitter liner from Sephora on the outer corner
I also used a bit of black eyeshadow to darken the outer crease a little, and white liner on the waterline

what do you think? Is this a look you would wear? I know they say red eyeshadow is a no-no, but I just think it looks soo pretty!!!!

Geek Chic Cosmetics (finally!)

2011-03-14T16:18:00.000-07:00

I've been getting around to doing this post forever now. Really. I got these eyeshadows on Black Friday 2010, when they had some sort of sale that I don't even remember about right now. I want to share swatches, and a look using Geek Chic Cosmetics! (click on the pic to make it larger. I did a collage because I am lazy, don't judge!)

You can see some of the art on the jars, it's awesome. I mostly got autumn colors, which is strange for me (but good, since it makes for a wearable collection). I do have some individual observations which I'd like to share:
Green 'Stache and Chosen One look similar but they're really not. I'd say Green Stache is lighter and more sparkly, while Chosen One is deeper, and more metallic than sparkly. I like to use them together, for dimension.
Portal Orange is more of a Terracotta than actual orange, it's a nice color but I would've liked it to be a bit more "neon" I guess.
However, Portal Blue is gorgeous! I'm in love with this shade!
Stay Indoors makes a kickass liner color. Just wet it with a liner sealant, and apply with an angled brush and you're good to go. I've been wearing it more as a liner than anything else lately.

The quality and pigmentation of the shadows is very nice, they are very blendable as well. I do notice some early fading after a few hours, but a good base solves this situation. I am a fan of this company, they have good products at a great price and they have very nice customer service (I wrote to them inquiring about my order once, and they were very polite and very very nice!). I will purchase again, when I have the means to do so, (I've REALLY got my eye on that Big Damn Heroes collection!!!!) and I recommend it to anyone who's into geekery and makeup! :)

Bonus:
Here's a little look I did using Triforce (Inner lid), Green 'Stache, and Chosen One

And, since we're already geeking, and it IS March 14, I quickly whipped up a key lime pie to celebrate!

( I am aware that those are not key limes. They are Persian limes, I believe. We do get key limes in PR, but I didn't have any on hand. Oh, well. To make the Pi, I traced the shape onto wax paper, cut it out, placed in on top of the pie and then sifted some cocoa powder over it. )

Have you tried Geek Chic Cosmetics? What's your opinion on them?
Hope you've all had a great day!

-Tat

Boldly Soft (Feeling Retro inspired)

2011-02-16T10:16:00.000-08:00

Hi everyone!
I got inspired today by the colors in the Wet N Wild " I'm Feeling Retro" trio (which I didn't get, because I was sure I had similar shades) and came up with this look:

Products used:
Urban Decay Deluxe Eyeshadow- Fishnet ( inner corners, crease), and Peace (outer lid, outer crease, lower lashline)
Urban Decay Flipside eyeliner on lower lashes
Shimmery white generic eyeshadow for highlight and inner corners
MAC Omega for brows (my favorite brow shade, ever! :D )
Rimmel White soft kohl on waterline
Benefit Badgal Mascara

I skipped the liner because even though I used bold colors, I wanted the look to be softer and not so harsh. I have to say, I do prefer using liner, though. It looks fine like this, but I wouldn't wear it all day like that. I'd " finish" it. Liner just pulls everything together, in my opinion.

I went really simple with the rest of the face, just some MAC MSF Soft N Gentle on cheeks, MAC Creme D Nude lipstick with Revlon Lilac Pastelle lipgloss over it. no foundation, though, again, if I was wearing this out, it would probably be a good idea.

What do you think of this look? Is it something you might try?

Have a great hump day!
Tat

Yaaay!!! (Or, more WnW Color Icon Palettes)

2011-02-15T17:23:00.000-08:00

Two posts today, aren't you lucky? (or not...)
So after mindlessly stalking all my local Walgreens in search of the new Color Icon spring trios, I was recently tipped off by Mrs. Doe (hii there!) on Twitter that she had seen them at Kmart. I never go there. But I went. And I found them! I got the three that mostly caught my eye: I Dream of Greenie, I'm Getting Sunburned, and Spoiled Brat.

I got the Sunburned trio because I thought it would look really good as an "everyday" trio for hazel eyes ( which I have), Spoiled brat looked Rock N Roll, and Greenie, because I just LOVe greens. Love love love.

Oops, this one's upside down =/

I think the crease color (dark brown ) is one of the prettiest brown eyeshadows I've ever seen. Ever.

I wish the pink was bolder, but the black has some really nice sparkles and the silver is just soo nice and smooth! ( I don't think I'd use it for a highlight color, though. It's too opaque)

This palette is nice, the bright green feels a bit dry but it's nothing you can't work with. All in all these shades are SO soft and pigmented, it's an awesome value for $3 a piece. That's $1 per eyeshadow. Steal.

I did a little look with Sunburned:

I used the pink shade on the highlight and inner corners, the gold shade all over the lid, and the dark brown on bottom lash line and outer half of the lid. Simple, but soo pretty (even prettier in person!)

Oh, and one more pic... WnW goodness!

problem? what problem? (someday I'll swatch these all . . . )

Hope you enjoy my very incoherent post today!
Love,

Tat

Milani Secret Cover Concealer Cream

2011-02-15T16:53:00.000-08:00

Wow, that's quite a moutful!

Today I found this little pot of goodness at Kmart (while browsing for something else, that I will post about soon enough) and since I've hit pan on my beloved BeneFit Boi-Ing, and am running the lowest lows on cash lately, I decided to give it a try.

The pot is pretty big, and it houses a TON of product. For a mere $5.49. No joke. Boi-Ing is 3g for $18. So that's definitely something to consider. I got the shade 07, Natural Beige, which might be a bit too light for me. However, I tend to vary my foundations, I have some that are a bit darker and some are lighter, so as long as everything blends together well, I should be able to use this without a problem.

On to the product itself:
I first noticed when I opened it that it didn't much look like a cream at all. Once I swatched it, I found the product is pretty hard-packed in there, and you have to kinda play around with it for a bit before using it. It does warm up to a very nice consistency with the finger (it feels thin and light when warmed). If you don't like using your fingers, you can definitely use a brush, but I think fingers is the best option with this one.

This is one swipe with a tiny bit of product. It applies creamy, blends well, and is very opaque. I found that it dries matte (if you have non-oily skin, you might even get away without setting it with powder) and on me it hasn't creased at all. The coverage is fantastic, I'm very impressed!

My eyes are darker in the inner corners, this isn't the best picture to show that, but trust me. Without concealer I look like a sick person =/

However, you can really see the coverage here, and this was just one layer of concealer! I dabbed it on with my finger and used a fluffy crease brush to blend it up and out. I didn't set it for the picture, but normally I'd follow with a light layer of Laura Mercier's Secret Brightening Powder 02.

Final thoughts: would I recommend this? Yes! If you can find a shade amongst the very limited shade selection (boo!), then I'd definitely recommend this product. It does the job, it's cheap, and you get a ton of product. It's also oil-free, so I'd use it on my face to cover blemishes and spots as well. I'm pretty happy to say I don't think I'll be purchasing Boi-Ing anytime soon :)

-Tat

This is a triumph...

2011-02-14T17:18:00.000-08:00

Valentine's Day baking for me was creating this.

Oh, yes. I wasn't up for doing a traditional Black Forest Cake, so I gave it my own spin and just mixed up whipped cream, cherry preserves, and cut up black cherries for the filling. Then I covered it in chocolate icing and chocolate shavings.

I still haven't tried it, so I can't tell you if it's delicious and moist. But. . . It looks awesome. And so I don't care. :D:D:D

Oh, and I also made these:

Shortbread cookie hearts covered in chocolate and hearts. Those were for the people that work where I used to work. I still love em even though I abandoned them lol.

Hope you like my post!

Love,
Tat

Joining the Club

2011-02-13T11:08:00.000-08:00

So Valentine's Day is tomorrow. It's not a big deal for me, but for lots of people it seems to be. And for some reason I, like many of you, can't really help but get into the spirit of things. So I got inspired by all the awesome V-day looks I've seen, and threw some stuff around.

Products:
Aromaleigh Ice Matte
Urban Decay Black Dog
Bettina Magenta
Bloody Mary Red
Milani liquid liner pen
Avon SuperShock mascara
two pairs of old, gunky false lashes

(Isn't it funny how I used pretty self-explanatory colors?)

Hope you like this mini-post! Have a great Monday (or V-Day. Whichever makes you happy !)

Love,
Tat

MUFE Inspired Falsies

2011-01-27T14:08:00.000-08:00

Hi everyone!
Today some people on twitter started sharing images of the new MUFE Spring 2011 collection. The makeup to me reminds me too much of that MAC Barbie thing, but the eyelashes are super cute!

The eyelashes have little bows on them! But there's no way in hell I'd pay $19 for a pair of falsies. I mean, maybe when I'm floating in cash, sure. Not right now. Anyways, I decided to try and dupe them. I gathered up some ribbons, scissors, thread, and i can't tell you how easy this was. Really. I used Modlash #26, and glued the bow on with DUO eyelash glue.

This was the first attempt:

I did it with black ribbon, but when I put this one on it just didn't look so cute. Then someone suggested maybe trying a different color, and so I did the other lash with a thinner, purple ribbon.

This one looks much better, in my opinion! And I think it looks kinda cute when it's on, too

These lashes are super thick, cause these are the ones I had, but also, as suggested, a thinner pair of lashes might look even better. I like these, though, I'm a big fan of thick black doe-eyed lashes.

Hope you enjoy the post! If anyone wants more details about how I did these let me know :)

-Tat

Avon Onyx Luster Tri-Lip Gloss

2011-01-24T08:56:00.000-08:00

Hey there!
The other day my stepmom got an Avon catalog from a friend, and I saw the new collection (Onyx Luster) and was instantly attracted to their Tri-Lipgloss. I know this is definitely not a new concept, but the picture it showed of the girl wearing the shade Night Violet was absolutely beautiful. Luckily, there's an Avon store about 5 minutes from where I live, so today I had the chance to stop by and check it out.

I got two shades: Night Violet, and Pink Shimmer.

You get 0.24 oz. of product (these are larger than a MAC lipglass), it comes in a clear tube with a standard glossy black cap and a doe-foot applicator. Now, these applicators are NOT my favorite. I think you can't really get good coverage out of them with lip gloss, as they seem to "eat up" the color (for me, anyways).

First up is Night Violet. This one was the one that got me interested, as on the model in the catalog it's a pretty purple shade (and I just LOVE purple lips!). The bottom layer is dark purple with shimmer, middle layer is this weird kinda olive-green color with gold shimmer, and the top layer is a rosey-mauve with shimmer as well. It looks pretty in the tube, but when swatched...

Aww :( Bummer. It's still a pretty color, but it's definitely NOT purple. And it's pretty sheer, too. The shimmer is gorgeous, it's kinda pearly more than glitter, and the gloss is shiny as well (you can really see the light reflecting on it, so pretty).

On the lips it's pretty sheer. The color is definitely a bit disappointing ( I was expecting some payoff...) but I think it could still work. It's not a statement lip, for me, anyway. I think it would look pretty layered over either a purple, mauve, or bright pink lipstick.

The other shade, Pink Shimmer, is more of a pleasant surprise, seeing as this was an unplanned purchase.

The bottom layer is bright pink with shimmer, middle layer is like a frosty white, and top layer is a light pearly pink.

I love how this looks on, it's very pearly but not frosty (on me, at least). This would be a good everyday quick-makeup color, or something to wear in place of the typical nude lip.

All in all, these are nice, they're not sticky and they have the slightest scent that goes away really quick anyway, so it's not a big deal for me. However, I would have liked them to be more pigmented. I wouldn't buy them at their original retail price, but they are now in introductory price at $4.99, so that's a bit better. I will definitely keep them and use them, because it's a pretty cool novelty item that doesn't entirely suck.

