tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32458341113023211912024-03-13T19:31:32.278-10:00Mai-Kat Oshaberigalpal.hihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10011396090923857096noreply@blogger.comBlogger480125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3245834111302321191.post-4445254771757897772018-10-10T16:52:00.000-10:002018-10-10T16:52:46.659-10:00Time to Purge<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It's been a very long time since I have posted here. I've been feeling the urge to blog again but may change the content a bit by maybe adding more travel posts.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I got home early from work today and since we are having leftovers for dinner, I did not need to spend the 2 - 3 hours in the kitchen that I normally do. Even for a lot of simple dishes, I spend a significant time in the kitchen--why?! With the extra time, I decided that it was time to start cleaning up my makeup area. I managed to do only 3 medium compartments but practically filled up an 8 gallon trash can!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/--0fbjJk9Nco/W764FjNhndI/AAAAAAAAFqk/7Pvsx8W1Fw4nhCLI9IHwzxACLAI7NQzLwCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_2374.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="589" data-original-width="600" height="313" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/--0fbjJk9Nco/W764FjNhndI/AAAAAAAAFqk/7Pvsx8W1Fw4nhCLI9IHwzxACLAI7NQzLwCLcBGAs/s320/IMG_2374.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Admittedly, a lot of it was empty product boxes that I kept for years. I normally keep the boxes in case I don't like the makeup so that I can then give it away to someone who will enjoy using it or put it up for blog sale, also something that I have not done in a long, long time.I have at least 8 more compartments or drawers to go through but at least it was a start. Need to make space for more possible products that I may acquire since Nordstrom's Beauty Trend Show is upcoming.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I am an admitted makeup brush whore. I love brushes! I have so many all around the house that I don't even know exactly what I have. Brand and price do not matter. I have some very inexpensive brushes that I love--like ELF and BS Mall. I also have a very high end $200.00+ Japanese powder brush. After time, sometimes more quickly than others, brushes that I initially loved, are no longer loved. There's also the wear and tear of time where bristles start falling out. Although I know that I need to go through my brushes thoroughly, it is with heavy heart that I dumped these today.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jolwB1LfYtI/W766UBP8TMI/AAAAAAAAFqw/geyEf6YBhRkzID34QNoMyuhkKKMvkKtrACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_2375.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="489" data-original-width="600" height="260" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jolwB1LfYtI/W766UBP8TMI/AAAAAAAAFqw/geyEf6YBhRkzID34QNoMyuhkKKMvkKtrACLcBGAs/s320/IMG_2375.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">A few months ago, I finally acquired my first bunch of Sigma brushes. I can understand why so many people like them.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">A quick, sweet and short post for today. Slowly trying to make a blog comeback. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">How has everyone been?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">*Kat*</span>galpal.hihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10011396090923857096noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3245834111302321191.post-32135368790128593792017-11-25T09:50:00.000-10:002017-11-25T09:50:23.344-10:00Product Review, Small Business Saturday and Cyber Monday Sale: SeneGence LashExtend<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">While growing up and until maybe 20 years or so ago, I had decently long eyelashes but they were not very thick and full and were typical asian poker straight. The fullness and length that I did have started to diminish with the use of mascara, false eyelashes and age.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">About 10 years or so ago, came the boom and popularity of eyelash boosting serums--RevitaLash, Latisse, Talika Lipocils, etc. I have tried a few and here's my thoughts:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Eyelash Serum Products Used:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">High end:</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Trish McEvoy--decent results</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Latisse--minimal results</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Other brands:</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Rapid Lash--decent results</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Physician's Formula--minimal results</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"></span><br />
<div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Japanese brand (forgot name)--no results</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">On May 25th, I started using another brand, which I leave unnamed now Over the past 6 months, I had great results. I've been asked if I started using lash extensions.Even Mai commented that she noticed my eyelashes right away. I stopped using it on November 10 for a couple of reasons. The first being that I believe I was running out of product and I thought perhaps my eyelashes had reached its peak. The second being that I learned about SeneGence LashExtend, which is almost 1/3rd the cost of what I was using. I was all set to purchase it when I decided to become a SeneGence distributor myself so I was able to get one on my own.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-iHeMIHICCVQ/WhnBezmX7TI/AAAAAAAAFok/sifAv4Q6lSwglBlN54kRjGaWtnX4psQswCLcBGAs/s1600/New%2BPhototastic%2BCollage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="357" data-original-width="500" height="226" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-iHeMIHICCVQ/WhnBezmX7TI/AAAAAAAAFok/sifAv4Q6lSwglBlN54kRjGaWtnX4psQswCLcBGAs/s320/New%2BPhototastic%2BCollage.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">At this point, I felt that I couldn't expect any more than to maintain my lashes. With the product that I had been using prior to LashExtend, my lashes became longer and fuller and amazingly for the first time in my life, it naturally curled!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bghS4Iqbhsc/WhnC1EZA9OI/AAAAAAAAFow/79T0JxskDUs0WwG1_haIAaPXM8f-vgXsgCLcBGAs/s1600/Results.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="500" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bghS4Iqbhsc/WhnC1EZA9OI/AAAAAAAAFow/79T0JxskDUs0WwG1_haIAaPXM8f-vgXsgCLcBGAs/s320/Results.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">Using SeneGence LashExtend for only 2 weeks, instead of just maintaining, I have noticed even more growth and fullness AND my lashes are still curled. By the way, in the pictures above, those are natural lashes only, no mascara and no eyeliner. I am convinced that if I had used only Lash Extend from May 25th, I would still have the same amazing results. The cost of Lash Extend is only $50.00.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">Starting today until Monday midnight, Hawaii time, in honor of Small Business Saturday and Cyber Monday, all SeneGence orders will be 15% off. There are many other products in our SeneGence line as well as limited edition items. I do have a few LE items left. I will post pictures of products as well as any future specials on my FaceBook Group page, which is a closed group. <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/104505203662476/" target="_blank">Kat's Sense-able Products</a> Please ask to be added </span><br />
<span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">LipSense Collection:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Caramel Apple Diamond $30.00 (LE)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Diamond Kiss Gloss $22.00 (LE)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Glam Doll $25.00 (this is sold out at our order center but I have 2 left) (LE)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Glossy Gloss $20.00***<br />Orchid Gloss $20.00***</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">***Note: You need gloss to set lipstick<br /><br />EyeSense Collection:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Starry Sky Shimmer </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> $25.00 (LE)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Gilded Shimmer $25.00 (LE)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Ocean Shimmer $25.00 (LE)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">SeneDerm Solutions:<br /><br />Clear LashExtend $50.00</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">*Kat*</span><br />
<div>
<br /></div>
</div>
galpal.hihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10011396090923857096noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3245834111302321191.post-66087164628241929752017-11-23T09:35:00.003-10:002017-11-23T12:10:12.799-10:00Purchase Review: Luxie Basic Eye Set Brushes<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">A couple of weeks ago, Mai and I attended Nordstrom's Beauty Trend Show. Again, we were overwhelmed by the different product lines that were there but immensely enjoyed ourselves. We both did not purchase a lot of items this year but were impressed by many things that we saw. While there, I did not take a good look at the Luxie Brush line but I did go back a week later and leisurely took a look and picked up the Basic Eye Set.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_uyKYDqnfa4/Whce7BfIgsI/AAAAAAAAFoM/92oONTZvZModrsqy6BsIK8GrNN4-0k0kgCEwYBhgL/s1600/IMG_2185.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="658" data-original-width="400" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_uyKYDqnfa4/Whce7BfIgsI/AAAAAAAAFoM/92oONTZvZModrsqy6BsIK8GrNN4-0k0kgCEwYBhgL/s320/IMG_2185.JPG" width="194" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_7p6GfMyPCY/WhcfOz2J0UI/AAAAAAAAFoQ/oJ-UG_4WW2A5Sw3aC1GOShJQQTQdIF0pQCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_2186.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="711" data-original-width="400" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_7p6GfMyPCY/WhcfOz2J0UI/AAAAAAAAFoQ/oJ-UG_4WW2A5Sw3aC1GOShJQQTQdIF0pQCLcBGAs/s320/IMG_2186.JPG" width="180" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The Basic Eye Set brush line includes 6 brushes made with synthetic bristles, which are super soft and encased in a rose gold ferrule on top of a pink handle. I really love the color combo of these brushes. Included in the set were, Medium Angle Shading Eye Brush, Eye Shading Brush, Small Angle Eye Brush, Flat Definer Brush, Tapered Blending Brush and Small Tapered Blendng Brush. The cost of this set was $50.00. Most of the brushes were also sold individually at around $12.00 each, so this set was well worth it. I have found use daily for each of the brushes except for the Flat Definer Brush. As advertised, the bristles are nice a soft and works well picking up and applying shadows as well as blending.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">While I do love natural bristle brushes, more and more I'm finding that the synthetics are working out better, especially with wear and tear.This ended up being a great purchase for me. I'm considering picking up another set or two, as I like to have 3 of every brush that I use--2 which are in rotation for daily use and a 3rd for traveling. Either that or picking up the 4 brushes that I really like and use. I can get away with having just one type of blending brush instead of two different ones. (But, 4 x 12 = 48 so I might as well buy the set at $50.00.) I think that perhaps our local Nordstrom might have sold out on the set. If that's the case, I can always order from them online too.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I'm a brush hoarder so please tell me if you have a favorite line of brushes that I should try out.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">*Kat*</span>galpal.hihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10011396090923857096noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3245834111302321191.post-6680060107351022952017-11-12T19:58:00.000-10:002017-11-12T19:58:10.565-10:00Product Review: StyleWorks Makeup Brush Cleansing Wipes<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">As much as I do not like to travel, I do travel at least two times a year. Packing is my nemesis and I try to pack as lightly as possible but don't succeed very well. I have to admit that the bulkiest item that takes the most space is my skin care and makeup, although I have pared it down a lot. Having to pack liquids is always a challenge as I worry a lot about whether or not it will leak so I pack in many layers of ziploc bags. I was really excited when I saw StyleWorks Makeup Brush Cleansing Wipes because even if I am traveling, I like to do a quick daily cleanse of my brushes like I do at home.</span><div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-12rA2q2C61w/WgkuZrJ3IFI/AAAAAAAAFnE/VfriySYfHYMmAoyvOFVsfNtjoL6QdrPwACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_5101.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="300" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-12rA2q2C61w/WgkuZrJ3IFI/AAAAAAAAFnE/VfriySYfHYMmAoyvOFVsfNtjoL6QdrPwACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_5101.JPG" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
</div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I usually use Sephora's Daily Brush Cleaner at home, which is a quick drying liquid spray. I usually spray it onto a paper towel and run my brushes over it to clean, which is basically the same concept as using a cleansing wipe,</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It was unfortunate to me that the wipes did not perform well. When using the wipes, it did not completely remove makeup from the brushes.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7GQQjFO22ao/Wgkw-cEtIfI/AAAAAAAAFnQ/2Vr4C72FXH8DgqQSF1zu-rURYAK8G6MdgCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_2173.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="160" data-original-width="300" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7GQQjFO22ao/Wgkw-cEtIfI/AAAAAAAAFnQ/2Vr4C72FXH8DgqQSF1zu-rURYAK8G6MdgCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_2173.JPG" /></a></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">After I got home, I used Sephora Daily Brush Cleanser on the same brushes which cleaned them up nicely.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Nq-20v4IIE4/WgkxdF1AtDI/AAAAAAAAFnY/KF3iKukPqow8YS1eDLtkWBCGFEpRIUVxACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_2174.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="116" data-original-width="300" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Nq-20v4IIE4/WgkxdF1AtDI/AAAAAAAAFnY/KF3iKukPqow8YS1eDLtkWBCGFEpRIUVxACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_2174.JPG" /></a></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">For my future trips, I will be packing the small version of Sephora Daily Brush Cleanser. It is easy enough to refill easily </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-p5PQfbIDE8s/WgkztsLRMBI/AAAAAAAAFnk/BIpOydeJsQknp-bsOl3MTLPVYsDeKUvBQCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_1630.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="550" data-original-width="300" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-p5PQfbIDE8s/WgkztsLRMBI/AAAAAAAAFnk/BIpOydeJsQknp-bsOl3MTLPVYsDeKUvBQCLcBGAs/s320/IMG_1630.jpg" width="174" /></a></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This bottle is 2 fl. oz/59.1 ml. By bringing this with me, at least I know that my brushes will be cleaned properly.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Has anyone had success with other brands of makeup brush cleansing wipes? Please let me know if you've had great results compared to the mediocre one that I had.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">*Kat* </span></div>
galpal.hihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10011396090923857096noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3245834111302321191.post-35041613224817881812017-05-25T19:17:00.000-10:002017-05-25T19:17:16.915-10:00Favorite Multi-Purpose Skincare Producrt<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Hi everyone! It's been a crazy, hectic past 6 months. Other than a 2 1/2 week vacation at the end of March/beginning of April, I've been working 60+ hours a week. This week my body is retaliating and I'm not feeling well. Took some time off today and felt the urge to blog. I've been taking lots of pictures but have not had the time or energy to prep them and do a write up.</span><div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">For close to a year now, I've been using coconut oil in my daily skin care regiment. I originally started using it as a binder to press pigments and mineral eyeshadows. I love using it because of its antibacterial and antimicrobial properties. After reading up on different uses for coconut oil, I decided to implement it more into daily use.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I like fractionated coconut oil because it is a liquid. Fractionated coconut oil is inexpensive and easy to use. I buy mine from <a href="https://howtomakecosmetics.com/collections/natural-oils-waxes/products/fractionated-coconut-oil" target="_blank">TKB Trading</a>,</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6GfEVeWLBO0/WSe0IJ-KDpI/AAAAAAAAFmg/SK6Hgaeeiqoia_96xzra09CViZdJja7UwCLcB/s1600/IMG_2118.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="735" data-original-width="319" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6GfEVeWLBO0/WSe0IJ-KDpI/AAAAAAAAFmg/SK6Hgaeeiqoia_96xzra09CViZdJja7UwCLcB/s320/IMG_2118.JPG" width="137" /></a></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">They provide excellent service and I've been pleased with the quality of their products. I do know that doTERRA sells it too, </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">In addition to using it for pressing pigments, I have been using it as a moisturizer, body lotion, on my hair instead of moroccan or argan oil, both damp and dry hair. I've been wanting to but have yet to use it as a hair conditioning treatment, I've always felt that using oils was too heavy for my skin and hair but the fractionated coconut oil, while being emollient, absorbs well into the skin and is non greasy if used in moderation. A little goes a long way. I find that I need only 3 drops to moisturize my face and neck. 3 drops for my hair too. Any more than that will leave me with greasy, stringy hair. I put the oil into a cobalt glass dropper bottle. (I think the blue color is prettier than the amber color.) This way I can dispense it easily.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aoDP9mEl75A/WSe5y35lNqI/AAAAAAAAFmw/1_OqXkqrljICqxnumrdPULk-CtjtOZ-iACLcB/s1600/IMG_2127.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="585" data-original-width="216" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aoDP9mEl75A/WSe5y35lNqI/AAAAAAAAFmw/1_OqXkqrljICqxnumrdPULk-CtjtOZ-iACLcB/s320/IMG_2127.JPG" width="116" /></a></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">On my last trip, I took only the fractionated coconut oil with me instead of moisturizers, lotions, eye creams and makeup remover. It worked well and saved some space. It is supposed to help stimulate hair growth and I tried it on my eyelashes without any significant results. Another person used it on a dark spot she developed on her cheek and she said that it really helped to lighten it. I've been using it for months now and I did not notice any lightening of my dark spots. I would love to completely replace using moisturizers with the coconut oil but there are some properties to skin care products that I'm using that I like so I don't think that I can eliminate them.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I highly recommend using coconut oil. You can easily look up the benefits and uses to coconut oil. You'll be amazed by all the uses.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Do you have experience using coconut oil? If so, please let me know your thoughts and results.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Kat</span></div>
galpal.hihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10011396090923857096noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3245834111302321191.post-80232488037809541942016-11-06T11:41:00.000-10:002016-11-06T11:41:36.909-10:00Nordstrom Fall 2016 Beauty Trend Show<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Thanks to Mai's planning for something to do to celebrate my birthday (which was last month), we were able to attend this year's Nordstrom Fall Trend Show.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-iPVvi_xs4LA/WB-alHVnNbI/AAAAAAAAFkw/9AceCUM0N24zEjvj8Tb-CpnVunNUmIxwgCLcB/s1600/IMG_2037.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-iPVvi_xs4LA/WB-alHVnNbI/AAAAAAAAFkw/9AceCUM0N24zEjvj8Tb-CpnVunNUmIxwgCLcB/s1600/IMG_2037.JPG" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">She arranged appointments for us to do Kate Somerville's HydraQuench Oxygen treatment, which was a real treat in more ways than one.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7f-qh4FPjnM/WB-atMh_inI/AAAAAAAAFk0/rpuNSnmS8KUeBBRHz2yp9DwFQFnjBB5egCLcB/s1600/IMG_2038.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7f-qh4FPjnM/WB-atMh_inI/AAAAAAAAFk0/rpuNSnmS8KUeBBRHz2yp9DwFQFnjBB5egCLcB/s320/IMG_2038.JPG" width="180" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Kate Somerville is renown for her work with many celebrities. This complimentary treatment is actually a $270.00 value! Mai had actually gotten one done earlier in the week on Sunday, at the start of Beauty Trend Week. She enjoyed it so much that she was able to get it again. The young man who did her treatment was Sheldon and she highly recommends him. She made sure that my treatment was done by him.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0I68aK5s0RE/WB-cRouiqOI/AAAAAAAAFlA/nJjXVJNHEVUZtN-zvg5C5JgvwJYr8wPnQCLcB/s1600/IMG_2040.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0I68aK5s0RE/WB-cRouiqOI/AAAAAAAAFlA/nJjXVJNHEVUZtN-zvg5C5JgvwJYr8wPnQCLcB/s1600/IMG_2040.JPG" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">After cleansing your face, the oxygen therapy is done and then some product is applied to your skin and massaged in. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3-fdKrn0RIE/WB-cJiJSIFI/AAAAAAAAFk8/TaHqS0z8a8g9j2n7KttokqjoDP-rgcchACEw/s1600/IMG_2041.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3-fdKrn0RIE/WB-cJiJSIFI/AAAAAAAAFk8/TaHqS0z8a8g9j2n7KttokqjoDP-rgcchACEw/s1600/IMG_2041.JPG" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The massage felt really nice and being worked on by a cute guy was a bonus. Shhh! :)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">One hint that was given to us by Justine of Kate Somerville counter was to not sweat or get your face wet until the next day. This will allow the treatment to really work into your skin and reap the benefits. Even if you do put makeup on, then remove using makeup wipes and mist or pat on toner before going to sleep, just do not wash until the next morning. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Next we went over to MAC to get our makeup done. Mai had actually made all of our arrangements for the day with Pie of Mac. We were fortunate enough to meet her that day and have our faces done by this beautiful and awesome young woman.We kind of let her decide and be creative on what colors to use.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-L5XGssRN9eI/WB-iUShk3kI/AAAAAAAAFlQ/6FymWi2cKBQklQUtITTREYXPndnr1giGQCLcB/s1600/IMG_2045.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-L5XGssRN9eI/WB-iUShk3kI/AAAAAAAAFlQ/6FymWi2cKBQklQUtITTREYXPndnr1giGQCLcB/s1600/IMG_2045.JPG" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-39NfQMFmq68/WB-icUYK8DI/AAAAAAAAFlU/cRtmwAcGxb8LibIdLJuMhWrl4PtW0jrDQCLcB/s1600/IMG_2053.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-39NfQMFmq68/WB-icUYK8DI/AAAAAAAAFlU/cRtmwAcGxb8LibIdLJuMhWrl4PtW0jrDQCLcB/s1600/IMG_2053.JPG" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">She spent at least an hour on each of us and was so much fun. Mai and I commented that we think we've finally found another Beauty Advisor that we really like. We are looking forward to going back to visit and work with her. If you are ever in Hawaii and looking to try something new and exciting, we highly recommend Pie Chun, Beauty Advisor for MAC Cosmetics at Nordstrom Ala Moana.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We are looking foward to seeing Pie again and testing out other skin care lines and try out other MAC eye looks.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">*Kat*</span>galpal.hihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10011396090923857096noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3245834111302321191.post-63232011940232618652016-11-04T22:00:00.000-10:002016-11-05T07:27:13.369-10:00Purchase Review: Kanebo Evita Beauty Whip Soap<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">A couple of months ago, someone that I know from a different group had put out a request asking if anyone knew where to purchase the Kanebo Evita Beauty Whip Soap. While researching it, I found that it was probably not released yet. Since I was going to Japan, I offered to pick it up for her since it looked very interesting to me. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0QMrDkR8Suc/WB1AXzcoFgI/AAAAAAAAFkY/kzk1VKl8X-o0Md04Lk8j14MJuFMKKoM0QCLcB/s1600/DSCN1474.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0QMrDkR8Suc/WB1AXzcoFgI/AAAAAAAAFkY/kzk1VKl8X-o0Md04Lk8j14MJuFMKKoM0QCLcB/s320/DSCN1474.JPG" width="124" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">It is a light, whipped soap which when you press down the two sides, the foam comes up in the shape of a rose. It is also rose scented. I was afraid that it would be strongly scented but fortunately it is very lightly fragranced and is quite pleasant. I was told not press down evenly but lightly. If pressed too hard, too much product would come out and it would be a waste.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bZSCb_JUxI8/WB1A_9H0IQI/AAAAAAAAFkc/c-zMEQzPDs0qJFZjAxkhqRCwKjFCgyBSgCLcB/s1600/DSCN1475.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="285" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bZSCb_JUxI8/WB1A_9H0IQI/AAAAAAAAFkc/c-zMEQzPDs0qJFZjAxkhqRCwKjFCgyBSgCLcB/s320/DSCN1475.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I was able to find this in a department store. The total price was 1375.92 yen (1274 + 101.92 tax), which I felt was relatively reasonable. I think that this might be an limited edition item because I can't seem to find it online except at gouged prices on ebay. Even Amazon Japan has very limited listings but at a much higher price. I believe that Sheila from <a href="https://maddyloves.wordpress.com/" target="_blank">Maddy Loves</a> was able to pick this item up last week in Japan but it was by luck that she found it. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">It is a nice cleansing foam. Very light, lightly scented and doesn't leave my face feeling too squeaky clean and stripped. It is a nice novelty item to have and I do like it enough that I would purchase again if able to.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="color: red;">EDIT:</span> I discovered that there is much more information out there than when I looked for it a couple of months ago. This product is designed for women with mature skin although it is very popular with all skin types just because it is so innovative and cute. Main ingredients are royal jelly extract, soluble collagen, two types of hyaluronic acid, sake and rosewater. These are key ingredients providing anti ageing properties and prevents dryness. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I still don't know if it's a limited edition item or if it's just super popular that demand is higher than supply. It's difficult to find in Japan.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">*Kat*</span></div>