Hope you like my review! you can purchase these online here .

-Tat

Nails, And Phones, And Stuff :)

2011-01-23T19:01:00.000-08:00

Hi everyone!
I wanted to share a nail combo that I am currently wearing and really really love. I just started school last Friday, and from now on my nails have to be short and un-polished, so this will probably be my last nail post in awhile (not that I do them often, anyways). The reason for this is I just started an associate Degree in Culinary Arts. I am thrilled, though, couldn't be happier! I have a 12-credit schedule this semester, and only go to school Fridays and Saturdays, but there's lots of work to do. Anyway, pics!

This is the new Revlon Top Speed polish in #810 Hazy. I love this color, it's a light gray(grey?) and it's not shimmery, and it does dry fast. I really like that the color selection for this line includes creamy pastels, which I think look so nice :) I also dabbed some random cheapie holo-glitter over it, sealed with Seche-Vite.

With flash (click on pics to see them bigger)

And a close-up! That I'm holding is my phone. I Hidden-Treasured it. It looks uh-mazing. You can never have too much sparkles, I say. Specially in nails, you can really get away with that. Oh, yeah. And phones :)

And here's the FOTD I wore on my first day at school:

Simple, just used the three mattes in Wet N Wild's Pride palette, Milani Eye Tech liquid liner, Benefit BadGal mascara.

And here's me with my Chef Coat! (Awww). This was after a long day, mind you. So that's why my eyes look all red and stuff. The thing is HUGE, I have to take it to the tailors ASAP, otherwise I'm going to be walking around looking like I'm wearing a fridge cover lol.

Well that's it, for now! I'm trying all I can to be able to buy a computer soon, so that I can go back to posting on a regular basis. Until then, keep in touch! I love hearing from everyone :)

Hope you've had a nice weekend!
-Tat

Wet N Wild MegaLast Lipsticks Review/Swatches!

2011-01-20T10:36:00.000-08:00

Hi everyone! After yesterday's mini-rant I thought it was only fair to give you something nicer today, more typical. Now, two of these lipsticks I've had for awhile, and recently purchased the other two. I thought four was a good, square quantity to finally review them. That, and I've been super lazy lately. So I forced myself to do this.

Website info:
Lips take center stage! This 4-hour, longwearing lip color leaves a semi-matte, crème finish in one stroke. Glides on easily with rich, velvety color that doesn't cake, feather, or bleed. Made with hydrating skin-care ingredients: Hyaluronic Microspheres provide extraordinary adhesion to lips, an exclusive polymer complex offers cushion-like feel and texture, and natural marine plant extracts Coenzyme Q10 and Vitamins A & E help smooth lips.

The shades have names, but they're only written on the shrinkwrap (wtf?) and then when you unwrap them, you're only left with numbers.

As you can see, the tubes are black with clear tops, which I think is great because you can see the shade of the lipstick. The tips, however, I'm not super in-love with, because they are kinda wide and flat and round and it's kinda difficult to get a precise application with them. (Be careful, or use a lip brush.)

L-R: Just Peachy, Think Pink, Mauve Outta Here, Red Velvet

Here they are next to my Visa card for size comparison.

Just Peachy, Think Pink, Mauve Outta Here, Red Velvet

I really like these. The finish is semi matte, and they do last a good 3-4 hours on me, depending on the activity. Keep in mind they do stain a bit, specially the darker shades. You do need to keep your lips in tip top shape, because otherwise they'll show every little tiny flake on your lips and tug at them like it's nobody's business. But, apply a bit of lip balm before the lipstick , and they'll glide on with no problem. These were swatched with just one stroke, so you get great color straight from the tube in one swipe (yeah, that claim reminds me of someone... but this time it's actually true.) I think Think Pink could be a substitute for those looking for something similar to Viva Glam Gaga, only this one is actually opaque and semi-matte (Gaga tends to be sheer and a bit uneven sometimes. It's also a lustre finish, so it's kinda glossy). They retail for about $3 USD, and sometimes they're on sale for a ridiculous discount ( I think I paid about $0.49 for Red Velvet and Just Peachy).

To wrap it up and not bore you, I would definitely recommend these lipsticks to anyone looking for an inexpensive product that really delivers.

Have a great day!

-Tat

No One Asked For My Advice, But I'm Giving It Anyway (PLEASE! READ the whole thing! )

2011-01-19T06:26:00.000-08:00

Hi everyone! Today my post is a bit different, you could say it's a bit of a piece of my mind, or whatever. I'm not much for being too formal on here, as you know.

Many of you know how much I love to read and comment on other people's blogs (whenever I can find a computer that works, that is). And I do, I'm addicted to reading blogs! I love to see other people's opinions about products I am interested in, and discovering new things, looking at how everyone has their own style of writing, applying makeup, etc.

However, I do have quite a few peeves. For instance, I HATE it when I stumble upon a blog and the author only posts reviews of products without pictures. Like, sometimes they're just text. Or sometimes they just put pictures of the product straight off the page. Well, this is fine sometimes, but if the whole blog consists of this, I don't care how good your writing is, it gets boring. Take pictures of the product, try to show the consistency, show some swatches, get creative! Which brings me to the next topic: swatches.

The invaluable resource of the makeup world: swatches! Some do them on paper, some do them on the inside of their arm, some do them on their hand... Whichever way, it's really a great thing to have, if you can find a blogger with similar skintone to yours you've hit jackpot. This is the best way of seeing how pigmented or sheer or sparkly or glow in the dark the product is. So please, PLEASE, try to take the best pictures you can take! I've seen some blogs with GREAT swatches, very true to life, and then I've seen others that leave me wondering: " WTF?". just a comment. Ya know. :)

Something else: lighten up. Most of these bloggers are typical, average, everyday women, who have jobs/school/kids/a life in general. No, we're NOT magical makeup artists like Alex Box ( <3). What we know is from experience, from using the products and trying everything out. So please lighten up on the mean comments! You don't like this particular blogger's style? Don't read it. But don't be mean. People tend to forget to be courteous on the internet. Those people suck. In my opinion, anyone who has the guts to show their face on the internet deserves a prize. Anyone who can attempt to explain the proper use of a product, from what they know by experience, deserves at least 5 minutes of your time. If you don't like it, move on.

Oh, and one more thing. I really like companies that will give you the time of day when you post a review of their product on your blog. These companies seem to really appreciate the impact that bloggers have on the market, on how easily their product will get across, and it's free advertising! So, companies, be nice, dammit. Don't be all like " Oh yeah, so and so posted on her blog, but she only has 50 readers, so she don't matter" . Well, yes she does. Be it 20, 50, or 400, followers are people who read the blog. So, no matter how big or small the number, they're getting informed about your product. And they will very probably want to buy it if they like what they read. You don't even have to have an omg-wtf-super-awesome-product!!!@!!!. In fact, you don't even have to give it away for free. Many indie companies are now offering blogger discounts and packages, which are awesome deals for people who want to try and review their products. Good customer service, communication, a good website, and a good attitude will get you positive reviews. All these things matter.

So, with that said. The last piece of advice is: if you're a blogger, be yourself. There's millions of people out there, someone will definitely enjoy reading what you have to say.

Ha. there. I blogged. :) Have a great day everyone!
-Tat

Spring Fashion Trends brought to you by BV Style

2011-01-16T16:05:00.000-08:00

Casual Lace by BV Style featuring forever21 shoes

EOTD (Experiment of the Day) and a mini review

2010-12-16T13:13:00.000-08:00

Some days ago I tweeted some swatches of some eyeshadows that I got my hands on at my local Walgreens.
The brand is Bettina Cosmetics, a local brand here in PR. I am a fan of their nail polishes (and have been for a very very long time) but just recently did I get the chance to try some of the eyeshadows. These retailed for $2.98 (yes, I bought them). The colors I got were: Azul (bright matte blue), Amarillo ( Matte yellow), Magenta (matte hot pink), and Violeta (matte purple). Here are some swatches taken with my phone (excuse the quality of the pic)

The best color in my opinion is Azul. It's SUPER pigmented, soft, and very bright. Just amazing. Magenta comes in close second, while Amarillo and Violeta were the hardest to work with (they're kinda chalky, and it's really hard to get them even. You can see that in the purple swatch above). I did swatch some other shades at the store, and I can say that the ones with a pearly finish are very nice shadows too.

They come in clear topped clamshells (like Sugarpill, Ulta, etc) and are about the size of an average MAC shadow, I think. I do think these are very probably private label, as I do not think these people have their own factory or lab, just the distribution. I do like them very much, though, and for the price they deliver more than expected.

I wanted to try wearing them, so I created this really quick eye look using Amarillo and Azul (also used some Ulta eyeshadow in Turquoise, and a shimmery cream color to highlight)

I applied UDPP, then applied Amarillo in the crease and above. I used Ulta Turquoise on the inner lid, and Azul on the outer lid/lower lash line. I blended the crease and the lid with a bit of Aromaleigh Estranged green, then applied a yellow Mehron pencil on the waterline, and a black eyeliner to tightline on the top. keep in mind this is a quickie look, so I only did one eye and no falsies/eyebrows/etc.

All in all, I really like these shadows. They are cheap, decent, and they were a lot easier to blend than I thought they'd be. I look forward to trying out more colors, and some of the other products in their makeup line.

you can find more info here, on their website . What do you think of these? Are you curious?

-Tat

huh?

2010-12-15T20:26:00.001-08:00

Follow my blog with bloglovin

This is how I do pink...

2010-12-15T19:17:00.000-08:00

I don't really like how pink looks on me. I think it makes me look kinda sick, awkward... I dunno. I just don't like it, usually. I sometimes use pink along with other colors, but I don't think I've ever done a pretty full-on pink eyes, pink lips, etc.

This time I tried to put my own spin on it, opting for a more purply-pink eyeshadow and bright pink lips. I have to say, I LOVED this look. And the pictures cannot do it justice entirely. Just see for yourself:

I wore my usual face stuff (ask if u want details), and for the eyes I used Urban Decay Fishnet eyeshadow on the lids, Ransom on the crease and lower lash lines (both from the Deluxe Shadow Box), Aromaleigh Rocks! Glitter in Rapture heavy on the lids, and then slowly blended all the way up to the brows, black eyeliner, lots of mascara (current favorite is MUFE Smoky Lash) and some falsies. I like Ardell and Andrea lashes the best.

Damn these colors for being almost entirely swallowed by the camera lens! :(

Lip color was three different products, first I applied MUFE Aqua Lip in 16C, then a coat of MUFE Aqua Cream in 07, then Fyrinnae Lip Lustre Trickster over that. I loved the lips. But I have to say I HATE the texture of the MUFE Aqua creams. I should've worn the OCC Anime instead. Oh, well. Live and learn!

I hope you like the look!
-Tat

A bit of a hair change...

2010-12-11T16:04:00.000-08:00

Hey everyone :)

The other day I decided I was bored with my hair color (not to mention roots were starting to really show) and since money's tight, I decided to just apply a demi-permanent hair color over the whole thing just to give it a bit of a change in the meantime.

for references, this is what my hair looked like: dark brown-ish with highlights here and there. And I was bored of it. . . So I got this:

It says it does not contain ammonia, and it claims to leave my hair soft and feeling all nice n stuff. I picked up the shade 23R, Raspberry Creme

Application was easy enough, I just made sure that every strand was saturated and then kinda combed it through to get it everywhere. you're supposed to leave it on for about 10 minutes, but I was reading Percy Jackson (Sea of Monsters) and kinda lost track of time. The consistency is not runny, but not really creamy either (i'd say kinda like shampoo). The most important thing was that I did not notice an offensive smell. Also, all the stains on my face, neck, shoulders, etc were very easy to remove with just warm water and soap.

The results:

This was after applying Living Proof Full Root Lifting Spray and also the Full styling cream. (I LOVE those products on my hair!) Also I blow dryed it to be able to really see the color.