galpal.hihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10011396090923857096noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3245834111302321191.post-17246802865250005292016-11-03T15:24:00.000-10:002016-11-03T15:24:41.985-10:00Reflections<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OW_BoHEsGlg/WBvcvhFMobI/AAAAAAAAFkI/cuhTJ86xn28NwbsS8x3UDNy97kZgiCdBQCLcB/s1600/2015-09-19_08-29-05.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OW_BoHEsGlg/WBvcvhFMobI/AAAAAAAAFkI/cuhTJ86xn28NwbsS8x3UDNy97kZgiCdBQCLcB/s400/2015-09-19_08-29-05.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">It's been a long time since I last blogged. I'm not even sure if anyone checks back here to see if I've written any updates. During this past year or so, I've done some reflecting on whether or not to continue writing. Another blogger had written a post about a year ago asking why do we blog? Is it to please others and that determines our content? Is it still personally satisfying? As I pondered this, I realized that I had kind of deviated from my original intent of blogging, which was originally set up as a way for Mai to see what I've been doing and trying out since at that time, we were not able to get together as much. However blogging changed to one based on trying to be honest about my feelings of products while trying not to do many haul posts because I didn't want to appear as if I was being a braggart saying, "See what I bought and how much I spent."</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">So why do I blog? It's definitely not to show off what I've bought and how much I've spent. It's mainly to keep a personal record of what I have bought and liked and/or disliked. I have often gone back to reading past posts of something that I tried to see if it was worth repurchasing or not. Some items I could not remember what my thoughts on it were. If in the process of writing these posts, readers find it helpful to them too, then that is an added bonus for me. With this in mind, as I continue to blog, I will now not hold back on not posting about items that I've purchased or received as gifts. Granted, most things that I purchase are not expensive, high end items but there may be one or two of those from time to time.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I may also throw in posts that are not beauty related. I will also not stress about making sure that I have so many posts a week or month. I'll write when I feel inspired and have time. Real life has gotten busy and with the holidays ahead, it will continue to get busier. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I hope that all has been well with everyone.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Kat</span>galpal.hihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10011396090923857096noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3245834111302321191.post-42131009202749085872015-11-23T11:36:00.000-10:002015-11-23T11:36:15.632-10:00Product Review: Fresh Sugar Lip Treatment Sunscreen SPF 15<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">My personal preference for lipsticks is for it to be sheer and moisturizing. I really like those with a lip balm feel to it and one of my favorite drugstore brands has been long discontinued. </span><div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I'm really late to the Fresh bandwagon. I have only used their soy face wash in the past. Recently I decided to pick up the special mini trio that was only $28.00. There were 3 different colors, Nude, Rose and Honey. It comes in a really nice tin container which has a mirror on the inside cover. I'm already thinking of using the tin as a magnetic palette. It's a nice and compact size and I can layer 2 or 3 layers inside. I may actually have it replace the current tin that I'm using, although that one has sentimental value for me.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-T96FX9PdBwg/VlODIclLodI/AAAAAAAAFi8/kZb1M2mjov8/s1600/IMG_1918.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-T96FX9PdBwg/VlODIclLodI/AAAAAAAAFi8/kZb1M2mjov8/s320/IMG_1918.JPG" width="278" /></a></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The back of the cardboard cover which lists specifics:</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-r7rfFVP_LnA/VlODVpwDkcI/AAAAAAAAFjE/FqTzdA0g41k/s1600/IMG_1919.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="286" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-r7rfFVP_LnA/VlODVpwDkcI/AAAAAAAAFjE/FqTzdA0g41k/s320/IMG_1919.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The lipstick tubes are tightly packed inside.</span></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bLSq5oEiXqM/VlOEM93cszI/AAAAAAAAFjM/4OpM8HV2P9g/s1600/IMG_1920.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bLSq5oEiXqM/VlOEM93cszI/AAAAAAAAFjM/4OpM8HV2P9g/s1600/IMG_1920.JPG" /></a></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Colors and Swatches on a paper towel:</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uxFP3Qmx-b8/VlOEcFbU5-I/AAAAAAAAFjU/8xH9c26ujDE/s1600/IMG_1922.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uxFP3Qmx-b8/VlOEcFbU5-I/AAAAAAAAFjU/8xH9c26ujDE/s1600/IMG_1922.JPG" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JbgaNeH11gw/VlOEec8EXRI/AAAAAAAAFjc/Eh3M1-89qEg/s1600/IMG_1923.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JbgaNeH11gw/VlOEec8EXRI/AAAAAAAAFjc/Eh3M1-89qEg/s1600/IMG_1923.JPG" /></a></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I absolutely am in love with this line! My absolute favorite is Rose. It comes off as a MLBB color. Honey is a little too warm for me so I gave it to Mai and she loves it. Nude is too pale for me but is perfect for wearing at home as a lip balm, which I often wear at home anyway. In recent month, my lips have become dry so I find myself reaching for a lip balm more often now. </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This line has colors that are sheer and some colors that are more bold. At this point in time, I would honestly love to replace all of my lipsticks with this line. A month or so from now I may find some other line that I will really appeal to me but for now, these lipsticks fit my personal preference for a lipstick. I will admit that I did go back and buy a full-sized tube in a different color. I'm not loving the color as much as it is a much brighter pink than I wanted but it's still wearable, especially with the holidays coming up and bolder colors can be easily worn. I need to go back and get a full size in Rose.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Have you tried Fresh Sugar Lip Treatments and what are your thoughts?</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">*Kat*</span></div>
galpal.hihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10011396090923857096noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3245834111302321191.post-10549191131094425912015-11-19T15:12:00.000-10:002015-11-19T15:12:10.187-10:00Latest Fashion Discovery from Japan<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I took a trip to Japan in mid September, which I thoroughly enjoyed. This time I was able to do a meet up with blogger K of <a href="http://cosmeddicted.com/" target="_blank">Cosmeddicted</a>. I had a great time meeting up with her and just spending some time eating and sightseeing.</span><br />
<div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">From the time I landed in Japan and throughout our various travels, I noticed that many women were wearing gauchos pants. I remember back in the early 80's when this style was really popular and I had a couple of outfits which were favorites of mine. I was so happy to see that this style trend is coming back into fashion.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I found a pair that I really liked at Shimamura so I purchased it. I wore it recently and topped it with a simple crystal embellished top which I had in my closet and low heeled shoes, which I had recently purchased from Nordstrom Rack. I can see myself wearing these gauchos pants on a regular basis.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-K0UPJKx3Ibg/Vk1qGnoXYbI/AAAAAAAAFis/gc2szNXHikM/s1600/IMG_1907.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-K0UPJKx3Ibg/Vk1qGnoXYbI/AAAAAAAAFis/gc2szNXHikM/s320/IMG_1907.JPG" width="244" /></a></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I would have liked to have spent time browsing and searching through all of the beauty brands but unfortunately I didn't have time for any of that. We were so busy and on the go, go, go that I honestly didn't have much shopping time. Hopefully the next time I go to Japan I can spend some time beauty shopping.</span></div>
</div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">*Kat*</span></div>
galpal.hihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10011396090923857096noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3245834111302321191.post-21489487536649734412015-11-17T16:27:00.000-10:002015-11-17T16:27:28.490-10:00Review: Sephora's VIB 500 Point Urban Decay Urban Vices Palette Set + EOTD<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Hi Everyone!</span><div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I know it's been a very long while since I last blogged. There will probably be a future post on that but for now I'm very excited to blog about Urban Vices Palette set, which I received almost a week ago.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Last year there was a 500 point Urban Decay palette which I really like. One of the colors in that set has become a part of my regular rotation of colors that I use and fortunately, it is a regular stock item.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I happened to be surfing Sephora's website online and saw the Urban Vices set available for a 500 point VIB redemption. I immediately called my local store and found out it was also available in our store so I rushed out to get there.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The set comes in a big box with the Urban Vices design on it.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BJAAfVM_Azw/VkvaTKDSUsI/AAAAAAAAFho/ERMc2mefZ8Q/s1600/IMG_1914.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BJAAfVM_Azw/VkvaTKDSUsI/AAAAAAAAFho/ERMc2mefZ8Q/s1600/IMG_1914.JPG" /></a></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Inside the box is another box--a small box the size of the palette, again with the Urban Vices design on it.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BovKGAYIO1I/Vkvcs_7bF0I/AAAAAAAAFh0/pFKg4rnhJhA/s1600/IMG_1915.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BovKGAYIO1I/Vkvcs_7bF0I/AAAAAAAAFh0/pFKg4rnhJhA/s1600/IMG_1915.JPG" /></a></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The back of the box with some product information, including the shadow colors.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XrfWqnQl2vU/Vkvc6m1NrWI/AAAAAAAAFh8/Q9kcrZ0xmV8/s1600/IMG_1917.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XrfWqnQl2vU/Vkvc6m1NrWI/AAAAAAAAFh8/Q9kcrZ0xmV8/s1600/IMG_1917.JPG" /></a></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Inside the box is the actual palette. It is made of sturdy cardboard, which is something that I don't like but I can't complain since it was a bonus item using my points.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LgemcjxijrA/VkvdvUg_cFI/AAAAAAAAFiI/O2lbpniBObI/s1600/IMG_1916.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="117" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LgemcjxijrA/VkvdvUg_cFI/AAAAAAAAFiI/O2lbpniBObI/s320/IMG_1916.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The colors are Dope, Hoodoo, Derailed and Smokeout. Also included is a mini 24/7 Glide-on Eye Pencil in Smokeout. I haven't had a chance to do some checking so I don't know if any of these are part of their regular line or not. I think that I have Smokeout in another palette but not positive. If anyone knows these colors availability, please comment and let me know.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I did a quick EOTD using Hoodoo on the inner 1/3 of my eye, Derailed on the outer 2/3 of the eye. I dabbed MAC's Light Violet Crushed Pigment in the center of the eyelid just to give it some dimension and added Smokeout to the out corners of the eyelid and along the outer 1/4 of the lower lashline. I used Dolly Wink Eyeliner pen to line my eyes.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xA7sx01y8Nc/VkvfifFyt4I/AAAAAAAAFiU/iT3UscGFFvY/s1600/IMG_1908.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xA7sx01y8Nc/VkvfifFyt4I/AAAAAAAAFiU/iT3UscGFFvY/s1600/IMG_1908.JPG" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-20yekv6Pd4Q/VkvfksTPeyI/AAAAAAAAFic/4gExplKXNg0/s1600/IMG_1909.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-20yekv6Pd4Q/VkvfksTPeyI/AAAAAAAAFic/4gExplKXNg0/s1600/IMG_1909.JPG" /></a></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Like last year's palette, I'm really liking this one. One can reason that this gift isn't worth it because 500 points is equivalent to $500.00 spent. I like to look at it as a bonus, despite the value of the points because without the program, I wouldn't be getting anything. I think that with any reward program, one will never get full value of what their points were equivalent to.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I can't believe that it's mid November already. Somehow, this year has flown by much more quickly than any other year.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">*Kat*</span></div>
galpal.hihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10011396090923857096noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3245834111302321191.post-62626006216007005752015-08-29T19:14:00.000-10:002015-08-29T19:14:53.670-10:00Purchase Review: Stila Illuminating Powder Foundation + Mini DIY<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Powder foundation is a basic item in my makeup routine. I don't use it solely as a foundation but as a finishing powder. For a few years now, my main favorites come from Japanese brands--Maquillage and Coffret D'or since they come in moisturizing formulations. Recently though, I haven't been able to find a Maquillage powder foundation labeled as moisturizing so have been using Kanebo Coffret D'or Silky Pact UV Moist Keep. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Due to a recent mishap and extenuating circumstances,(which I will explain a little later) I was deperately in need of a new powder foundation and decided on Stila Illuminating Powder foundation. I even found a color that almost perfectly matched the Coffret D'or one that I had been using.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Like many Japanese brands, the compact case is sold separately from the powder. I read many reviews on Sephora by people upset that they had to buy the case separately. It didn't bother me since that's the way I have been purchasing my powder foundation. I decided not to buy the case since I wasn't sure if I would like the product enough to use it as a daily basic.</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IHeMOr4wEls/Vd0fq94YLvI/AAAAAAAAFfo/hD6KXq-riLo/s1600/IMG_1877.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IHeMOr4wEls/Vd0fq94YLvI/AAAAAAAAFfo/hD6KXq-riLo/s1600/IMG_1877.JPG" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-I9T89LA2JhI/Vd0hz5JaZqI/AAAAAAAAFfw/eF9K-AsO2lc/s1600/IMG_1880.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-I9T89LA2JhI/Vd0hz5JaZqI/AAAAAAAAFfw/eF9K-AsO2lc/s1600/IMG_1880.JPG" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The ingredient list: </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xbMHcMsvCFI/Vd0iIKGxRFI/AAAAAAAAFf4/jA0PvcJ3So8/s1600/IMG_1879.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xbMHcMsvCFI/Vd0iIKGxRFI/AAAAAAAAFf4/jA0PvcJ3So8/s320/IMG_1879.JPG" width="265" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">According to Sephora's website, it is a velvety powder foundation which leaves a luminous, transparent finish while protecting the skin with SPF 12. You can apply it dry for a light coverage or with a damp sponge for a heavier coverage.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This is a nice powder, but using it dry it really does provide a very, very light coverage. Using it damp does provide more coverage but on me it gets a bit cakey. Even dry with the light coverage, it seems to settle a bit in my fine lines. I don't feel that it provides enough coverage for me as the day wears on.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Another beauty blogger asked me recently what I use to conceal under my eyes. I use the powder foundation. One of the very few good points for me is that I do not have dark circles and puffy under eyes.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-b8vzm2TE1g4/Vd0lMb1IVmI/AAAAAAAAFgE/Ou3ybSerweI/s1600/IMG_1851.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-b8vzm2TE1g4/Vd0lMb1IVmI/AAAAAAAAFgE/Ou3ybSerweI/s1600/IMG_1851.JPG" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">While I do have some discoloration, it is very light that I don't need to do heavy concealing.(I do need to conceal the freckles though.) For my under eyes, all that I do after I apply foundation, is pat another light layer of foundation under my eyes and then set it with the powder foundation. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The Stila Illuminating Powder foundation doesn't work as well as Coffret D'or for me but it's a good backup in case of an emergency. So what was my mishap? I had hit pan on my Coffret D'or powder foundation and had it at the point where the bottom half was pan and the top half was powder. I had to be out working all day and knew that I would be needing a touch up before heading to another function so I packed it into my makeup case. Unfortunately because it was only half a pan, it ended up cracking and breaking into many pieces. I had been debating several weeks before on whether to order a new one for backup but held off thinking that I would be traveling to Japan in a few months. To top it off, when I went to my online vendor, <a href="http://www.ichibankao.com/" target="_blank">Ichibankao,</a> for this product, she was closed for summer vacation and it would be a couple of weeks before she returned and opened business again. This is what made me decide that I needed to find a substitute until I could place an order.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">In the meantime, I decided to empty out the Coffret D'or pan and compact.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_5bR42Y8tkw/Vd0pTzhokXI/AAAAAAAAFgM/v3Wuvz-uxt0/s1600/IMG_1872.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_5bR42Y8tkw/Vd0pTzhokXI/AAAAAAAAFgM/v3Wuvz-uxt0/s1600/IMG_1872.JPG" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I decided to try to repress the broken remains of foundation. To my delight, it worked! </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I used the 44mm round pan to press the broken product and it was just the right size.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lwo2Pk43Xcc/VeKQBoVad0I/AAAAAAAAFgw/bNUqMTlQrr4/s1600/IMG_1874.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lwo2Pk43Xcc/VeKQBoVad0I/AAAAAAAAFgw/bNUqMTlQrr4/s1600/IMG_1874.JPG" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">As you can see, it is smaller than the original compact size and it fits perfectly into the travel palette that I am using to travel with. It ends up being perfect timing for me to eliminate more bulk by not having to take the original compact case.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So my final conclusion on the Stila Illuminating Powder Foundation is that it will be a nice backup to have to use in emergencies. It just doesn't cut it to replace the Coffret D'or powder foundation since Coffret D'or gives me more coverage without caking or settling into fine lines and lasts on me for hours. Besides, I LOVE the case that I got when I first started using Coffret D'or.</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-r9QFs1159_A/VeKQ3dVe29I/AAAAAAAAFg4/HFdT_1JmjME/s1600/IMG_1875.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-r9QFs1159_A/VeKQ3dVe29I/AAAAAAAAFg4/HFdT_1JmjME/s1600/IMG_1875.JPG" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Isn't it pretty?!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">*Kat*</span>galpal.hihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10011396090923857096noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3245834111302321191.post-17655005805030588962015-08-02T19:11:00.001-10:002015-08-02T19:11:51.410-10:00Purchase Review: Milani Eyeshadow Primer<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Ever since my friend reviewed Milani Eyeshadow Primer on her blog <a href="http://cosmeddicted.com/2015/04/review-milani-eyeshadow-primer.html" target="_blank">here,</a> I've been wanting to test it out. I finally picked it up at WalMart and started using it a week and a half ago.</span><div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-k5fN0lL6qzo/Vb7vbAjxLQI/AAAAAAAAFeU/BZVkdTyK_Gs/s1600/IMG_1854.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-k5fN0lL6qzo/Vb7vbAjxLQI/AAAAAAAAFeU/BZVkdTyK_Gs/s320/IMG_1854.JPG" width="155" /></a></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Ingredient List:</span></div>
</div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-KaObtXApf18/Vb7vjjMJbAI/AAAAAAAAFec/FaTL24JHAlY/s1600/IMG_1858.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-KaObtXApf18/Vb7vjjMJbAI/AAAAAAAAFec/FaTL24JHAlY/s320/IMG_1858.JPG" width="239" /></a></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">You can click on the picture to enlarge the list.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Up till now, my HG eyeshadow primer is Urban Decay Eyeshadow Primer Potion. I must say that I have to agree with Cosmeddicted in that this eyeshadow primer is great! Let's do some comparisons.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Milani Eyeshadow Primer:</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">.30 fl oz/9 ml</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">$6.57 at WalMart</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Urban Decay Eyeshadow Primer Potion:</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">.33 oz</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">$20.00 at Sephora</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">.16 oz (mini)</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">$12.00 at Sephora</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Milani offers a much better value, being it's a drugstore brand. A big negative for me is that Urban Decay has discontinued the squeeze tube, which is what Milani has, and has gone back to having a doe foot applicator.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Cosmeddicted says that she has oily eyelids, which is why she creamy primers don't work well for her. I use Mezaik Stretch Fiber to create a double eyelid thus I can't use anything creamy, which will lift the fiber. Urban Decay has worked well for me but I am finding that Milani works well and in fact, works better. It works better because recently with Urban Decay, I've been finding that the darker eyeshadows are going into the crease where the stretch fiber is and creating a significant crease mark. It is obvious if I look down, some days being more obvious than others.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tfGoSMS1xds/Vb72O86dLlI/AAAAAAAAFes/9UJfpl8j5uc/s1600/IMG_3226.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="130" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tfGoSMS1xds/Vb72O86dLlI/AAAAAAAAFes/9UJfpl8j5uc/s200/IMG_3226.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Urban Decay</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">With Milani, I haven't had much problems and am finding my eyeshadows applying quite nicely. My eyeshadows last just as long and well as when using Urban Decay.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZykNb3Ucps4/Vb72iY4rxfI/AAAAAAAAFe0/X8I9pFx8ag0/s1600/IMG_1853.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZykNb3Ucps4/Vb72iY4rxfI/AAAAAAAAFe0/X8I9pFx8ag0/s1600/IMG_1853.JPG" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Milani</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">FYI: the Milani EOTD was done using Urban Decay's new Naked Smoky Palette. Inner 1/3 of eyelid I used Half Baked from Naked 1 palette, middle 1/3 is Radar and outer 1/3 is Smolder. I am liking this new Naked Palette.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">*Kat*</span></div>
galpal.hihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10011396090923857096noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3245834111302321191.post-3579329786191476682015-07-22T11:32:00.000-10:002015-07-22T11:32:19.013-10:00Purchase Review: MAC Prep + Prime CC Colour Correcting Compact and Kat's Current Concealing Method Part 2<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This is the 2nd part of my current concealing method. You can see part 1 <a href="http://maikatoshaberi.blogspot.com/2015/07/purchase-review-nudestix-concealer.html" target="_blank">here</a>, which is the prior post.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Continuing on...</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">To set the concealer pencil on the large dark spot, instead of using powder as I did for the other areas, I now use MAC Prep + Prime CC Colour Correcting Compact in Recharge, which is an apricot colored powder. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_ZofsXJtqow/VbAISGgkBzI/AAAAAAAAFdg/5Ioj0c7WEnw/s1600/IMG_1837.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_ZofsXJtqow/VbAISGgkBzI/AAAAAAAAFdg/5Ioj0c7WEnw/s1600/IMG_1837.JPG" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Pdh4OuDZHzg/VbAIUfg8nHI/AAAAAAAAFdo/S5g-eAVEAlo/s1600/IMG_1838.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Pdh4OuDZHzg/VbAIUfg8nHI/AAAAAAAAFdo/S5g-eAVEAlo/s1600/IMG_1838.JPG" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I have been using different forms of orange-toned powders for a long time now to try to conceal and set because using powder, even if it's translucent powder, shows up as a white spot when I apply blush.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mXoVFV1aFzY/VbAJBphqrbI/AAAAAAAAFdw/vu8Cm55F0tg/s1600/IMG_1840.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="131" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mXoVFV1aFzY/VbAJBphqrbI/AAAAAAAAFdw/vu8Cm55F0tg/s320/IMG_1840.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">After I apply the CC powder, I set my whole face with translucent powder (Cle de Peau loose powder) and finish up my makeup routine, applying blush and lipstick.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This is after 10+ hours of wear:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-prjoh_gUGvk/VbAJfkX_jNI/AAAAAAAAFd4/2OFSO8mXpps/s1600/IMG_1847.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-prjoh_gUGvk/VbAJfkX_jNI/AAAAAAAAFd4/2OFSO8mXpps/s1600/IMG_1847.JPG" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">As you can see, the combination of NUDESTIX concealer pencil and MAC CC concealer powder hold up very well. I only touched up my nose with some powder as it has been very humid here plus my nose has been a bit stuffy and I've been fussing with it with tissues.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">MAC Prep + Prime CC Colour Correcting Compact is a pretty hefty-sized compact with 8 .0 grams/.28 oz of product. The compact itself is a mirrored, black hard plastic case. For the amount of product that I use, it will take me a very long time before I will need to make another purchase.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I really like this powder as it is a matte powder. A lot of the other powders that I had been using had some shimmers in it. While in some ways shimmer is good in that it reflects the light away, it would sometimes still show up as a lighter spot when blush was applied.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So far, I'm quite happy with the results and will continue on until I find another product that piques my interest.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">*Kat*</span>galpal.hihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10011396090923857096noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3245834111302321191.post-17641790334410204082015-07-13T18:47:00.001-10:002015-07-13T18:47:42.953-10:00Purchase Review: NUDESTIX Concealer Pencil and Kat's Current Concealing Method Part 1<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">My nemesis is the large dark spot that is on the apple of my right cheek. I've reviewed a number of different concealers but my current favorite is NUDESTIX Concealer Pencil. I was a little apprehensive ordering this online from Sephora, sight unseen because I'm really particular about swatching colors to match my skin tone, which isn't the easiest to find a good match for. Unfortunately, the stores locally do not stock it so I had no choice. The sales person was really helpful though and actually went to check the foundation that I'm using to match the color of the concealer to. She matched it to Medium 6, which ended up being a great match for me.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-SLCPJtHvlIE/VaSP32Fx6kI/AAAAAAAAFcc/YczsxyKV2ck/s1600/IMG_1844.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-SLCPJtHvlIE/VaSP32Fx6kI/AAAAAAAAFcc/YczsxyKV2ck/s1600/IMG_1844.JPG" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">While I feel it's not necessary, it comes in a tin container. The pencil is a chubby stick, which is creamy and is not self sharpening.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lbTezUaJRLc/VaSQNsiLvnI/AAAAAAAAFck/MKOHq5ueKC4/s1600/IMG_1845.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lbTezUaJRLc/VaSQNsiLvnI/AAAAAAAAFck/MKOHq5ueKC4/s1600/IMG_1845.JPG" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Also included in the container is another cover, which opens up into a sharpener. This is nice and handy for use when traveling. The inside cover of the tin is a mirror. I can see converting this into a magnetic palette!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The concealer is nicely pigmented with nice coverage. It's so simple to use, just color it on like you did as a child coloring pages with crayons. You don't need much to get good coverage, which is good because it can get quite heavy if you use too much.