The texture of my hair looks really off in this picture, but it kinda shows how the highlights really picked up the color, and the darker parts now blend a bit better with the rest of the hair. Yes, I'm making a weird expression. Don't mind it :)

All in all I'd say it's a nice product, I only spent about $9 on it so it's not that expensive and it says it will last about 4-6 weeks (but it will probably last longer, as I use sulfate-free shampoos and don't wash my hair very often). I do really like the color. Red is probably my favorite hair color to wear :D

Has anyone tried this product? What are your thoughts? Would you try it after reading this post?

-Tat

The Famous Night Elf

2010-12-09T13:35:00.000-08:00

Hi girls! I finally got my computer back, and so far it's working fine, so this means I'll be able to blog more often from now on. Today I'm bringing you the obligatory makeup junkie post: Wet N Wild's Limited Edition Night Elf palette!

I was buying some supplies the other day at Walgreens (snacks, energy drinks, frozen pizza... Yeah, overnight shifts really require stocking up) and I saw the tiny display for the limited edition holiday Wet N Wild palettes. They had two of the gold, purples, and greens, and only one Night Elf, so I got that one and then one of the Snow Sprite palettes. I am already a fan of the ColorIcon palettes ( really great quality and super affordable price!) so these are a given. The regular palettes usually offer three matte shades and three shimmery shades, but these colors are mostly shimmery, some glittery even.

Left side, top to bottom: Shimmery cream, shimmery light taupe-y color, reddish brown with green duochrome
Right side, top to bottom: shimmery silver, warm, muted red with slight shimmer, black with silver sparkles

These are the colors with one swipe over UDPP, in the most accurate light I could find. The bottom pic really shows how pretty the brown duochrome is! I think the stars of this quad are the brown duochrome and the red. It's so very hard to find good red eyeshadows at the drugstore, and also a pretty unique color as is the brown. Two thumbs up for this palette, WnW~!

And here's a quickie daytime look I did using the colors on the left side of the palette:

In case you're wondering, that awesomely awesome mascara is DiorShow Azure :) I'm wearing no foundation, and lipcolor is Fyrinnae Indies Lip Lustre. And yes, my brows are a mess. I don't care much for them, really. I do have to fix them, though, because it's required at work to look your best :)

Hope you enjoy this post! Has anyone tried the Wet N Wild Color Icon palettes? Which one's your favorite? I'm still undecided :)

love,

-Tat

A Giveaway of Mythical Proportions (NOW CLOSED)

2010-12-08T06:03:00.000-08:00

**** Edit: I entered the amount of entries into random.org random number generator, and this was the result

#2 entry is Anais. I will be contacting you for your info. later on! Thanks to everyone who participated, I'm sorry I don't have 10 sample sets to give out :( ***

Note: I decided to close the giveaway early for a number of reasons, one being that since yesterday there were no more entries, and another being AL is closing soon and I wanted to give the winner a chance to be able to order anything before it was too late, so there was a tight time frame to work with. I will hopefully have more giveaways soon, and they will very probably be open internationally as well.

Hello everyone!
Some days ago Miss K of Aromaleigh was very nice to send me an extra sample set of Mythos for me to give away to you, my readers!

Since this is my first giveaway, and it's time-sensitive as well, I will be keeping things short and sweet:
leave a comment on this post with your email address, the address of your blog ( I really love reading blogs.) and anything else you want to chitchat about :)

Only ONE entry will be counted per person, (this means you can leave a ton of comments, but I will only count one entry), and you must be a subscriber (if I don't find your name on the list of subscribers, your entry will be disqualified)

This is what you will be getting. A full sample sized set of Aromaleigh's Mythos collection! click on the picture to see it closer-up :)

Winner will be chosen (at random.org) and contacted by this Friday, December 10 (this means you have 3 days to enter!)

Good Luck!
-Tat

Astronomical Collection

2010-12-01T12:35:00.000-08:00

Swatch post number two of the day is all about the latest collection from Aromaleigh, Astronomical.
I have to say that I believe this is my favorite collection from AL. These colors just wowed me when I swatched them, and I love the names. I believe when I swatched the first shade (Neutrino) I exclaimed " Holy s**t, these colors are AWESOME!" but that might have been my imagination... I tried as best I could to represent the colors faithfully in the photos, but they were playing hard to get. (Just get a sample set and try them out, please? Or better yet, just get the full size set... You'll love these anyway.)Click the pics for bigger, better.

Neutrino, Extragalactic (this color isn't like that in real life. It's like a pinky-mauve metallic awesomeness...) but the light made it flash like that. Yeah, it flashes. Anyway, next is Blueshift, Milky Way, and Pulsar

Dark Matter, Azimuth, Crescent, Binary, Umbra

Antimatter, Ephemeris, Retrograde, Fusion, Escape Velocity

Nadir, Event Horizon, Celestial, BigBang, Megaparsec

Wavelength, Perihelion, Heliosphere, Apogee, Magellanic

As I said before, click the pics so you can get a closer look. Some of these shades are plush, others are these beautifully textured kinda metallic-y duochromes, and some of them have the most amazing flashes of tiny sparkles... I will definitely miss Miss K's creative genius. Aromaleigh's set the bar so high for mineral eyeshadows...

Anyway. I'll be putting up a PayPal button so everyone can make donations towards the funding of me buying a full size set of this collection. (Just kidding. BUt.... I would KILL for a full set of these babies. Seriously...)

I hope you love these as much as I did, if you have tried them please share your faves! ( I didn't write down mine because I loved the collection as a whole).

They can be purchased here.

*products were sent to me by the kindness of Ms. Aromaleigh's heart, and the opinions expressed in the post are totally honest, totally mine...*

Love,
-Tat

Mythos!!!

2010-12-01T11:58:00.000-08:00

Hi everyone! Today I come to you with two swatch post, this being the first of them.
So, every Aromaleigh fan is aware that they're closing soon, (I'm still trying not to think about it too much, because between that and my economic state at the moment, it creates a big hole of depression that I can't go crazy buying everything I want before it all goes down :( )

Aanyhow. Without further ado: I present to you, MYTHOS!

L-R: Zeus, Athena, Apollo, Hades, Aphrodite

Demeter, Theia, Chronos, Eos, Hera

Hestia, Neptune, Dionysus, Selene, Hyperion

Phoebe, Tethys, Rhea, Hermes, Asteria

Nyx, Ananke, Erebos, Gaia, Artemis

These shades have a strong softness to them which I adored. The darker shades had such an interplay of colors that it was fascinating. Very well done selection, Miss K!

Favorites: Hades, Theia, Eos, Hera, Neptune, Selene, Hyperion, Phoebe, Rhea, Asteria, Nyx, Artemis, and my ultimate favorite fave, Erebos. I loved it so much, i took a close up picture of the swatch:

*sigh*

These shades are currently selling for $3.50 a jar (wait, did I say selling? I mean she's practically giving them away...) here ( the link will take you to where the links are posted on the Aromaleigh website). Go try them out, they are gorgeous!

Hope you enjoyed these swatches!

*products were sent to me by the kindness of Ms. Aromaleigh's heart, and the opinions expressed in the post are totally honest, totally mine...*

-Tat

sephora holiday look

2010-11-30T16:11:00.000-08:00

So I borrowed a computer (again) since mine is still MIA... I wanted to share a look I did last week for work. It's from the Sephora holiday catalog, and since I have to wear looks from the book to work, I decided this one was going to be pretty easy to pull off at 4:00 AM...

Products worth noting are Wet N Wild eyeshadow palette (blues and greens?) I used the shimmery white and shimmery dark blue. I also wore CoverFX waterbased foundation, and Hourglass Icon lipstick. I believe the blush was Prim & Proper from MAC. Mascara was (current favorite) MUFE Smoky Lash.

It's definitely a strong eyes-strong lips face, I think I pulled it off but it still felt uncomfortable to wear (I guess I'll get used to it?) All in all it was super easy, and the Wet N Wild shadow really did a great job at pretending to be more expensive :)

Hope everyone is doing awesome, and had a great thanksgiving! I hope I can solve the computer issue soon, for Closed Eye Typing's sake :D

Love,
Tat

Alive

2010-10-27T19:37:00.000-07:00

hi everyone! I am writing to you from a borrowed computer. Mine has been dead for a couple of days now, and with the economic situation in my house, it's been impossible for me to buy the parts that i need to fix it.

I have a looot ( AND I MEAN< A LOT) of products to write about, (Aromaleigh Mythos, though it might be too late, Philosophy Microdelivery 1 Minute Peel, UD Book of Shadows III, Too Faced Lip Injection Extreme... just to name a few. )

I do try to read other blogs and stuff (I'm addicted to blogger. Reading, that is, more than writing!) and I'm sorry I'm being a bad cyber-friend and not commenting or anything. But, yeah. I'm not dead. Just been getting more hours at work (thankfully!) and trying to fix my computer.

What are you thinking of going as for Halloween? This week I've been a cat, a peacock, and a sort of 1920's girl (all for work. Halloween week is full swing) hopefully I'll get to put pics up soon. Till next time!

<3,
Tat

Smashbox O-Gold Gloss

2010-10-14T23:38:00.000-07:00

Quickie post today ( I'm really trying, guys. Really.)
Today after I was done with my shift at work I decided to go check out one of the new Smashbox sets:

The Gold List

Pretty, huh? This set comes with a pretty gold bag, Smashbox Photo-Op Undereye Brightener, Smashbox Luminizing Primer, Baked Starburst Fusion Soft Lights, and O-Gold Lipgloss.

Of course, I think it's pretty, I myself love gold in makeup (not in jewelry, mind you) but what really had my attention when I saw it on the website was the O-Gloss in a gold shade.

So I decided to play with it a bit.

Upon application, it's a really nice almost metallic-looking shade of gold. I was getting excited. And then I smoothed it onto my lips and the glimmer was gone. It was a super-sheer, kinda shimmery gloss. A few seconds later it gave my lips a veeryy light pinkish tint. It looked nice, but wasn't fantastic. The good thing I can say about it is the texture. It's really nice, like a balm almost. For everything else, I guess you could get the set (though at $49 I do think it's too pricey, considering that the products you're most probably going to use the most are actually travel sized).

*Sigh* The disappointment. I was really liking this on pictures :)
-Tat

Halloween FOTN :)

2010-10-13T23:18:00.000-07:00

Short and sweet...
I did my interpretation of Columbia from Rocky Horror Picture Show.

One of my ultimate favorite movies ever EVER ever!

I think it was a bit of a fail, but I decided to document every halloween look attempt that I do, so here it is!
Questions, comments, etc... Feel free to ask, or just chitchat. I like chitchat :P

-Tat

BRRAAAIINNNSSSSS!

2010-10-12T13:52:00.000-07:00

First comes the bite...

...Then comes the infection...

I'm getting in the Halloween spirit :)
For these wounds I used Liquid Latex (about $11.00 for a relatively large bottle at Party City), Toilet Paper, and different eyeshadow colors: yellow, green, red, black, brown. I also used some $1.99 vampire blood from party city. I applied everything with latex sponges and makeup brushes. Easy peasy :)

And, something pretty to balance it out

This was what I wore to work yesterday. The blue eyeshadow (and the only thing worth noting) is Fyrinnae 1.22 Gigawatts over a dark blue cream shadow base. I also applied some blue glitter over it, to make it all out-there.

Thanks for reading!!! If anyone has any questions, etc, I'd be glad to help

<3,
Tat

5 Favorites Right Now

2010-09-10T21:49:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone! I've never done a "favorites" post, and I don't guarantee that I'll keep them coming on a regular basis, but I noticed today that I've had some things in my makeup bag for a couple of weeks now and they have pretty much become staples at the moment. I find myself reaching for these most of the time when I'm doing my makeup lately and I wanted to share the faves with you!

Ok, so I'll start with the first thing you see right there on the left. That's Milani Infinite Liquid Liner in Everlast, a black shade.