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Bare face:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-O6TO_zgwqV4/VaSRnozhnBI/AAAAAAAAFcw/7RfOo2kkE38/s1600/IMG_1824.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="142" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-O6TO_zgwqV4/VaSRnozhnBI/AAAAAAAAFcw/7RfOo2kkE38/s320/IMG_1824.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Foundation only (Sorry, I don't know why the picture is so white!) FYI, I use BareMinerals Bare Skin Serum Foundation in Bare Beige 8 :</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Kn49K4Gs_KA/VaSRu3rvQEI/AAAAAAAAFc4/zjYr-mHtdw0/s1600/IMG_1834.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="126" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Kn49K4Gs_KA/VaSRu3rvQEI/AAAAAAAAFc4/zjYr-mHtdw0/s320/IMG_1834.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Concealer applied:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EDQgd3vUcfs/VaSSW0MCFMI/AAAAAAAAFdA/shHaes8REks/s1600/IMG_1835.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="124" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EDQgd3vUcfs/VaSSW0MCFMI/AAAAAAAAFdA/shHaes8REks/s320/IMG_1835.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I then set the concealed areas with powder, except for the large dark spot.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I like the ease in applying this concealer. It's really quick and I don't have to use extra brushes to apply and blend in. It will also be very easy to travel with. It is a bit pricey at $24.00 but it works well and a little goes a long way. My only wish is that there was the option to purchase just the pencil instead of buying the whole set. I just received my backup order and it seems like such a waste to have gotten another tin and another sharpener.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I had previously done a review of a similar type of concealer, which was from Daiso. You can read it <a href="http://maikatoshaberi.blogspot.com/2012/06/gift-review-daiso-double-ended.html" target="_blank">here</a> and see the similarities and differences between the two.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">My next post will be the finishing touches of concealing.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">*Kat*</span>galpal.hihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10011396090923857096noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3245834111302321191.post-85702512434256561752015-07-08T22:59:00.000-10:002015-07-08T22:59:12.031-10:00DIY Vitamin C Serum<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Many readers out there know that I've been trying to diminish the freckles on my face and most especially this one large, dark, ugly spot on the apple of my cheek. While I've been trying different products for years, these are the products that I have tried over the last year:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-p7MF6GDR5Js/VZ3ZBwO0r-I/AAAAAAAAFbg/b-YURU9WYoM/s1600/IMG_1815.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-p7MF6GDR5Js/VZ3ZBwO0r-I/AAAAAAAAFbg/b-YURU9WYoM/s1600/IMG_1815.JPG" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I am sad to report that none of them have been effective. Probably the product that worked the best would be the Rodan + Fields line. It is quite pricey and then I was told that I should add this AMP roller since it hadn't been as effective as hoped. I decided that I didn't want to spend more money as I had already invested a good amount for a product that didn't do what I wanted it to do. I'm not saying that any of these products are bad, just that on me, it wasn't effective. The one thing that I did notice, especially with the Rodan + Fields line, is that after I stopped using it and didn't use any other whitening/brightening product my complexion did start to look a little dull over time. Perhaps sometime in the future I may consider revisiting the line and include the AMP roller.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">In the meantime, I started searching around for a new product to try and discovered the benefits of Vitamin C. We all know that ingesting Vitamin C is good for your body with it being full of antioxidants. I learned that Vitamin C plays a major role in the production of collagen. As we age, our skin naturally loses this vital nutrient over time. This is why we also lose that nice elasticity in our skin that we had in our younger years. As we lose the Vitamin C and the collagen breaks down, the wrinkles start to appear. </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Topical Vitamin C,whether in the form of serums or lotions, is the best form for battling the signs of aging. It can help to brighten dull skin, prevent wrinkles and lighten dark spots. (NOTE: The products that I used did have Vitamin C properties in it although it didn't help to lighten dark spots much.)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I then found several blogs with DIY Vitamin C serum recipes. Vitamin C serum is actually very easy to make and quite economical! Before I refer to those recipes, let me show you the items needed to make the serum:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0xeNRGKbvzA/VZ3oBGEfp-I/AAAAAAAAFb0/mei6Yq3Yimo/s1600/IMG_1816.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0xeNRGKbvzA/VZ3oBGEfp-I/AAAAAAAAFb0/mei6Yq3Yimo/s320/IMG_1816.JPG" width="288" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Your main basic items that you will need is distilled water, L-ascorbic acid (</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">vitamin c powder), cosmetic grade oil and an amber dropper bottle. pH strips have been recommended but I haven't bothered to get these since I know that I won't bother testing. You will also need a cleansed and sanitized little bowl and utensil to make and mix the serum in.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I first tried a recipe that I found on <a href="http://www.primallyinspired.com/friday-favorites-homemade-vitamin-c-serum/" target="_blank">Primally Inspired</a>, which was a recipe developed from and column written by Jennifer from <a href="http://jenniraincloud.com/" target="_blank">Jenni Raincloud</a>. I initially liked the ease of this recipe as it was equal parts of items, which made it easy to remember.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I then found another recipe on <a href="http://www.oatmealwithafork.com/2013/09/06/homemade-vitamin-c-serum/" target="_blank">Oatmeal With A Fork</a> which I liked a lot better. The good thing about this recipe is that it's broken down by strength of the solution. Since I had already been using products, I went straight to the highest strength level.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The recipe by Jenni Raincloud, as I mentioned, was easy to remember because it was equal parts of each ingredient. My main dislike for it was that the L-ascorbic acid did not dissolve and the serum remained quite gritty. I felt that it needed to have more liquids for it to dissolve properly so I tried out the Oatmeal With A Fork recipe since it uses no more than half the amount of L-ascorbic acid as compared to the liquids. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">My first attempt, I used glycerin for the oil. It felt good and I could keep it in the refrigerator and it wouldn't harden. It felt so refreshing to put the chilled serum on. The L-ascorbic acid did dissolve well, which is great! However, after using it for almost a week, I discovered it was way too emollient for me as my skin started to breakout a slight bit. It also turned color and started to get a slight funky scent after 4 days. I then tried using jojoba oil instead. I can't refrigerate it as it hardens. This worked out okay but I didn't care too much for the slight scent of the jojoba oil, which got progressively stronger as the days wore on. I then decided to use fractionated coconut oil. This is unscented and I like the anti-bacterial properties of fractionated coconut oil. This also can't be refrigerated but it does seem to last the longest. After 5 or 6 days, it does start to slightly turn color by getting cloudy and a very faint scent does start to develop. This is when I know it is time to discard and make a new batch. At first I doubled the recipe but since you will need to discard and replace with a new batch within a week, the regular recipe amounts are more than sufficient, even if using it twice a day.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-X_nGl3AKKrM/VZ40pmtQIgI/AAAAAAAAFcA/3kO8hUTW_lY/s1600/IMG_1818.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-X_nGl3AKKrM/VZ40pmtQIgI/AAAAAAAAFcA/3kO8hUTW_lY/s1600/IMG_1818.JPG" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It has started to get quite humid here so I decided to cut the fractionated coconut oil in half and increase the distilled water by that amount. I don't think that it's affected the effectiveness any and it is a much lighter hydrating serum that is great for use in the current weather. If you do decide to use fractionated coconut oil, please make sure that it is unscented. I couldn't find any here locally, so I had to purchase it online. The post by Jenni Raincloud has a link for cobalt blue dropper bottles. It is so much prettier than the amber ones so I may have to get a couple.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I have found that using this DIY serum has nicely evened out my skin tone. My face is definitely brighter and looks smooth. I can't say that it has lightened any dark spots but it may take more time. Even if it doesn't lighten the spots, it's still working effectively in other areas. I've even noticed that my neck looks much less crepey.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I am so glad that I looked into this much further and discovered how easy it is to make your own Vitamin C serum for just cents and a little time! </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I hope that you haven't gotten tired of seeing DIY posts.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">*Kat*</span>galpal.hihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10011396090923857096noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3245834111302321191.post-26204265100845258222015-07-04T07:00:00.000-10:002015-07-04T07:00:01.925-10:00Purchase Review: Lux Sakura Dream Shampoo and Conditioner<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Back in February or so, Yumeko of <a href="http://bittenbefore.com/tokyolife/" target="_blank">A Dream of Tokyo</a> posted a photo of a new, limited edition Lux shampoo and conditioner on Instagram. Being that it was soon sakura season, many limited edition sakura items come out and Sakura Dream was one of them. </span><br />
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_1nKkcqFqQg/VZLuSBKvasI/AAAAAAAAFa4/tttgPB2uOzs/s1600/IMG_1810.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_1nKkcqFqQg/VZLuSBKvasI/AAAAAAAAFa4/tttgPB2uOzs/s1600/IMG_1810.JPG" /></a></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I love sakura and have used Lux hair care line items in the past so I knew that I needed to attempt to get this set to try. Almost immediately, I texted my son and daughter-in-law and asked them if they could get this for me if they came across it. They actually live in a rural area in Japan so not all items get to their area. A couple of weeks later, they texted me and said that they found it and bought it for me. I was going to wait to pick it up from them later this year but it just so happened a friend was coming to Hawaii in early June for a conference and wanted to meet with us. My son asked him to bring this with him for me.</span></div>
</div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Just recently I discovered that this is available for purchase in our local Donki store for $19.99, which is probably double what it costs in Japan. I also found that there are 3 different formulations, one of which I don't remember. I also do not know what this Sakura Dream line is beneficial for. The other formulation is for damage repair. The new formulation on this line is that it is silicone free. Other silicone-free shampoos that I have used in the past do not lather up well but I'm finding that this one still lathers up rather nicely. It could also be that I've gotten used to using Wen, which does not lather up at all. Here's the ingredient list, which you can click on to enlarge:</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1n0PSV5CTEY/VZLxcm2OMdI/AAAAAAAAFbE/xviIMPl1EAo/s1600/IMG_1812.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="143" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1n0PSV5CTEY/VZLxcm2OMdI/AAAAAAAAFbE/xviIMPl1EAo/s320/IMG_1812.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I am loving this shampoo! Sakura Dream has a nice, light fragrance, which is great for me who doesn't like strong scents. It cleans well and although it doesn't feel like it's conditioning well, it really is because when I run my brush through my wet hair, it just glides right through. I blow dry and flat iron my hair afterwards and my hair feels so soft and silky. I'm also very impressed by the fact that there is fullness to my hair! </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">My one concern was that every time I use a Japanese brand hair care product, my scalp gets irritated. It itches and hurts. I've tried Lux, Shiseido Tsubaki line and even Spice Hair Treatment and end up with the same result. After using Lux Sakura Dream line consistently for 3 weeks now, I am happy to say that I do not have any problems. I'm assuming that it's the silicone that is in the other hair care items that is causing the irritation.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I love this set so much that I actually went out and paid the $19.99 for backups in my stash--I think that I bought 6! Since it's limited edition, I'm pretty sure that if I wait until I go back to Japan, it will not be there. I need to find out if they have the set as part of their regular line because although I love the limited Sakura Dreams, if they have it in a regular edition, I'd buy that and not have to worry about stocking up so much.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Today's the 4th of July in America. How will you be celebrating? As for me, I will be working the 1st half of the day and the 2nd half I will be spending time with my mother-in-law.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">*Kat*</span></div>
galpal.hihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10011396090923857096noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3245834111302321191.post-29179404905519033982015-07-01T06:51:00.000-10:002015-07-01T06:51:35.558-10:00Using My Stash February - June 2015<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It's been so long since I last did a "Using My Stash" post! I'm pretty sure that there might have been more items used but I couldn't find the containers.</span><br />