I bought this liner awhile ago, on a pure whim. The following week I returned to Walgreens and got all the other shades (a gorgeous bright blue, a light green, a gold/brownish one, and a purple one) having still not a clue as to how to use it. The texture is a bit gloppy, and the brush is a bit complicated, so I was a bit disappointed at first. However, upon watching a couple of videos on YouTube about how to apply liquid liner, I finally got it. And this stuff is not kidding when it says it's long-wearing! (Though I can't really say about 24 hours, that's nasty). You need a good oil-based makeup remover to take it off, but for the price (around $6) it really, really can't be beat!

2. Next up is Hourglass Femme Rouge lipstick in Icon ( a deep cherry red according to sephora.com)

I got this as part of my first-ever GRATIS at work, and to be honest I probably wouldn't have ever looked at this twice in the store if it wasn't for that fortunate accident that placed it in my makeup bag :P This lipstick is gorgeous, creamy, super well-pigmented, sooo comfortable to wear and lasts a good time before I need to reapply. A true luxury, in my opinion.

3. Also a GRATIS (a teeny tiny one!) is Viktor & Rolf Flowerbomb perfume. According to Sephora.com, this scent is a Gourmand Oriental Floral with notes of Sambac Jasmine, Centifolia Rose, Cattleya Orchid, Ballerina Freesia, and Patchouli.

Now, just to be clear here: I have no idea what a Sambac Jasmine is, or a Ballerina Freesia for that matter. But this stuff smells AWESOME. I want to bathe in it, sleep in it, drink it :P I'm definitely getting this full-size when things pick up on the money front.

4. MAC Prim & Proper blush from the Liberty of London collection

This is described as a "Neutral Nude" by the website, and that's basically what it looks like on me. At first, I was a bit disappointed with it, being my first ever MAC blush (and the only one, really so far) when I put it on for the first time I thought it looked weird. But with the help of a Duo-Fiber brush this color screams amazing! It's just the right shade to make me look awake-but-not-made-up, and a perfect perfect compliment to practically anything: bright eyeshadows, or red lips, or simple barely-there makeup. I've been wearing this one every single day for the last month or so.

5. Last but definitely not least, my lovely duo fiber brush from some obscure unknown WalMart brand! (lol)

I like that the brush has a short chunky handle, making it very portable but not hard to use. The bristles are soft, and it hasn't shed on me not once ( I do understand with these cheapies it's kinda hit or miss). I have applied everything from mineral setting powder to pressed blush and it gives an amazing effect on my skin. Best of all, this was only about $6 at WalMart.

That's my faves for now! Oh, and a little bonus, swatches!

I've been wearing these three products together since the Makeup-Uniform at work these days is red lips, well it's just an easy look to put together in no time at all (for me, at least ;) ) I call this trio my perfect-pinup.

What are your favorites for the moment? Any look that you've been rocking nonstop lately? Share!!!

Love,

-Tat

Hi-Fi Lurv

2010-09-07T18:32:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone!
This is a very very long overdue post but better late than never (right?). I had never tried Hi Fi Cosmetics, but after the recent events surrounding my favoritest (yes, it's a word...) of them all, Aromaleigh, I joined the exodus of MMU fans trying to find a reasonable and equally great alternative. Now, I LOVE Fyrinnae, but that's a whole different story. I decided to try Hi Fi Cosmetics. By that time was when she had the sale (I think it was buy 5, get 5?) which was awesome for trying them out and so I ordered my ten colors and waited, waited, waited (Ok it wasn't that long but I'm impatient when it comes to my makeups!).

When the package finally arrived, I was sooo excited! It was a small package, and I liked that because there was no waste or excessive packaging. The jars are not my favorites (square jars) but they also add a distinctive quality that sets those ten little jars apart from the rest in my collection.

The colors I ordered:
To The Moon, Arsonist, In Bloom, Devil's Daughter, Sex Drugs Rock'n Roll, Lyrical Master, Mornings of Gold, Tell Me Lies,Dismembered Constellation and Rising Tide.

The sticker on the lids is kinda 80's which I really like ( gotta love the 80's ...)

And now, swatches. When I first got these, of course, I was super excited. But that excitement grew with every new little pot I opened and every color I swatched. I just love how smooth these colors feel!!!! They apply so softly, yet so pigmented, and they blend very nicely and I experienced fallout only with the really sparkly ones ( sex,drugs; devil's daughter specifically).

L-R, clockwise: Mornings of Gold, To The Moon, Lyrical Master, Tell Me Lies, Devil's Daughter, Arsonist, Rising Tide, In Bloom, Dismembered Constellation, Sex,Drugs, Rock'n Roll.

I apologize if the lighting's bad, it's still raining here and it's kinda crazy. Anyway, you see how smooth those colors are? Just non-chalky, really blendable, bright, amazing. I looove Mornings of Gold and Tell Me Lies because I am very much a fan of those white-looking-golden-in-light colors (lol... Like Aromaleigh's Wizard Gold for example). Mornings of gold is more pinkish, while Tell Me Lies is golden greatness. Arsonist is a great shade to wear on its own, it just makes my eyes pop!

All in all I would say great makeup, great shade selection, amazing quality, the sweetest customer service you'll probably ever encounter, and really great prices/deals/offers/etc. Go buy from them. Now.

Does anybody else share the love? Do tell!

Viva Glammin' It Up

2010-09-05T21:40:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone!
I went to the mall the other day and decided to take a (non-customary, I swear) stroll down by the MAC counter and saw the new Viva Glam Cindy and Gaga lipglosses. I had been kinda waiting for these, and it didn't really take much convincing for me to give in to their pretty little charms.

Left- Viva Glam Cindy, Right- Viva Glam Gaga

My own description of these is that Cindy reminds me of a sort of Watermelon-y color, Gaga is like a bubblegum pink.

I am head over heels in love with the Cindy lipgloss. I don't own the lipstick, but the gloss is gawjuss! The Gaga gloss is nice, but I prefer the lipstick (the gloss, as you can see, can appear a bit runny and is a b*tch to photograph)

These have the same consistency of any and all MAC lipglass, so if you don't like those I suggest you skip and get the lipsticks instead. They are limited but they will be sold for a year (or so the sales-guy at the counter said).

Anywhoo, thanks for reading! What do you guys think of these? Do you own any? Are you planning on getting them?

-Tat

Giveaways and Such. . .

2010-08-28T22:45:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone! Just wanted to let you know that there's an awesome giveaway going on over at Painted, so be sure to go check it out! I already entered (hey, it's easy enough) and she's got some awesome stuff she'll be giving away!!!!

Enter HERE!!! HERE!!! HERE!!!!

(Just wanted to make sure you guys saw the link!)

Also, the lovely Blix over at Glitter Is My Crack is having a giveaway as well, where she'll have not one, not two, not three... but FIVE winners!!! I will not be entering this one because it's mostly Aromaleigh and God Knows I have enough AL products to make over a small country for a year, but that's ok because that gives more chance to some other people who might want to win some great goodies! ( did I mention, 5 lucky people?) Anywhoo, you can enter HERE!!!HERE!!!HERE!!!

Don't forget to check these two great blogs out as well. Gorgeous ladies doing gorgeous makeup!!!

-Tat

The Makeup Gods Have Spoken...

2010-08-26T20:20:00.000-07:00

And Urban Decay finally listened:

New Urban Decay Primer Potion in what they call "Professional Size"... "

"The beloved Eyeshadow Primer Potion now comes in a larger-than-life tube (25 ml larger than our original size)! The perfect size for makeup artists and Urban Decay junkies." - Sephora.com

I saw this and I was sooo excited!!! The best primer out there in my humble opinion, in an actually useful packaging. I can't wait to get my hands on this! The only thing that would make it even better is if UrbanDecay.com and Sephora.com started shipping to PR. Makeup Gods, I'll keep praying to you ;)

For everyone else, the new primer is now selling at www.sephora.com

What does everyone think? Good deal? Bad deal? Let me know!

-Tat

Super Easy Golden-Smokey Eyes!

2010-08-23T19:59:00.000-07:00

Hi girls!
In the wake of playing with the Too Faced palettes for This Post a couple of days ago, I decided to try and do a look using the black from the Naked Eye Palette (Stiletto). I just did a basic smokey eye, but used a gold cream shadow for a base instead of the typical black. The result?

I dabbed on a light gold cream shadow up to the crease, then patted on Stiletto all over and blended it out with a big fluffy brush and some Like A Virgin eyeshadow (also from the Naked Eye Palette) and then lightly highlighted in the inner corners and browbone with In The Buff. On the lower lash line, I first lined the waterline with white pencil to open up the eyes a bit, then went over it with Urban Decay 24/7 in Zero and smudged some more Stiletto over that. Lots of Benefit BadGal mascara on top lashes only.

Here's a closer look:

I really love how the gold would show through when the light hits it just right.

I was feeling lazy so I just put on some undereye concealer and Hard Candy blush in Pinup ( no foundation). I am wearing Mac Creme D'Nude lipstick, and it was the first time I could actually get away with it. I have to say, I love it. It's so pretty!

Well, that's it for now!
Love,
Tat

Too Faced Palette Comparison

2010-08-23T19:21:00.000-07:00

Hi girls! Just wanted to let you know that I am now guest blogging over at The Beauty Vlogadiaries, so be sure to click the link and subscribe! It's a great project and we're just starting out, so you definitely don't want to miss it!

And so it brings me to my first post over there: a comparison between the Too Faced Naked Eye palette and the Too Faced Natural Eye palette. These are awesome, click here to go directly to the post :)

That's all for now, don't forget to subscribe!
Love,
Tat

Quickie post: don't be shy!!!

2010-08-19T11:25:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone!
I noticed today that I already have 80 followers on my blog. While that may not seem like much to some of you seasoned bloggers, to me it's super exciting!

There are some faces I recognize, and other new ones around. So this is just a quickie post for me to say hi, and welcome! And also for all of you followers to do the same! You can write anything on your post, what you'd like to see more of in my blog, what you like to do, where you're from, even a link to your own blog ( I am addicted to reading blogs. Yes. )

Hope to read from you soon!
Love,
Tat

FOTD- Sequined Master

2010-08-18T12:24:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone! This will be a quick post showing the FOTD that I created using Fyrinnae eyeshadow Sequined Master. I wanted it to be the main color so I mostly kept it simple and paired it with nice pink lips :)

Artsy shot =P I am wearing the zombie cameo that I bought from Blix (here is the shop on ebay). Isn't it amazing?!A real conversation starter, that's for sure

I primed and then applied a purple cream shadow, over that patted Fyrinnae Sequined Master and then used other matte shades to blend out/add depth (shades from the Wet n Wild Lust palette)

I look weird and kinda yellow here. (huh?) I am wearing Hard Candy blush in Honeymoon, and Viva Glam Gaga lipstick over bright pink lipliner from Jordana.

Oh, I love this shade! :)

Hope you like the look! any questions feel free to ask in comments :)
-tat

I want I want I want!!!

2010-08-14T09:09:00.000-07:00

So I've developed quite a lemming lately! There's soo many things I want to get, but obviously right now I don't have the money to get them. So I'm going to wishlist them, and maybe someday I can get my hands on these! These are all higher-end things, so they could be an occasional treat here and there. All these pics were taken from the Sephora website.

Juicy Couture Juicy Couture perfume. I first tried this last week when my friend asked me to smell it. And oh-my-god. I love it. I really want to get this one and the bottle is so amazing!!!

Nars for Sephora Lip & Blush collection. Nars created lipgloss shades to match some of their most popular shades of blush from. The ones I really lust for are: Albatross, Super Orgasm, and Luster. I've never tried a Nars blush before, but I've wanted to for awhile. Albatross looks sooo pretty!

Too Faced Naked Eye Palette. I just really like the whole design of it. I don't own many neutral shades, and I think this is a great deal. Which also brings me to the next...