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Skincare</b></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bgMB6N8GOZE/VZIQbruqBGI/AAAAAAAAFZ8/3YJmLdUMS9o/s1600/IMG_1802.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bgMB6N8GOZE/VZIQbruqBGI/AAAAAAAAFZ8/3YJmLdUMS9o/s1600/IMG_1802.JPG" /></a></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Skincare items is what I used up the most.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Rodan + Fields Reverse Line Deep Exfoliating Wash, Toner and Skin Lightening Treatment. I gave this line a good run and it didn't do what I wanted it to do, which was to remove freckles and dark spots.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Kose Hyaluronic Face Lotion. I'm not extremely particular about my face lotions as long as they are moisturizing. This one worked well and I believe isn't too expensive. I have several different face lotions in my stash that I need to use so I don't believe that I'll be making any purchases in the near future.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Nivea Soft Moisturizing Cream. I used this as an extra lotion. I really liked it and it was quite inexpensive. Since summer with high humidity has hit, I will not be using an extra moisture lotion for a while. I will most likely pick this up again but I have to admit that I have other heavier moisturizers in my stash that I need to use.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Naive Facial Cleansing Foam. I love Naive cleansers! I have several others as backup in my stash.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">DHC Q10 Face Cream. It's a nice cream. Not sure if I'll repurchase as it didn't stand out as compared to other face creams that I have.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Nature Republic Argan 20 Mask Sheet. I have so many masks in my stash to use that I don't have to buy any for a long, long time. This was a nice mask to use and I think that I do have more in my stash.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Makeup</b></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7ylGbHzIgtE/VZIXIaJjzhI/AAAAAAAAFaM/OGD9whXSq2k/s1600/IMG_1806.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7ylGbHzIgtE/VZIXIaJjzhI/AAAAAAAAFaM/OGD9whXSq2k/s1600/IMG_1806.JPG" /></a></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Bare Minerals BareSkin Pure Brightening Serum Foundation. This is my HG foundation! I really love it. I think that I am almost done with a 2nd bottle.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Embryolisse Lait-Creme Concentre. This is a moisturizer and primer in one. I was using it mainly as a primer and really liked it. I am currently using it as only a moisturizer and it works very nicely that way too. A little goes a long way and although I have only recently started using a 2nd tube, I think that I need to buy another one to put into my stash.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Urban Decay Eyeshadow Primer Potion. This is another HG product for me. This tube took me a whole year to use up so I was thinking of replacing it with a smaller tube, thinking that I will be using fresher product even though it's more cost effective to buy the larger tube. I happened to find the larger tube in my stash as well as a smaller tube so I'm set for over a year.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">K-Palette Real Lasting Eyeliner 24h. This has also been a HG product for me. I have a number of these in my stash. I was recently given a Dolly Wink eyeliner. It works exactly the same as K-Palette but I think that the tip is a little narrower so I like the way it lines my eyelids.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Sunscreen</b></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_LjajDAXDK4/VZIZPvev2OI/AAAAAAAAFaY/ZiE4ZWUeDQM/s1600/IMG_1807.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_LjajDAXDK4/VZIZPvev2OI/AAAAAAAAFaY/ZiE4ZWUeDQM/s320/IMG_1807.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Hada-Labo UV Whitening Emulsion is one of my HG products. I love Japanese brand sunscreens as it doesn't feel or smell like sunscreen. It also has high SPF, which I like. I have many of these in my stash.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Brush Cleansers</b></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jeK7WQDCMYM/VZIZwbZ0NAI/AAAAAAAAFag/Lz71qKYFKAM/s1600/IMG_1805.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jeK7WQDCMYM/VZIZwbZ0NAI/AAAAAAAAFag/Lz71qKYFKAM/s320/IMG_1805.JPG" width="289" /></a></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Sephora Daily Brush Cleaner. I like to use this everyday. This new formulation is great in that it cleans the brushes well and is so quick drying. Brushes stayed damp when using the old formulation.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Daiso Puff and Sponge Detergent is my all-time favorite for deep washing my brushes on a weekly basis. Or at least I try to wash them on a weekly basis. Very inexpensive and effective as a brush cleanser.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Not very many items considering that this is for 5 months. I still have so many items in my stash that need to be used and loved. It is slowly whittling down though and I'm happy that I've been doing this.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">*Kat*</span></div>
galpal.hihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10011396090923857096noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3245834111302321191.post-25489803560187650892015-06-26T07:00:00.000-10:002015-06-26T07:00:04.082-10:00Purchase Review: Rohto Hada Labo Perfect UV Gel<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I love Japanese sunscreens. For some reason, Western brands and I do not do well together. The Japanese brands (and Korean brands) that I have used, all are like milk/moisturizer as far as texture and feel. The Western brands have a feel and scent that is, to me, typical of sunscreens.</span><br />
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">My all time favorite is Rohto Hada Labo UV Whitening Emulsion.I have at least 5 backups in my stash. Recently, though, I learned of a new sunscreen that intrigued me and I knew that I needed to try it. Rohto Hada Labo Perfect UV Gel.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ksRsgsv7Mj4/VYDvX-txUeI/AAAAAAAAFX8/FlEYKVV6m8E/s1600/IMG_1749.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ksRsgsv7Mj4/VYDvX-txUeI/AAAAAAAAFX8/FlEYKVV6m8E/s320/IMG_1749.JPG" width="169" /></a></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The reason why it intrigued me because it has 5 beneficial properties to it. It is a lotion, emulsion, essence, makeup base and sunscreen all in one. You can cut down using all those various products and use only this one product. It's a time saver!</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I've been using this for nearly a week now and I really like it! The texture isn't milky and runny like the other sunscreens but comes out in a soft gel or cream texture. Unlike the other emulsion formula, this one does go on feeling a little less like a moisturizer since when you apply it and massage it in, eventually there is some "pull" to it. Sorry, I'm not sure of the word that I should use. I believe that this is the makeup base/primer element to it. </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">My skin feels moisturized enough although the weather here has become quite hot--definitely feeling the tropical climate. Despite the fact that the humidity has risen and I'm finding myself perspiring more, my foundation seems to stay in place and not melt off or fade. I'm really glad because nothing looks worse than melting foundation. This is a keeper and I'll definitely be getting more.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This sunscreen is fragrance free, color free and mineral oil free.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">What's your favorite sunscreen?</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">*Kat*</span></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
galpal.hihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10011396090923857096noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3245834111302321191.post-25390979572889797362015-06-23T07:00:00.000-10:002015-06-23T07:00:03.519-10:00Saturday Brush Washing<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I normally try to wash my makeup brushes on every Saturday. Two Saturdays ago was the first Saturday that I didn't have to work in a few months. It was pure bliss having two days off! Unfortunately, I had to work this past Saturday again. The first order of the day was to wash my brushes that were badly in need of a washing. (I do clean my brushes daily using a daily brush cleanser.)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Daiso Puff and Sponge Cleanser has been and is still my favorite cleanser. It cleans the brushes very well and is so inexpensive. I know that many people have been loving the Beauty Blender Solid Cleanser and I'll admit that it was good but I still prefer the Daiso one. The other thing that I use when cleaning my brushes is a nifty little gadget that is actually meant to clean your pores. I can't remember for sure but perhaps it was for blackheads? It's a soft rubbery pad with tiny little "fingers" to help scrub. I find it perfect for scrubbing my brushes while washing and rinsing it off.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sko-XywQFUQ/VX-xVE_zTUI/AAAAAAAAFXg/kiXnFjSv2BE/s1600/IMG_1788.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sko-XywQFUQ/VX-xVE_zTUI/AAAAAAAAFXg/kiXnFjSv2BE/s320/IMG_1788.JPG" width="290" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This gadget was given to me by a friend a few years ago. I've been using it for almost that long to wash my brushes and have not had any adverse effects to the brush bristles. I will need to pick up more of both the cleanser and the little scrubby thing during my next Japan trip.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">My happy brushes:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FNdkD8i4fMI/VX-xvJjFLCI/AAAAAAAAFXo/RvbGWoIVnCA/s1600/IMG_1784.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FNdkD8i4fMI/VX-xvJjFLCI/AAAAAAAAFXo/RvbGWoIVnCA/s320/IMG_1784.JPG" width="197" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">How often do you wash your brushes?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">*Kat*</span>galpal.hihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10011396090923857096noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3245834111302321191.post-70556373888527952502015-06-19T18:54:00.000-10:002015-06-19T19:03:37.499-10:00TKB Trading and Silk Naturals Review<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">With all of DIY that I've been doing, I thought that I'd share my shopping experience and some of the products that I purchased recently from two different companies.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I first learned about <a href="http://www.tkbtrading.com/" target="_blank">TKB Trading</a> years ago when I was into soap making. At that time, I had resources here locally so I ended up not doing any ordering from them. The popularity of soap making here has dropped dramatically and there are almost no resources but unfortunately, I am also not into making soap any more. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I mainly ended up at the TKB website because I wanted to buy pans. That's when I discovered that they have a nice selection of micas and pigments to make a variety of different makeup items. I did two or three hauls within a 2 week period and this is most of what I ended up with:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RiPGRb1k9xU/VYTfrpTjccI/AAAAAAAAFYc/YvpEQl0MvtQ/s1600/IMG_1797.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RiPGRb1k9xU/VYTfrpTjccI/AAAAAAAAFYc/YvpEQl0MvtQ/s320/IMG_1797.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I decided to start off with getting the press packs instead of just the tins. The press pack comes with two pressing tiles, a tamping tool (a pressing tile with a handle) and 9 pans. Just as a side note, the pans that TKB sells are made a tin and not aluminum. Be aware that tin will rust if there is prolonged exposure to water. Tin is magnet responsive and sticks very well. Aluminum pans will not rust but are not magnet responsive so you will need to stick a magnet onto the bottom of the pan. TKB does not sell aluminum pans. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I bought the 57mm Round Press Pack, 44mm Round Press Pack, 26mm Round Press Pack and 24 x 21mm Rectangle Press Pack. The 57mm is quite large and I have no idea what I'll do with them. Maybe if I ever get into doing pressed powder or pressed powder foundation, I'll use that pan. T</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">he 44mm round pan is the perfect size for pressing blush into. I think that the 26mm pan is that one size that we pretty much consider standard as it is the same pan size as MAC pans. The 24 x 21mm rectangle pan is slightly smaller than the 26mm round and I totally love them! I actually prefer rectangle or square over round, even with my storage containers. Rectangle or square fit into refrigerators and cabinets so nicely whereas I feel that round containers waste some space.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I felt that while I was sure that I could find properly-sized round items to press with (like a quarter for the 26mm pan), the rectangular one would present a little more difficulty. For this reason, I decided to just buy press packs for all of the sizes this first time around. I have since ordered a 100 pack of the 24 x 21mm pans.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I could not find fractionated coconut oil locally so I had to place an order for it. It's an emollient oil which is also edible. It has many cosmetic uses but the main reason I bought it is to use it as a binder. It is non-greasy, colorless, odorless and tasteless. It is also anti-bacterial, which means the shelf life is forever. One great tip that I learned from youtuber/blogger <a href="http://www.beautynewbie.com/" target="_blank">Beauty Newbie</a> is to make a mixture of alcohol and fractionated coconut oil in a spray bottle. We all have eyeshadows and blushes that kick up a lot of product and leave a powdery mess in the palettes. You can spray this mixture on and let it dry. It helps to tone down how powdery the product is.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Now for the micas...they are packed into ziplock bags. You can purchase sample size, which is approximately 6 grams all the way up to 1 pound! I purchased several in the 1 ounce size for only $4.00 each. I was surprised by how much mica there is! I think that I may be set for life! I did purchase a couple of the sample bags at $1.50 each and they are more than sufficient too. I think that you can get at least 2 26mm pans. Such a bargain! The product is a space saver being in the ziplock bags but it can get messy.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">One of the colors that I bought, Davy's Gray is beautifully pigmented. I decided that I wanted to use it to make a couple of lighter colors to get a gradient eye effect.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-SbOt9v8JjXA/VYTpiDMFSRI/AAAAAAAAFYs/1ms8Bas-WpI/s1600/IMG_1744.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-SbOt9v8JjXA/VYTpiDMFSRI/AAAAAAAAFYs/1ms8Bas-WpI/s1600/IMG_1744.JPG" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Davy's Gray is in the top row, last pan on the right. The 2nd and 3rd pans are also Davy's Gray but mixed with Satin Pearl to make a light shade and a medium shade. The whole top row and the last pan on the bottom row are all TKB micas. This EOTD was done using all of the colors on the top row.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HlU86I_aqB4/VYTqaOu0hNI/AAAAAAAAFY4/fbK0vce9HaA/s1600/IMG_1790.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HlU86I_aqB4/VYTqaOu0hNI/AAAAAAAAFY4/fbK0vce9HaA/s1600/IMG_1790.JPG" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ps5UdiNt4oE/VYTqaXPNsoI/AAAAAAAAFY8/ktpynRrTlk0/s1600/IMG_1791.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ps5UdiNt4oE/VYTqaXPNsoI/AAAAAAAAFY8/ktpynRrTlk0/s1600/IMG_1791.JPG" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Great pigmentation and they blend well.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">TKB's service was exceptional! I received my orders within a week of placing it. I even asked them questions via their "contact me" page and they were very helpful. I will definitely be ordering from them again soon!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I ended up discovering <a href="http://www.silknaturals.com/store/" target="_blank">Silk Naturals</a> because I had hit pan on my MAC Seedy Pearl eyeshadow. When I went to purchase another one, I discovered that it was discontinued! Thus began my online search for a dupe and this search led me to Silk Naturals. They have a wide array of beautiful ready-made colors! There are also many dupes to popular brands such as MAC and Urban Decay. The eyeshadows that I purchased were $4.50 for 3/4 tsp, packed in a 5 gram sifter jar. The blush that I purchased were $6.50 for approximately 1 1/2 tsp. packed in a 10 gram sifter jar. For every purchase over $10.00, you get a free eyeshadow packed into a 3 gram sifter jar. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7BCbnvTG8pA/VYTt97X8uNI/AAAAAAAAFZM/lnVC8UeNtaA/s1600/IMG_1799.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="290" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7BCbnvTG8pA/VYTt97X8uNI/AAAAAAAAFZM/lnVC8UeNtaA/s320/IMG_1799.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The site provides more indepth information about the colors that you are looking at, such as color family, finish, opacity, shimmer scale, etc. This is good information to know because pressing matte colors are difficult. I'm going to have to try my hand at it one of these days but from all that I've read, it can be hit or miss.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">To press eyeshadow into either the 24 x 21mm pan or 26mm pan, it will require close to 2 containers of eyeshadow. To press the blush into the 44mm round pans, it will also require 2 containers of blush. Definitely more pricey than TKB but very much well worth it. I purchased 3 containers of Flirt Blush and used 2 and part of the 3 container to press. I purchased only one container of Be Mine blush and was too anxious to order more before pressing so I pressed only that one container. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wnIUxyzq6Uo/VYTv17YQqVI/AAAAAAAAFZY/mVg6QEeYNAs/s1600/IMG_1776.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wnIUxyzq6Uo/VYTv17YQqVI/AAAAAAAAFZY/mVg6QEeYNAs/s1600/IMG_1776.JPG" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Wouldn't you know it...it turns out to be my absolute favorite color! I have to purchase more so that I can press another pan and have it be a full pan.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-puPN2STR_4E/VYTwUw5H8xI/AAAAAAAAFZg/joINkCW_iJc/s1600/IMG_1796.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-puPN2STR_4E/VYTwUw5H8xI/AAAAAAAAFZg/joINkCW_iJc/s1600/IMG_1796.JPG" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Be Mine is described as a pinky rose color with a neutral tone. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I received excellent service from Silk Naturals as well. Again, my purchase was received within a week of placing the order. I will definitely be ordering from them again. It's so difficult to decide which colors to buy!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I have several of the free mini eyeshadows from my purchases and someone gave me some. I want to press them so I think that I'll have to purchase the 15mm mini round pans from TKB. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I have Barry M products and have heard of Shio Cosmetics and Fryrinnae. Fryrinnae is not pigments but loose eyeshadows. Has anyone had experience pressing these and can give me tips? I'm looking into possibly purchasing from them. Any other recommendations sources to purchase micas, loose eyeshadows or pigments to press? I'm totally hooked!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">*Kat*</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
galpal.hihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10011396090923857096noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3245834111302321191.post-14011598056236842852015-06-15T07:00:00.000-10:002015-06-15T07:00:02.293-10:00DIY Magnetic Palettes--Picture Heavy<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I have done magnetic palettes in the past. One was using CD/DVD cases and is shown <a href="http://maikatoshaberi.blogspot.com/2012/01/creative-idea-depotting-eyeshadows.html" target="_blank">here.</a> I'll have to admit that this was a bit of a pain to do since you have to cut out the section where the cd/dvd is inserted. It was time-consuming and needed the use of an exacto knife with some precise cutting. I will definitely not be making these any more.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">You can actually make your own magnetic palettes easily and rather inexpensively. Here are the main supplies that you will need:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4O27Uwgc5UY/VX23qEB_0AI/AAAAAAAAFUU/LXsGZrnAvXA/s1600/IMG_1751.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="249" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4O27Uwgc5UY/VX23qEB_0AI/AAAAAAAAFUU/LXsGZrnAvXA/s320/IMG_1751.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I've been an avid crafter of various crafts for years. I've included a paper cutter and xyron craft machine, but these are not absolutely necessary. There is also decorative papers, a corner rounder, again not necessary to have, cardboard, scissors, duct tape and sticky-back magnet sheet roll. You can buy the magnet sheets in small packages too but I find it more economical to buy the large roll. If you are making a simple magnetic palette, then all you would really need to purchase is the magnet sheets.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The next thing you need to decide on is the housing unit. I like to find things and figure out various ways that I can use them. Here's items that I have used to create my magnetic palettes:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ANOtQwxIg7Q/VX25bk56QuI/AAAAAAAAFUg/TJqjXK-vxA0/s1600/IMG_1753.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="244" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ANOtQwxIg7Q/VX25bk56QuI/AAAAAAAAFUg/TJqjXK-vxA0/s320/IMG_1753.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">After going through my cabinet, I realized that I had more palettes than I realized! There's a watercolor paint box, some cute tins, some of which I bought and I think the main use was as a pencil/pen container, cd//dvd case, discount store container sets (which are supposed to be pill cases and I have featured here before) and stacking containers.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Paintbox:</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I had seen this idea somewhere online. I think it was on Youtube but it could have been a blog post. I really wish that I could remember where I had seen it so that I could give proper credit but I honestly do not remember. I bought this particular brand at WalMart for only $1.97! The paint tray comes out very easliy and I just carefully cracked off the top tab, which is used for hanging purposes. I used a heavy duty scissors to round off any sharp edges. You could easily just cut the magnet sheet to size and stick it in. The person who I saw this idea from also added the use of decorative duct tape to cover the black magnet and make it look pretty! Although it's not necessary, I thought it was a clever idea.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LOVLbi1YOUA/VX27qY6Ou2I/AAAAAAAAFUs/9Bs-g5WsL0k/s1600/IMG_1764.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="134" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LOVLbi1YOUA/VX27qY6Ou2I/AAAAAAAAFUs/9Bs-g5WsL0k/s320/IMG_1764.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The addition of the duct tape on the magnet didn't seem to lessen the magnetic power. Very inexpensive and easy DIY palette.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Purchased Tins:</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">My friends sell stationery items which they bring in from Japan and Korea. I usually help them at their trade shows several times a year. A couple years back they brought in these tins, which I assume were for pencils and pencils. I got two larger ones--one in Sentimental Circus and the other in Hello Kitty.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4KSKhbjjfkQ/VX3WOVm73KI/AAAAAAAAFU8/4IMBPjXV_Yw/s1600/IMG_1762.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="219" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4KSKhbjjfkQ/VX3WOVm73KI/AAAAAAAAFU8/4IMBPjXV_Yw/s320/IMG_1762.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">For these, I just put the magnet sheet on the bottom. The tins are actually deep so I decided to make a divider so that I could have another layer. (You can see the 2nd layer placed in the cover of the tin for picture taking purposes. I can actually do a third layer. For my divider, I used thin cardboard, and stuck decorative paper to one side. This is where my xyron machine comes in handy because I can run it through that using the permanent adhesive cartridge. After I have the paper stuck onto the cardboard,I again ran it through the xyron but this time using the laminate cartridge. Place magnet sheet onto undecorated side of the cardboard. You don't have use a xyron machine but instead use double-stick tape to tape the decorative paper onto the cardboard and then use a self-laminating sheet to cover the entire cardboard. The reason for laminating the decorated side is so that you can easily wipe it clean. Another alternative is to use the decorative duct tape and no laminating is necessary.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The dividers:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vd3Gzqq14UA/VX3YEZ3otaI/AAAAAAAAFVI/4GMpavqbzDQ/s1600/IMG_1787.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vd3Gzqq14UA/VX3YEZ3otaI/AAAAAAAAFVI/4GMpavqbzDQ/s1600/IMG_1787.JPG" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Another thing that I like to do, is cut a swifter sheet to size and place it on top of my pans. I like that it catches any particles and helps to prevent it from going into the other pans.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-J3H4z7Z-LIs/VX3Yp9qXHJI/AAAAAAAAFVQ/grqIVQ6E5HY/s1600/IMG_1786.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-J3H4z7Z-LIs/VX3Yp9qXHJI/AAAAAAAAFVQ/grqIVQ6E5HY/s1600/IMG_1786.JPG" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I also purchased a skinny tin and it perfectly fits a row of MAC-sized pans.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Repurposed Tins</b>:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I got a couple of super cute tins as gifts. One was a Hello KittyxLiberty London with lipgloss inside. The other was a Hello Kitty mint tin. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The Hello KittyxLiberty London tin is nice in that it has a clear plastic window so you can actually see what's inside. It's quite deep too so this will have several layers.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nwtgQSLw3lg/VX3ZhKJiFaI/AAAAAAAAFVY/H63a5TqeS7I/s1600/IMG_1759.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nwtgQSLw3lg/VX3ZhKJiFaI/AAAAAAAAFVY/H63a5TqeS7I/s320/IMG_1759.JPG" width="312" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The mint tin is really small but will fit 3 MAC-size pans, which makes it perfect if you want to take some eyeshadows with you for touching up and glamming up before going out after work.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-S15UVkgMewc/VX3aSuSLy5I/AAAAAAAAFVk/M0sn5-KEBbk/s1600/IMG_1783.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-S15UVkgMewc/VX3aSuSLy5I/AAAAAAAAFVk/M0sn5-KEBbk/s1600/IMG_1783.JPG" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This next tin is the whole reason why I really got into making my own palette. A couple of years ago, my grandson came for a visit from Japan. Although barely 2 years old at the time, he knew that I loved Hello Kitty and gave me the tin. It actually had something else in it--either candy or stickers that was for keeping him busy on the airplane. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">.</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7BBlWnPqg5E/VX3bXw-ruZI/AAAAAAAAFVw/83XEi4xhTzQ/s1600/IMG_1766.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7BBlWnPqg5E/VX3bXw-ruZI/AAAAAAAAFVw/83XEi4xhTzQ/s320/IMG_1766.JPG" width="250" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">If you place two business cards, one over the other. it is just about that height but not quite as wide as a business card. I felt that this would make for the perfect travel palette. It is quite deep so I can have 3 layers. It is still a work in progress but for now, the bottom layer is all the eyeshadows that I intend to take for traveling. It can fit 8 pans.