Urban Decay Naked Palette. I love UDPP. I love the 24/7 Eyeliners. I love their shadows. I need more neutrals in my life. Need I say more? I so desperately want this one it's not even funny.

Make Up For Ever Rouge Artist Intense and Aqua Lip liner pencils: I love the shades that MUFE offers, but the price hurts a little. OK, the price hurts. A lot. I do want some shades from the lipstick (they have some amazing pinks and a great purple) and I really also want a fuschia lip liner and an orange one, and they offer those on permanent collection so that's cool. All in all I love the color range, but I might have to wait a lot before I can actually purchase anything.

Kat Von D eyeshadow palettes in True Love and Adora. I just want these for the packaging. It's gorgeous. The colors look really nice, too. I own one of the first palettes and I really, really like it.

I also need a new flat iron and a good hairbrush for blow drying my hair. *sigh*. Anyone got a spare lottery ticket?

What are you guys after these days? Care to share?

Thanks for reading!!!
-tat

My first NOTD, some good news, and general chitchat :)

2010-08-12T14:11:00.000-07:00

Hii everyone!

It's been raining nonstop over here in PR, again. It seems we're having the craziest weather lately. It's either disgustingly hot, or ultra-humid and rainy. I haven't really been motivated for a lot of makeup looks and picture taking is a mess in this light!

However, I have some good news to share with everyone, I finally got a job! I'll be starting soon, hopefully, and there will be more good things to come. I couldn't be happier for it. Guess where it's at? (hint... makeup addict's candy shop with black and white stripes outside )

And this now brings us to what I wanted to share: my first NOTD ever! I hate taking pics of my fat little fingers but I think this nail polish is soo amazingly gorgeous I had to share it with you guys.

This, my gorgeous friends, is Bettina Nail Enamel in Cotton Candy (from the Candy collection). It's a gorgeous opaque creamy ballerina pink that gets full coverage from only two coats. I love it! I've been wearing it for about 3 days now, and so far, no chips. ( I use Seche Vite top coat over it). I got it at 2 for $4 at my local Walgreens (I'll introduce her baby brother later on...) which is a STEAL. They usually don't go for more than $3.00 anyways. These are amazing.

It's pretty much a standard glass bottle, and on the tops of each cap they write the name/number of the polish, and if it's part of any specific collection, they'll write that as well in bold letters.

Isn't it pretty? Look how nice it still looks after 3 days! Sorry about the lighting, but the color is pretty close to how it is IRL so that's OK.

I just recently found out that these polishes are actually a Puerto Rican brand (who knew!) and for now, they mostly only sell these over here. That's pretty awesome, I've been using Bettina all my life and never knew where they actually came from, lol. They have an extensive color selection and super cheap prices. Just recently, they started launching actual makeup as well, (gel liners, brushes, eyeshadows, etc) but I haven't tried anything so far.

Anyways. How has everyone's week been so far? What do you think of Cotton Candy?

have a great day!
-Tat

Hard Candy Sheer Envy Tinted Moisturizer in action!

2010-08-09T16:39:00.000-07:00

Hi readers! I know that, as usual, I've been having blog-ADD but that's just me I guess. I mostly forget I have it and always have tons of ideas floating around in my head but, yeah. I still haven't found a job (though i have interviewed at a company I am very very interested in, I'll let u know how that goes later on).

Anyways, I ran out of my Benefit YouRebel Lite Tinted Moisturizer, and decided not to rebuy ( it just wasn't really cutting it for me, plus I hate the packaging). I did, however, check out the Hard Candy display at my local Wal-Mart, and got a few products to try out. In this post I'll sort of be reviewing the Tinted Moisturizer, maybe I'll do a later post on the blushes/bronzer I also got.

So, how is it? Well. It's moderately priced, at $8 more or less, I think it's great. you get 1.5 oz of product in the tube, but a little bit has proven to go a long way. The coverage is really great, and it feels really creamy and pleasant on the skin, you can also layer it to go up to a medium coverage so it's actually pretty versatile. When I'm in a hurry I wear it on its own, but on other days that I want a higher level of skin-perfection, I layer it over Hard Candy's primer and apply a bit heavier. I really really love it, and I recommend it to anyone. I got mine in the second lightest shade, "Light".

Pictures do show the results, so see for yourself!

Ok, so this sad, sad face is me without anything on my face. Nothing. I have some discoloration on the corners of the mouth, and around my eyes and some freckles that I don't actually mind but, yeah.

Now this, is me after applying a layer of Hard Candy face primer ( just a pea-sized amount will do), and moderately applied Tinted Moisturizer. I set my face with Aromaleigh Ultra Resolution finishing powder (that soft-focus glow has URFP to thank!) As you can see, the coverage is fantastic but it's not caked on, so it's so comfortable to wear!

And so, this is me, after a bit of contouring, some eyeliner, mascara and lipstick :) (Maybelline cream liner, Benefit BadGal lash, Hard Candy Living Doll blush, Viva Glam Gaga lipstick over a dusty rose lipliner)

Thanks for reading my 'review' and for enduring my before and after! Has anyone tried Hard Candy products after their "revamp"? Do you like them? Are you going to try the TM now after seeing it in action?

have a good night!!!
-Tat

"Oldies" but goodies!!!

2010-07-27T12:05:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone! Today I went to my favorite secret location to get a new perfume (ended up getting Prada Infusion de Fleur D'Oranger) and stumbled upon some Dior makeup from a few seasons back.

L-R: DiorKiss Luscious Lip Plumping Gloss in Granny Smith, Mint Lemonade. Dior Eye Show cream eyeshadow in Pop Aquadelic. On the bottom is Dior Addict Ultra Gloss Pearl Shine in Hologram Coral.

Now, I know it's almost over, but don't the shades make you think of summer? So fresh, so bright, so fun!

This one goes on clear, I'm assuming because I haven't really swatched it. I have plans for this baby. *wink wink* but it's a bright green with glitter! Lots and lots of it :) and a yummy scent, too.

This gloss is a cool blue shade with a bit of pearlescence, and a minty scent.

This eyeshadow has a mousse-like texture, with fine shimmer and a bit of glitter as well. It's a very pretty aqua-green shade. I'd use it as a base, however, because I just don't like wearing cream eyeshadows on their own.

This gloss is really interesting: it's a sheer peachy coral with flashes of gold and bright pink, just gorgeous! This is my favorite product of them all.

What do you girls think of these great finds? Like I said, I have plans for them. Who knows? They might be yours someday *wink , wink again*

Have a great day!

-Tat

Apple Minty Melon

2010-07-24T16:48:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone!
So I got this little package yesterday, and guess what was inside it? Samples of Aromaleigh's (possibly last?) collection, Ciao, Italia! I haven't had a chance to do swatches, but I did a look with some of them today.

I first primed with UDPP and a tiny dab of Pixie Epoxy

Then, on the outer half of the lid, I applied Melone with a synthetic flat brush
I overlapped Mela over Melone in the center of the lid
and then applied Menta in the inner corners
I highlighted with Glowing Luna and lined my waterline with Mildew pencil from Urban Decay and applied Benefit BadGal mascara on top lashes only.

On lips I'm wearing a peachy lipstick, and Prim & Proper blush from MAC on cheeks.

Hope you like the look! These colors are GORGEOUS and they go great together. Today was a good makeup day :)

-Tat

And so it goes...

2010-07-19T20:41:00.000-07:00

I'm not going to explain how I found Aromaleigh. And I'm not going to go on and on about self-confidence because, well... I've never believed makeup to be just about that. But I will say that for the past few years I have almost exclusively been buying my eyeshadows from Aromaleigh. Just recently I've been dipping my toes into Fyrinnae and a couple of weeks ago I placed my first Hi-Fi order, but up until then, It's always been AL.

Every little package filled me with immense joy, the rush of collecting, the beauty of it all. Face powders, blushes, eyeshadows in every color under the sun and then some. All these little magical pots of powder put together with such care, such delicacy, and it makes me really really sad to see it all blowing away. I have purposefully kept away from all the drama, all the comments, hurtful words, bickering and name-calling surrounding the company, its fans and its past/present simply because I chose to keep myself to my side of the world. And it has been my own experience that I have never, ever, ever had a problem with anything AL. The customer service has always been respectful, not one single item out of place, and good communication between their side and mine. My experience has been, simply put, a dream.

I will miss browsing through the site creating wishlist after wishlist, I will miss reading the forums and making new friends there, I will miss giving samples away to my friends saying "you gotta try this, this is the best makeup I've ever worn!!!", and I will miss getting my order in less than a week after I ordered. I hope that Kristen finds peace and happiness in whatever she decides to do. I'm sure she coud become a pumpkin-carver and she's going to do great, because, every other comment aside, I believe her to be a truly creative individual.

I think I have placed my last order, and sadly, the full sizes of Lost in Faerie that I was so in love with will have to remain unordered because of economic situations. Oh, well. Such is life.

-Tat

Sweetly Decadent

2010-07-15T20:22:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone!
Tonight's very quick post will be about Fyrinnae's Candy Decadence Lip Lustre.According to the website, this color "Looks quite green/teal, or rather forest green on purple in most light, but changes to a deep shimmering plum with pink shimmer at different angles and closer to light, or in sunlight. Looks good layered or alone especially on deeper skintones." This is a GORGEOUS shade that most people would never dare wear outside ( I have, though. I'm special like that...)

Now. God knows my skintone is far from deep, or even slightly tan (yes, I'm still Puerto Rican. And no, we don't all look like in the movies- gorgeous tans and long black hair. Nope.) However, I've been playing around with it. A lot. I've tried it with a whole bang of eyeshadows, and with nothing at all, but always come back to basics: I like it best paired with strong, dark brows, a bit of eyeliner, lots of mascara and an even paler than natural face (that means no blush, even)

I recreated the look for the picture seen here, but a bit more exaggerated than you'd normally wear it just for fun. Also, the black cloth is just because... My hair didn't match. And it's 11:00 PM, who wants to do hair now?

What I did here was: just conceal/foundation (one or two shades lighter) and powder. Then I lined and filled the lips with a long-lasting black eyeliner pencil (Urban Decay 24/7 in Zero. The long-lasting-ness of it is important, as I find it doesn't get smudged around by the Lip Lustre, therefore making a smoother, more color-even application) topped with Fyrinnae Lip Lustre in Candy Decadence, did my eyebrows a bit longer with black eyeshadow and a slant brush, and with the same shadow and brush I did the lines on the eyes.

So, what do you think? Te atreves? (Do you dare?)

-Tat

Fyrinnae Swatches!

2010-07-11T17:03:00.000-07:00

Hi readers!
It's been terribly hot here. Terribly. Not to mention there's also some kind of dust in the air, the combination of which has got me suffering from the most terrible allergies and so I have been unable to wear proper makeup for the past week or so. However, to keep things going on the blogfront, I decided today would be a good day to swatch my Fyrinnae eyeshadows.

I don't have many, considering that most of my efforts have been concentrated on getting Lip Lustres as of late. However I adore all the ones I have, and have a mile long wishlist going on for when I finally find a job again and can actually afford getting anything. I got a new camera a couple of weeks ago and this is also the first time that I will be using it to photograph something for the blog.

On to the pictures!!!

Top two are Sennyo and Faerie Glamour. Bottom two are Meerkat and Nevermore.

Sennyo, Faerie Glamour, Meerkat, Nevermore. The swatch looks funny because I applied it over a thin layer of vaseline and this is how it comes out. Vaseline is good for swatching shimmery shades, not so good for mattes, I guess. Meh.

Velvet Vampire, Pyromantic Erotica, Damn Paladins, Rapunzel Had Extensions. Velvet Vampire truly does not want to be accurately photographed. It's one of my favorite shades, sooo pretty! I did manage to catch some of the shift in Pyromantic, and the blue-ish highlights in Damn Paladins. I have to say, these four are probably my favorites of the ones I currently own.

Farseer, Electric Stardust, Futuristic Glamrock, Geek Glam.

Leopard-Print Galaxy, 1.22 Gigawatts, Dark Fantasy, Nori, Warrior-Mage, Dragonmagic

So... Fail on the color-shift for these. They are gorgeous, believe me. And amazing, and, yeah. Nori is one of the most beautiful sparkly shades I have ever seen.

And now some close-ups just for eye candy!

Well... That's it! I hope you enjoy these! And don't forget to check out Fyrinnae if you haven't already. You will not be disappointed!

-Tat

Swatch Time! Lost in Faerie

2010-06-28T14:49:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone!
First of all, I'm sorry for the lack of posts in the past few days, but it's been raining nonstop and picture taking has been harder than usual.

However, on a happier note: today I had 15 minutes of semi-decent lighting which was just enough time to take swatch pictures of Aromaleigh's new eye collection: Lost In Faerie.As far as I know, this collection has not yet been released ( why, I do feel special, doing a sneak preview actually before it launches! lol)

This is the second LE Collection that has been created in these recent weeks by AL and to tell you the truth, when I first saw swatches on other blogs I wasn't really thrilled about it.

Upon closer inspection, and after playing with the colors a little more, I'd say this collection definitely has some winners, some gorgeous colors that I'd definitely say have some everyday-use potential, and some nicer brighter shades as well.

As for a review of the colors, I found the quality to be great, as usual. On to the pictures!

***All images clickable for closer looks and better view of names***

L-R- Olinda, Loxy, Sorette, Eglantine, Alina

L-R: Elodie, Elysia, Elette, Erlina, Annysia

L-R: Cleantha, Celinette, Luella, Donella, Calista

L-R: Meliora, Trixy, Pherenice, Naida, Rosina

L-R: Xylia, Emerenta, Liriope, Caelia

My Favorite Shades- Loxy , Elodie, Elysia, Erlina, Celinette, Luella, Donella, Calista, Meliora, Trixy,Naida, Rosina, Xylia, Emerenta, Liriope, and Caelia.

These samples were sent by Aromaleigh PR for consideration and review. I am not getting paid for this, nor am being compensated any other way. Everything written here is my honest opinion!

Which are your favorites? Planning on getting any to try out? do tell!

Have a great day!
-Tat

Skeleton Keys in Wonderland

2010-06-23T10:23:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone!
Today I had a bit of time to spare so I did this really quick look:

I used Aromaleigh Skeleton Key (sold out, amazing color that I'm crying about but whatever...) in the inner half of the eyelids, and Aromaleigh Wonderland on the outer corners and to blend out crease. I highlighted with a pale frosty MAC shadow that I do not know the name of, and lined top and bottom with 24/7 pencil in Zero.

Easy, and something I could be happy with :)

I'm also wearing Aromaleigh GL Dolly on cheeks, and a bit of Starbright shimmer on the cheekbones. Fyrinnae Lollipop-pop on lips.

Thanks for looking!!!
-Tat

FOTN: Rapunzel had Meerkat Extensions :)

2010-06-22T16:31:00.000-07:00

Oh yeah. I couldn't resist ;)
So today I got another Lip Lustre order (those are included in previous post) and a sample of Meerkat eyeshadow. I really wanted to try it out, so I kinda did a re-make of this look using Rapunzel Had Extensions and some purple. I used Rapunzel in the inner corners and highlight, Meerkat on the outer half of the lid, and a bit of Nevermore to darken the crease and under the lower lash line. I lined top and bottom with 24/7 eye pencil in Zero. I am using CoverGirl LashBlast Fusion mascara.. I'm still undecided whether I like it or not. I applied MAC MSF Petticoat as blush, and of course, Romantique Lip Lustre on my lips :)

I do believe I'm taking the Heather/Eyeconic route and not listing face products anymore. It's a drag. If anyone is interested, ask me in the comments and I'll gladly let you know what I use :)

I left Nevermore a bit unblended so that it would add more depth when the eye was closed. See previous pic. See what I'm talking about? No? Oh well. Maybe it's just me :)

Full-Faces:

I am sooo much more happy with this version of the look. I'm really getting the hang of the Pixie Epoxy ( I apply lightly, and then pack the shadow onto the brush heavily, and swipe it on. It gives me great results this way...). I loved Meerkat and I'm sure the guys at Fyrinnae knew I would or else they wouldn't have sent it, right? Anyway. Questions, comments? Thanks for reading!!!
-Tat

Fyrinnae Lip Lustres Swatches

2010-06-22T10:08:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone! As some of you know already, I am totally in love with Fyrinnae's Lip Lustres. I love the colors, the scents, the feel of them on my lips, and the price. No, I'm not going to say they're cheap, cause cheap is not a good word to describe them. I belive the right word would be awesome and under-priced =P (please god, don't let the underpriced part change...)
I've been hard at haul trying to collect all of them and so far, this is what I've got:

***All pics clickable for major sparkle!****

These are all swatched on my arm , pics taken with flash. Most of these are one swipe of color only:

I'm working on lip swatches, but for now, enjoy these! Any questions feel free to ask :)

-Tat

When liquid liner attacks!

2010-06-21T10:49:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone!

Today I was just playing around with my makeup and decided to use Milani's Infinite liquid liner black)... Whoa it's good, but it's such a mess! The brush sucks and the consistency of it is kinda gloppy (best use this one with another brush...) Anyway. The line went terribly wrong and so I decided to go crazy with it!
Results?
It just looks like I have crazy lashes. The blush I'm wearing is Medusa's Makeup mineral blush in Dangerous Liaison, and the lips are OCC Lip Tar in Anime.

Dear God I'm having trouble with this new blogger thingy. Anyhow. This is the look. I quite like it, though I reeeally doubt I'll ever wear it out. Ever. Oh, well. Thanks for reading and commenting~!!!

Photo-Shooting :)

2010-06-04T15:14:00.000-07:00

Hi!
I was browsing through my pics on Facebook and found these pics from a past photoshoot that I did the makeup for. These were for my sister's photography class. I think she's a great photographer. The models were awesome, too. Very open to whatever we wanted to do with them!

On this one we wanted sort of a grunge-y look, so I did a smudgy eye and a lace mask with black, red, and gold. The effect was something my sister put in after the photos were taken. I don't remember which makeup I used on her.

This was a pinup-style photoshoot we did on the beach. The model's mom made the costume, how cool is that? She also did her own hair! I did her eyes with L'Oreal Cream Liner, and I believe she's wearing Maybelline Color Sensational Lipstick in Red Revival.

We wanted a really overdone look for this one, so we clumped up her lashes with mascara and applied thick eyeliner on top and bottom lashes. She's wearing Aromaleigh Rocks! Rouge ( can't recall the color right now...) Isn't it pretty?!

This one's just wearing a peachy blush, and red lipstick with black sheer lipgloss layered over it.

In this photo, the model is wearing Aromaleigh Hot in The City Coney Island, Neon Lights, and Girl's Night Out. She's also wearing MAC Impassioned lipstick and Aromaleigh Rocks! Sonic Rouge in Wallflower.

This girl is wearing Urban Decay Zero eyeshadow, Aromaleigh Glitter in Zero (00!) and Fyrinnae Lip Lustre in Fanservice. I have never seen Fanservice look as good on anyone else as it does on this girl!

Urban Decay Flipside eyeshadow and Honey eyeliner and eyeshadow on lower lashes. Sheer gold gloss and a bit of bronzer.

This one I'm posting because the glitter looks amazing!

Gorgeous pic of the two together :)

These photos were taken in a makeshift studio that we set up in my bedroom, with a projector screen and some daylight bulbs. It was a lot of fun, and we also had some Nutella cupcakes that I baked that morning. I really, really like working with my sister on her photoshoots because she allows me to pretty much do whatever I want and then we take it from there.

Thanks for looking! Please do not take the pictures without my permission!!!

Tat

OCC Lip Tar Swatches

2010-06-04T11:20:00.000-07:00

Hi again!
I got my OCC Lip Tars this week as well and wanted to swatch them. I'm sure everyone is tired of reading how pigmented and super-awesome they are, so I just wanted to keep this short. Let me first say that I love the fact that OCC shipped to PR with no issues ( a lot of companies get bitchy about that...) but it was kinda weird that I never got a confirmation email! Processing+Shipping took about 2 weeks more or less, and their phone customer service is really good ( I had to call a couple of times to check order status).

L-R: Memento, Katricia, Hush, Grandma, Anime
Bottom: Feathered

I got pretty wearable colors, but I still played with them and mixed them up with one another and it is sooo much fun. Seriously. The website states that they had a packaging change recently, luckily only Katricia came in the new package (which is smaller) and the rest came in their old tubes, which have more product. Not that I'll ever need more of these. I can't imagine someone like me, who mostly wears them herself (except for the odd makeup job here and there) going through a tube of this stuff.
Only peeve is that it's really easy to overapply since you only need a tiny tiny bit (not kidding here!) and if you overapply it will get all nasty and run everywhere and build up on the inside edges of your lips and in the corners of the mouth. Nasty. Other than that, I'm in love. These are so worth the $12.50 price tag.

You can get OCC Lip Tars Here.

Aromaleigh Victoria's Revenge Swatches & Comments

2010-06-04T09:58:00.000-07:00

So at last I get to post these!
Before this collection was launched, Miss K (Aromaleigh owner ) had sent me a sample set to sneak-peek. However, I'd forgotten to let her know that I'd moved and the set was sent to the wrong address! (Still haven't been able to get ahold of it, boo hoo!!!!) Anyway, after I cleared out my address and everything, last weekend I finally got these in my hands! I hadn't had time to swatch these because of a couple of situations (work, puppy rescues, etc...) but today I finally did. And now I freak out. There's a couple of colors that I.Must.Own. Period. All the colors are gorgeous, but there are certain shades that just scream at you, yell at you, and make your heart race. On to swatches!

This is how Mourning's Whimsy looks from another angle
All five shades from another angle...

Last Words:
I found some of the shades to be just regular-gorgeous, but this collection had certain shades that I had truly never seen before. Some shades are deliciously velvety-buttery and very opaque (Scratched Scruples, Mayhem's Trilogy for example). There was also two shades that left stains on my hands after I wiped them off, but I just scrubbed a bit harder and that was no big deal ( Brazen & Bitter, Bleeding Poppy).

My personal favorites: Nightshade, Skeleton Key, Private Lunacy, Gaslight Tears, Infernal Chaos, Brazen & Bitter, Ruthless Indulgence, Mourning's Whimsy, Mayhem's Trilogy, Frigid Gloom, Phantasm, Scratched Scruples, and Poison Utopia. (yeah.. there's a lot of them.)

Believe me, I tried as much as I could to get true representations of these shades, but it was almost impossible. When I get a 3-D Camera, maybe the pictures will be truer. Maybe. You must see these in person to really see the effects (Mourning's Whimsy, for example has an amazing effect that brings out the highlights in the shade depending on the angle of light. My camera could not pick this up to save its life!)

This is a very limited collection, so if you like any of these, go! Go get them! You won't be disappointed!

Victoria's Revenge can be purchased here.

Hope you like! Have a great day :)
Tat

**Samples were sent for consideration by Aromaleigh PR. I am getting no compensation whatsoever for posting this review. **

Lip Swatches! Fyrinnae and MAC

2010-05-28T09:45:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone!
Last night I was bored and decided to swatch both my Fyrinnae Lip Lustres and my MAC Lipsticks... Just for fun. Yeah. Anyway, here's pics!

Fyrinnae Shangri-La Lip Lustre

Fyrinnae Fanservice Lip Lustre

Fyrinnae Type A Lip Lustre

I also own a mini size of Devil Horns, but I have no idea where it is (Noooo!!!! *cries*). I have about 8 more on the way that I am very, VERY excited about, so I will swatch those as soon as they arrive. I adore Lip Lustres. And the price is unbelievable!!!! The swatches were done with just one coat of each color. Awesome pigmentation, if you ask me.

Now MAC Lipsticks:

Russian Red

So Chaud

Impassioned

Petals & Peacocks (LE Liberty of London)

Ever Hip (Liberty of London)

Pink Nouveau

Viva Glam Gaga

Creme D'Nude

Warm Me Up ( LE)

Aaand. Since I didn't have enough... lol. A bonus hand-swatch pic of Medusa's Makeup glosses:

L-R Gossip, Smooch, Loud Mouth, and Sparklemania
I tried taking Lip swatches of these, but glosses are way harder to photograph and they were being terrible. See how pretty these are? I really like them. They are also scented, and not sticky at all, which of course means they don't last long but sometimes nonsticky is better than long lasting. I believe they are having a super sale on these if you're interested (click here) .

And thaat's it for now. Short and sweet. Hope you like !!!

Finally... An FOTD with Inglot!

2010-05-25T12:10:00.000-07:00

Oh, yes. I know I only just posted my Inglot haul about ... Oh, I dunno... Last November? But, still. I hadn't posted a look. I hadn't posted something to show you the awesomeness of these eyeshadows, how smoothly they go on, and how vibrant they are. Yes, I've been bad. Oh, well. Such is life.
I use these palettes a lot when I'm called to do the odd makeup job because I tried to pick colors that were pretty much all you'd need if you had to travel and such. I can do neutral looks and bright ones as well, plus they are pretty easy to just toss into my bag and go.

This is last Sunday's FOTD. The weather was crappy (rainy, rainy, rainy!) and I had to work (did I mention I LOVE working for the U.S Census 2010? Yeah, I thought so. Wonder why I didn't ... hehe) so I decided to perk myself up by doing my makeup all nice and pretty.

see? All perked up.

Face:
Cover FX waterbased foundation in E20 set with a mix of Aromaleigh Metamorphose,Parfait, and some regular boring translucent powder
Aromaleigh Pomegranate on cheeks

Eyes:
UDPP
I used the following colors from my Inglot palette, all from Palette #1 (please refer to the blog post as the colors don't have names, only numbers, and they're pretty hard to take out of the palettes to check out)
1. white with blue moonlight iridescence in the inner corners and highlight
5. medium teal with pearlized gold undertones all over lid and to blend out crease
9. dark pearl gray with blue/pink/green sparklies throughout on crease and outer corners

Covergirl lashblast length in brown and LashBlast regular (=P) layered over that for volume. I haven't tried LB Fusion, as I haven't seen it over here yet. I also did a thin line of black gel liner.

On lips I used a Milani gloss that is fuschia-purple and has a lot of sparkles (I.. don't know where I put it. So I can't check the name. It's from the new really glitzy glosses that come with a brush applicator. They remind me of MAC Dazzleglass, only 1/2 the price)

And one more, in this one you can kinda see the haircut a bit better... It's pretty short, and it's taken me a bit to get used to it. It certainly is easier to style, though.

Photo FAIL!

2010-05-22T08:47:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone!
I did a look yesterday and wanted to take pics and post it, but dear God, it's been so hard getting good pics lately!!!!

I wanted to use bright green and blue to match my Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles t-shirt (yeah, geeky, I know...) so I picked up the following colors:

Aromaleigh Flutura's Cloud, Estranged, Googoomuck, and Skybright.

I applied eye primer, and Pixie Epoxy (still haven't quite gotten the hang of it yet... ) and then patted on the colors (Flutura's on the lid and lower lashes, Estranged on inner and outer corners, Googoomuck on the crease, and skybright to highlight)

I don't know if it's a combination of the lighting and poor practice, but I'm not really as happy with the pics as I was with the look yesterday. Must keep trying to get good pics ! I also got my hair cut about a week ago, and still haven't managed to get a decent looking picture. Maybe it's because I've been sick for the past week (Asthmatic Bronchitis) and I'm feeling blah about my face or something hehe. Anyway, I'm showing you *some* pics, so you can see how preetty the colors looked together!

That's it for now. Anyone got some photo-taking tips? Greatly appreciated.
Have a great day!
Tat

Just a thought...

2010-05-14T19:41:00.000-07:00

A couple of years ago, I was in the car with my then-boyfriend and a friend. We were driving past an intersection and there was this tiny, fuzzy little dog (perhaps a Bichon-Frise) lying right in the middle of the intersection, hurt. He'd been run over by a car, and he was crying. I told my boyfriend to stop the car, I wanted to help him. It was almost impossible, the traffic was crazy, and we had to go on and leave him behind.

This incident has haunted me for about 4 years now. Every single day I have thought about how I could have saved that dog's life if I had been a little braver, and if conditions would have permitted it. I try to console myself by saying that if it would've been me driving, I would have stopped. And I'd have taken the dog to an animal hospital. Why is it so hard for people in this country to stop and help others? The fact that they are animals doesn't mean they matter any less! Every single day on every single road in this country I see dogs killed and left in the middle of the road, left to die, left to be run over again and again and NO ONE has the decency to stop and at least help the dog to the side of the road. It's sick. And I feel powerless not being able to do anything about it.

The reason why I am writing this is this one: today, I learned the hard way how the owner of that dog must have felt to lose his/her dog that way. One of my dogs had been lost since noon. My boyfriend found him on a nearby avenue, run over. He'd been dead probably all afternoon. And he was still in the middle of the road. My first thought, and the prevailing one, is still WHAT THE HELL was everyone thinking, that maybe of the person who did it would have helped him to the side of the road, maybe he'd still be alive.

Obviously this person had never looked into this particular dog's kind amber-colored eyes, or cuddled up to him at night, or fed him table scraps and try to teach him tricks. Obviously, this person never knew the story of how my stepmom and grandma found him: just a puppy, left under a car, full of fleas and terribly dirty, and scared. They brought him home and he grew up to be an amazing dog. We always thought he had the spirit of a child, kindness, and gentleness unmatched by any other animal we'd ever met. He was really something special. And he shall be terribly , terribly missed.

R.I.P Shanchi/Chanchi Rafael. Your family, and everyone who met you, loves you very much. I'm sure you'll be happy wherever you're going.

Much Love,
Tat

Cheap-o Lip stain!

2010-03-25T14:08:00.000-07:00

Hi! Just wanted to do a quick post on something that I'm sure I didn't discover, however just tried for the first time and I think it's awesome: using food coloring as lip color.
Why did I never think to do this before? I mean it's obviously lip safe, if you can actually eat it, it stains counters, hands , and clothes like it's nobody's business, and it's super-super cheap!

I had a few colors lying around, and I decided on using a concentrated Gel from Chefmaster called Rose Pink. First I took a q-tip and wet the tip with water, squeezed out the excess and then slowly began taking the tiniest bit of color straight from the pot (the water helps to dilute it) and painting my lips with it. After that, I let it dry a bit, and then applied a really sheer peachy lipgloss on top. The result?

Gorgeous bright, lon-lasting lip color that costs a few cents (one pot of gel-paste color will last forever if used for lip color application, and is only $2-$3 in most specialty stores. The liquid kind can be found anywhere, and it's usually $3-$5 for a set of 4). I'm sure you can mix and match between the colors to create custom shades, but I strongly recommend the use of a q-tip for application, as this stuff will stain your fingers.

That's it for now, has anyone ever tried this? Are you going to?

have a great day!
-Tat

2 looks! 1 mini post!

2010-03-14T20:05:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone!
I've done some cute looks these past few days but haven't gotten very good pics (boo hoo) so they don't merit an actual full-sized post for each. I will just post the pics here and go through a quick description of each.

Look #1: Aromaleigh Hi Fi Matte Real Gone, Spaz, In Orbit. Nectar blush on cheeks, MAC Creme d'Nude lipstick topped with gloss. I look really puffy and sleepy here. I was. But it was my last day of cake-class and I wanted to look nice :)

Also, you know what's funny? I just noticed on Painted Princess's blog that she has a look that is almost exactly identical to this one. I didn't copy her. I guess great minds just think alike!

Look # 2 is a look that I did following one of the video tutorials on Urban Decay dot com using the Alice in Wonderland BOS. It's the Caterpillar look, using Flipside liner, Absolem, Alice, Muchness, White Rabbit, and a CG cheekers blush in a nude-peach color, and Revlon super lustrous lipstick in Peach Me. I LOVE how this one came out. Too bad for the terrible pics :(

That's it for now, I hope you like them! I promise, good stuff is on the way. I will get creative again.. someday. hehe.

Good night!

My Rocks! Clearance Sale Haul is here!

2010-03-11T10:08:00.000-08:00

I was super happy to receive this in the mail today:

A new package from Aromaleigh! I hadn't ordered in awhile, but couldn't resist the 35% off Rocks! sale (and the extra 20% off Honey20 coupon...)

Inside, packed inside this pretty tissue paper, was this:

12 full size Rocks!~eyeshadows, and 5 empty lipgloss tubes (these were in clearance, and I loved making gloss, so I got a few before they were gone...)

Another shot of the shadows, up close:

Ah, the gorgeousness!!!!!

Now, I feel like I don't need to review these, partly because I've already raved about how amazing they are, and the other part is that everyone else who's tried them already has also raved about how amazing they are. I did swatch them, though:

L-R, Top to Bottom:
Justlikeheaven, Coralfang (yes, it's THAT BRIGHT in real life... It's amazing!), Bluespark, Blacksunshine (gorgeous with hazel eyes!), Fanclub, Oceanrain, Lazysod, Livewire, Pleasuredome (wow, amazing, beautiful color!), Slowburn (pairs great with Socialite from Hot in the City), Estranged (a favorite bright green!), and Avalon ( I was soo pleasantly surprised by this color. It's soo beautiful!)

And just to prove that these are intense, and bright, etc, I swatched them over bare skin. Yep, these are just the colors themselves, no primer, no Pixie Epoxy, nothing. Amazing, no?
However, these are getting reformulated, so I bet they'll be even better once the new ones come out. Also, over primer and Pixie Epoxy, these might just blow me away!

They're still on sale, as far as I know, so I suggest getting a couple of these just in case ( some shades might change, some might disappear...) besides, at 35% off, it's a great deal. (Can you tell I'm excited about this?)

Hope you like my haul/swatches! Share if you have any favorites from the Rocks! Line. I know I have quite a few...

Ladystardust, Flowersofromance, Ballet FOTN

2010-03-04T07:06:00.000-08:00

Hi!
Today I'm posting last night's look I did using all Aromaleigh!
I've been lazy with my makeup lately. One would think by having more time to actually do my makeup and review/swatch things I'd actually do it, but all the contrary. I'm hardly ever leaving the house (spend less money that way) so I feel no need to put my makeup on ( hopefully that will change, makeup really has no occasion...). Anyway! On to the look.

I used colors that I'd never used before, mainly because I thought Flowersofromance would look terrible on me, and Ladystardust would fall out like crazy. Thankfully, I had Pixie Epoxy to deal with that, and the results were amazing! I love using Eye Plushes as highlight colors, because I don't like a too-shimmery or too-matte highlight and these are just perfectly in-between.

Products used:

Face-
Fyrinnae Velvet-Gel primer for dry skin, Sephora mineral pressed foundation in the lightest shade, Aromaleigh Nectar Pure Rouge, Urban Decay 24/7 concealer in CIA

Eyes- (all Aromaleigh unless specified)
Urban Decay Primer Potion
Fyrinnae Pixie Epoxy
Ballet (disc. Pure Hue) on inner corners (top and bottom) and to blend out crease,
Flowersofromance Rocks! on the middle of the lid,
Ladystardust on outer corners, crease, and bottom lash line
Pink Negligee on browbone
Urban Decay 24/7 liner in Zero
CoverGirl Lash Blast on upper lashes only

on Lips I wore Aromaleigh's Summer of Love L/E Lipgloss

I also filled my brows in with a dark brown eyeshadow, I think they look strange but not necessarily bad (I'm just not used to filling in my brows). I was very happy with how this look came out, and it will hopefully inspire me to keep doing my makeup again!

Oh, BTW Aromaleigh Rocks! Eyeshadows are now 35% off!!!! I already placed a small order, and that plus a 20% off total coupon added up to more than $10 off my whole order, so that's awesome! Go check them out here!

and here's a bonus pic of Lola, my adopted 6 month old Puerto-Rican Terrier ( or mutt, whichever you prefer!). She was sitting on my bed while I took the pics and I couldn't help but snap one of her, too.

Hope you like it! questions/comments always welcome :)
Have a great day!

-Tat

Hi, hi, hello! Hola!

2010-02-22T19:21:00.000-08:00

Hi everyone!
I'm just writing to sort of "check in", I'm not dead and I haven't retired.
I recently quit my job (crazy, I know) because I couldn't deal with it anymore, and am in the process of job-searching, and taking some cake baking/decorating classes for some extra profit, etc. I hope to find some time (and motivation) to create some looks and play with my makeup again soon, there's a lot of eyeshadows that I haven't swatched or even worn yet! (mostly Aromaleighs, and Fyrinnae). I am reading everyone's blogs, but have fallen guilty to lurking (must de-lurk as well). Hope everyone's doing great, please bear with me (even though the job loss was, in its own way, my own fault, it's brought emotional stress and certain uncomfortable feelings that have made it a bit harder for me to cope...) while I fall into orbit again.

PS- I see that I've gotten some new followers, and THANKS SO MUCH! This is really exciting :)

love,
Tat

Bling on the Blues!

2010-02-06T07:51:00.000-08:00

Hello everyone!
Last night I wore this look to dinner with the boyfriend. I wanted to try out using Pixie Epoxy with a very sparkly shadow and see how it held up, so I wore their Nori eyeshadow. This is a pretty simple look to create, but it looks very dramatic.

I first used a greyish-black cream shadow to prime the lids,
and over that I dabbed on Pixie Epoxy
when it got tacky, I packed on Fyrinnae's Nori eyeshadow with a stiff flat brush up to the crease
Used Aromaleigh's Destinationunknown to blend out the crease, and MAC's Skintone 1 (from Notoriety Quad) to highlight and blend into inner corners.
On the bottom lashes I dabbed on some Urban Decay Primer Potion along the lashes, and applied Speed Blue from one of the Kat Von D Palettes on the bottom lashline. Urban Decay eye pencil in Zero on the waterline, and Clinique High Definition mascara on upper lashes only.

On the rest of the face, I used Fyrinnae's Gel Primer for dry skin, followed by Aromaleigh Pomegranate blush on the apples of the cheeks, and after that I buffed in Sephora's mineral powder foundation in the lightest shade. Under eyes I brushed on some BeneFit Powderflage, and on lips I used Aromaleigh's Summer of Love LE Lipgloss.

After I took the pictures, I toned the blush down ( It wouldn't show up in pics unless it was pretty heavily applied) and I really liked the look, I think the cheek/lip combo looks really pretty with the eyeshadow. And Nori is FANTASTIC. It's so glimmery, and sparkly, and dark at the same time, gorgeous! Dinner was great, too. I was sad to take off my makeup when I got home, because lately I haven't been getting very experimental with it and this is a change from what I've usually been doing. Oh, well. I still own tons more makeup, there'll be time for experimenting!!!

have a great weekend

-Tat

FOTD: Mushroom; Midnight Tea Party; Drink Me, Eat Me; Mad Hatter

2010-02-02T07:21:00.000-08:00

Hello!
Today's FOTD I did using four shades from the Alice in Wonderland Book of Shadows: Mushroom; Midnight Tea Party; Drink Me, Eat Me; Mad Hatter.
The palette arrived yesterday along with some earrings that the lovely Carolyn Buss (etsy shop here!) made for me, and couple of samples of Aromaleigh Angels Aries. I wanted to wear the earrings, so I designed the look around them.

swatch of Aries, artsy shot of earrings :P

Aries, as with most Aromaleigh eyeshadows, is pretty impossible to accurately photograph, but it's such a gorgeous, complex color! I loved it! Go pick up a sample, and hurry, cause these are retiring soon (boo!).

On to the FOTD:

Products used:
Eyes- UD 24/7 Concealer in CIA, UD Primer Potion all over lids.
Mushroom on outer 2/3 of lid, Midnight Tea Party on the inner corners and blended into Mushroom. Mad Hatter in the crease and smudged under lower lash line. Drink Me, Eat Me as a highlight. Zero 24/7 eyeliner on upper lashline, smudged with Mad Hatter. White eyeliner pencil on lower waterline, Loreal Voluminous mascara on upper lashes only.

On the rest of the face I used Aromaleigh URFP in Translucent, Cover Girl blush in Rose Silk, and Loreal Hip lipgloss in a nude shade ( don't remember the name, sorry!). I'm thinking of getting some foundation but I hate foundation! It's got to be light, smudge-free and moisturizing. Also, it's gotta be pretty neutral as cool shades are too cool, and warm shades are too warm for me. Any suggestions?

Will you be getting the Alice Book of Shadows?
Questions, comments, etc welcome, thanks for reading!
-Tat

Here's Alice!

2010-02-02T04:59:00.001-08:00

Hi girls!
Yesterday I finally got the package which included my Alice in Wonderland Book of Shadows, so today I'm showing you pics/swatches!
First off: a bit of a rant. If anyone at this moment in history does not know that Puerto Rico is a US Territory, then they're very very wrong. Yet, a lot of retailers seem to use "not shipping internationally" as an excuse. WE ARE NOT INTERNATIONAL. Our postal system is the USPS, and customs are the same, and we are US citizens and do not need passports to travel to the continental US. That said, that's a major low point for Urban Decay Cosmetics. I was determined to get my Alice BOS, however. And thanks to the good people that you meet on the AL Forums, I was able to mail it to her house and have it forwarded to mine ( Thanks, Carolyn!!!!).

That being said, on to the pictures!

I don't own any of the previous BOS, but my impression is that this is a standard-sized Book of Shadows. It's got a gorgeous printed black/gray cover, with gold lettering. The cover lifts up and reveals a pop-up design of mushrooms, Alice, the Caterpillar, and a bottle that says "Drink Me". At the end there's a mirror, I don't know the functionality of it very much, but it looks amazingly beautiful. The shades are just renamed from either permanent collection or past palettes, here's the list (copied from here):

Underland - Flash

Alice - Pain Killer

Oraculum - Baked

Queen - Last Call

Chessur - Chopper

White Rabbit - Polyester Bride

Wonderland - Maui Wowie

Curiouser - Grifter

Muchness - X

Mushroom - Mushroom

Midnight Tea Party - Midnight Cowboy Rides Again

Vorpal - S & M

Absolem - Homegrown

Drink Me, Eat Me - Sin

Mad Hatter - Twice Baked

Jabberwocky - Oil Slick

The bottom drawer pulls open to reveal the shadows/liners. The Primer Potion's size Is, in my opinion, maybe good for a couple of times. This one seems way more "watery" than my regular-sized UDPP. The liners are Flipside (blue) and Zero (black).

These pictures portray the colors very close to real-life (Happy with camera today!).

More shots of the shadows up close ( click on the pic to see it really really big!)

These are pretty generous sizes, and I find the colors to be mostly wearable (so this palette could easily appeal to most people, lovers of colors and neutrals alike)

Close-ups of the rest of the palette:

Swatches!

with Flash:
No Flash, indirect sunlight:

Bright Sunlight:

Shadows were smudged in circles with my finger over UDPP. They are in the same order of the shadows in the palette, top to bottom, left to right. I didn't swatch the liners, but I can say that the colors look pretty much exactly like the outer color on the pencil.

My general impression is:
I like this. No, actually I love. I've been wanting a good UD Palette for awhile, I already got the Deluxe Shadow palette, but I wanted a few more shades to complement. Definitely UD is one of the best palette-makers (:P) there is out there. The downside is they repeat some of their shades over and over again. The upside is, if like me, you're starting out in UD, get yourself one or two and you've got a pretty comprehensive collection of gorgeous, highly pigmented eyeshadows. Some shades I liked more than others (for example, the purple shade doesn't apply as bright as I'd like, and Midnight Tea Party is fallout central), but the blue is ultra-bright, and so are the more metallic shades. There's a wide variety of looks that can be created with the palette ( cool trick: divide the palette into "quads" for easy, no fuss color combos!). I will probably use this palette a lot, just because it's so pretty!

Hope you like the pics!!!
-Tat

Those Damn Paladins Return to Tiffany's ...

2010-02-01T05:47:00.001-08:00

What an original title! hehe
Today I used a combination of Fyrinnae, Aromaleigh, and straight mica from Brambleberry. Three colors of eyeshadow, two eyeliners, and I'm pretty darn pleased with the look!

Eyes:
Primed with Too Faced Shadow Insurance
dabbed a thin layer of Pixie Epoxy over TFSI on the lid only
Fyrinnae Damn Paladins on inner 1/2 of lid
Aromaleigh Return to Tiffany's on outer 1/2 of lid
Opalescent Turquoise mica to blend out crease and highlight
Fyrinnae 1.22 Gigawatts to darken outer corners a bit, also smudged under lower lash line
Loreal HIP cream liner in Teal on upper lashline,
Urban Decay 24/7 pencil liner in Flipside on waterline
Loreal Voluminous mascara on upper lashes only

(This picture best shows the colors and the different highlights of the shades, etc) I didn't put a closed eye pic because these colors were pretty hard to photograph...

Face:
sephora mineral powder foundation in the lightest shade,
benefit Powderflage under eyes
Loreal tru blend blush in N3 ( I think... this one broke and I just powdered it and put it in a sifter jar so it doesn't really have any labels)
MAC Warm Me Up lipstick

I always smile in these pics. I do not look good serious :P Besides, every time my makeup comes out good, I can't help but be happy about it!

I think I should start styling my hair ( I really never do, but it gets so boring just tying it up into a ponytail all the time!). I'm too lazy for it, I guess. Also I was thinking of taking my haircolor a bit lighter, sometimes I think the dark color washes me out.

So, what do you think of this super-easy look? Questions, comments always welcome!
Have a great day
-Tat

FOTD: Purple-y

2010-01-28T05:14:00.000-08:00

s

Original title, right?
I'm not the most creative when it comes to those things lol. It's day 2 of Fyrinnae test-out (yesterday's didn't go so well, however. By noon I had cried off most of the makeup so I had to remove it. Work issues...) Anyways.
I love Rapunzel Had Extensions! On me it shows up as a bright gold (the peachy undertones get lost on me). Also, I was afraid that Shangri-La Lip Lustre was going to look off on me, but I rather like it.

I wanted to do a simple look today (Soon I'll have more time to do more experimental things...)
on the eyes I used:
Urban Decay 24/7 concealer in CIA
Too Faced Shadow Insurance
Fyrinnae Pixie Epoxy
Fyrinnae Rapunzel... on the inner lids, to blend out crease
Fyrinnae Sennyo on the outer 2/3 of lid
Fyrinnae Nevermore on the crease
Aromaleigh Sunny Disposition to blend in highlight
Urban Decay 24/7 liner in 1999 on upper and lower lashlines
CoverGirl LashBlast mascara upper lashes only
On the rest of the face, I used Fyrinnae's velvet gel primer for dry skin, Sephora mineral pressed foundation in the lightest shade, Aromaleigh Sinisterrouge Rocks! blush on the apples of the cheeks, and Fyrinnae Shangri-La lip lustre.

I like the primer, it definitely makes my face feel very smooth but it doesn't feel like I have a mask on. It simply feels like it's naturally that way. I thought the look might be a bit overkill with the "strong" eyes and strong lips, but I like how it came out and for my tastes, it's not too much (for some people it might be...)
Hope you like it!
questions, comments always welcome
<3, Tat