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-i0grDRK1kbI/VX3b-d7hr_I/AAAAAAAAFV4/NdVFlxipXWw/s1600/IMG_1770.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-i0grDRK1kbI/VX3b-d7hr_I/AAAAAAAAFV4/NdVFlxipXWw/s320/IMG_1770.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The middle layer has two blushes and two MAC-sized pans.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3gXA7CW9qEw/VX3cZKHyUEI/AAAAAAAAFWA/F2fg6664uP0/s1600/IMG_1768.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3gXA7CW9qEw/VX3cZKHyUEI/AAAAAAAAFWA/F2fg6664uP0/s320/IMG_1768.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The top layer has a third blush and one depotted Naked Palette pan and one MAC-sized pan. I also have a mini nail file in there, which I will explain shortly.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LD_8IW_TtLs/VX3dAPMos-I/AAAAAAAAFWM/P3tGd8eOND4/s1600/IMG_1767.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="216" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LD_8IW_TtLs/VX3dAPMos-I/AAAAAAAAFWM/P3tGd8eOND4/s320/IMG_1767.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I do not plan on traveling with 3 blushes but will take two with me. I the eyeshadows in the middle layer will also not go with me but I may want to add a couple more to round out the neutral colors.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I also made a larger, separate magnet plate, or working palette, for me to put the pans that I will be using for the day when I do my makeup. Since everything is crammed pretty close together, I prefer separating the colors that I will be using for easier access while doing my FOTD. For this I used an old Amazon card.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UixJbgfhdxI/VX3eBLiHmtI/AAAAAAAAFWU/wNz6bIhxjSc/s1600/IMG_1780.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UixJbgfhdxI/VX3eBLiHmtI/AAAAAAAAFWU/wNz6bIhxjSc/s1600/IMG_1780.JPG" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Following my divider creation technique, I used the deocrative duct tape to cover one side and magnet sheet on the other. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Zt9TZIDsVNY/VX3ebhl2XcI/AAAAAAAAFWc/DXGXaWkcc7c/s1600/IMG_1775.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="208" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Zt9TZIDsVNY/VX3ebhl2XcI/AAAAAAAAFWc/DXGXaWkcc7c/s320/IMG_1775.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I will use the nail file to easily lift up the dividers to pull it out more easily and to help me to move around and lift up the pans to pull out to put onto this working palette. When not in use, the working palette is stuck to the bottom of my tin.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-u9oduy6k25c/VX3fn6GV6VI/AAAAAAAAFWo/uKR2lZcDfks/s1600/IMG_1781.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-u9oduy6k25c/VX3fn6GV6VI/AAAAAAAAFWo/uKR2lZcDfks/s1600/IMG_1781.JPG" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I find that this is perfect for a traveling palette. It actually takes up less space and I'm taking more color options than when I've traveled in the past.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>100 Yen Store Containers:</b></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Lastly, are these 100 Yen Store containers. I actually found these in my local Don Quijote Store and the price here is $1.99. The main purpose of these are to be used as pill cases. I really love these as they come as several containers enclosed in a container!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ztWOi6tFCBI/VX3nRx3GXFI/AAAAAAAAFXA/Z_B2uATRdZw/s1600/IMG_1756.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="197" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ztWOi6tFCBI/VX3nRx3GXFI/AAAAAAAAFXA/Z_B2uATRdZw/s320/IMG_1756.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">There are also different options. One has two types of pill cases-a small one with 3 small compartments and 3 larger, 2-compartment cases. The other style has the same one small and one of the larger 2-compartment case and one large case. I really like this one and I wrote about another case very similar to this except it didn't have the small 3-compartment case. You can see it <a href="http://maikatoshaberi.blogspot.com/2012/09/depotting-and-bargain-container-finds.html" target="_blank">here.</a> At that time, I didn't know what I would use the 2-compartment cases for but I figured that one out now! You can actually make use of all of them together or separately. The large case that everything is housed in can have the magnet sheet placed on the bottom and still fit the other containers in. The smaller 2-compartment containers can fit 2 layers of 2 rectangular pans or 2 layers of 1 MAC-sized round pan.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IXsUlxIQh6c/VX3nxK3YLdI/AAAAAAAAFXI/Mj2-oKCr-Ug/s1600/IMG_1782.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IXsUlxIQh6c/VX3nxK3YLdI/AAAAAAAAFXI/Mj2-oKCr-Ug/s320/IMG_1782.JPG" width="283" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">If you have 2 sets of that in the larger "host" container, then you can have a total of 16 rectangular pans or 8 round pans. You can then have 2 layers of 2 each blush pans! This also makes for a very convenient travel palette!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-G43aNObgGx4/VX3nGJrQ7lI/AAAAAAAAFW4/akwHgVcy-PE/s1600/IMG_1757.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="156" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-G43aNObgGx4/VX3nGJrQ7lI/AAAAAAAAFW4/akwHgVcy-PE/s320/IMG_1757.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">In a future post, I will talk about the pan sizes that I am using in these pictures.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I am thinking if there is interest, I can use these to make, customize and sell empty magnetic palettes. I can include it with empty pans or without. It's just a thought for now.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">If you have read up till the end, thank you! This was a very long post and I hope that you found it interesting and informative.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">*Kat*</span>galpal.hihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10011396090923857096noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3245834111302321191.post-7920782240687516662015-06-12T07:00:00.000-10:002015-06-12T07:00:03.387-10:00DIY Pressing Eyeshadows/Pigments<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">In an effort to relieve stress and wanting to be creative, I got hooked with pressing my own pans of eyeshadows and blushes. My main goal was to put together a travel palette and it seems to be snowballing. The one thing holding me back is needing to find more pigments that appeal to me. Plus, I do not want to spend any more money just to satisfy my creative juices since I really do have so much makeup already.</span><div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I had pressed MAC pigments before and it's the easiest to do since all you need besides the pan and something to press with, is the MAC pigment and alcohol. MAC pigments already have a binder in it while most other pigments or micas do not. I first learned to use vegetable glycerin as a binder and it works great. I have since learned that it does tend to get mildew, especially in humid climates. Fractionated Coconut Oil is a much better product to use as a binder. I have been told that it's naturally anti-bacterial, which is a plus.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I bought most of my supplies from <a href="http://www.tkbtrading.com/" target="_blank">TKB Trading</a>.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-z5zGtDbquqI/VXp4iDFHxeI/AAAAAAAAFTw/ClT0DKNKhEI/s1600/IMG_1746.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="204" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-z5zGtDbquqI/VXp4iDFHxeI/AAAAAAAAFTw/ClT0DKNKhEI/s320/IMG_1746.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">They have a wide range of supplies and the service is impeccable. I picked up several different pan sizes, including the standard 26 mm round pans (MAC pan size). One thing to be aware of is that there are 2 different types of pans, tin and aluminum. Aluminum pans are not magnet responsive so you will need to place a magnet on the bottom of the pan. Tin pans are magnet responsive but will rust if there is prolonged exposure to water. This is why it's best to use the highest alcohol concentration and to press your pigment as soon as possible. TKB sells only tin pans but there are other companies which sell the aluminum tins if you prefer to use those. You can even buy a pressing tool but can find items around the house to use such as a quarter for the 26 mm pans.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">After a bit of a trial and error process (it takes more coconut oil to bind the pigments than glycerin), I pressed a variety of different things.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4NQXRou7kvM/VXp7E6yJwaI/AAAAAAAAFT8/OVmgIlBlwxY/s1600/IMG_1744%2B%2528815x1024%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4NQXRou7kvM/VXp7E6yJwaI/AAAAAAAAFT8/OVmgIlBlwxY/s320/IMG_1744%2B%2528815x1024%2529.jpg" width="254" /></a></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">As I mentioned, MAC pigments are the easy to press, just add alcohol and that's it. Silk Naturals "Hint" is supposed to be a dupe of MAC's now discontinued "Seedy Pearl". I really like it but I find that TKB "Angel Wings" is much closer to "Seedy Pearl". There are several pan variations of TKB Davy's Gray. I mixed it with different percentages of "Satin Pearl" to get light tone and mid tone shades. I really love Giorgio Armani ETK No. 23. This one was definitely the easiest to pan as it is a moist eyeshadow. I just scraped out the shadow into the pan and pressed. The same can be done with L'Oreal Infallible eyeshadows, The blushes are very pigmented. I need to be careful and make sure that I do not end up with clown cheeks. I did find that the blushes did not wear well on me at first. I have found that if I "set" the blush with translucent powder after applying, it wears very well and stays nice all day for me.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I am having so much fun with this and am looking forward to finalizing my travel palette. Have you experimented with pressing eyeshadows?</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">*Kat* </span></div>
galpal.hihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10011396090923857096noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3245834111302321191.post-80604519938058840882015-06-09T19:50:00.000-10:002015-06-09T19:50:01.411-10:00Fixed Broken Chanel Eyeshadow Palette<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">As I mentioned in my previous post, I was MIA but kept myself involved in doing some beauty-related things. A lot of it was doing DIY and creative things and I wanted to share these in some posts. first up is fixing an eyeshadow palette.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">A few years back I blogged about receiving the beautiful Chanel Ombres Perlees eyeshadow palette. To my dismay, my cat had an accident which in turn knocked over a lamp and had the eyeshadow palette go crashing down as well. The end result was in a cracked palette, including the mirror.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gdPIu7jkjTo/VXfJEhDBkAI/AAAAAAAAFSM/AiHXxriMCeY/s1600/IMG_1405.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gdPIu7jkjTo/VXfJEhDBkAI/AAAAAAAAFSM/AiHXxriMCeY/s1600/IMG_1405.JPG" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I was disappointed but felt that I could still use the palette. It got increasingly difficult to use as it kept on breaking apart and getting into the other pan colors so I eventually gave up thinking that one day I'll redo it. The day finally came. Probably the most difficult thing to do was to keep the broken eyeshadows from falling into the color that I wanted to press into a new pan. I used my favorite kitchen item to help--Glad's Press'n Seal.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HxfyDhd2hGY/VXfLFgvOKPI/AAAAAAAAFSY/ybAcs950seo/s1600/IMG_1742.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HxfyDhd2hGY/VXfLFgvOKPI/AAAAAAAAFSY/ybAcs950seo/s1600/IMG_1742.JPG" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I swear, this product is awesome! It's so much better than plastic wrap as it really does seal very well. I placed it on the palette and cut away the section that I wanted to remove the eyeshadow. I would then reseal the empty portion when I moved on to the next color.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gaSDoLUoeOQ/VXfLtfLRJ3I/AAAAAAAAFSg/xqePgTGTY5Q/s1600/IMG_1730.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="261" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gaSDoLUoeOQ/VXfLtfLRJ3I/AAAAAAAAFSg/xqePgTGTY5Q/s320/IMG_1730.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Once I was done with pressing all the colors, I then needed to decide what to put it in. I do have various empty magnetic palettes and I feature those ideas in another post. I decided to keep this together as one palette and went through my stash of things to figure out what to use. I came upon my Sephora mirror case, which is what is normally what you get when you receive a gift card. This particular one was quite old and the mirrors had fallen off. I kept it thinking that I would reglue the mirrors back but never did.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-U6lTinvodb8/VXfM0TA9_XI/AAAAAAAAFSs/cVTw7fTczxQ/s1600/IMG_1732.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-U6lTinvodb8/VXfM0TA9_XI/AAAAAAAAFSs/cVTw7fTczxQ/s320/IMG_1732.JPG" width="172" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I then realized that the eyeshadow pans fit into the case nicely.I inserted a sticky-backed magnetic sheet onto the bottom of the case and placed my new eyeshadow tins in.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-A3DWhq3ssGk/VXfNfx6-fHI/AAAAAAAAFS0/bm1gTSjy3h8/s1600/IMG_1734.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-A3DWhq3ssGk/VXfNfx6-fHI/AAAAAAAAFS0/bm1gTSjy3h8/s1600/IMG_1734.JPG" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The top of the case wasn't very pretty because of the old glue residue.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dkLbEP-AyP0/VXfN21JmycI/AAAAAAAAFS8/__Q9lUi-hHI/s1600/IMG_1733.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dkLbEP-AyP0/VXfN21JmycI/AAAAAAAAFS8/__Q9lUi-hHI/s1600/IMG_1733.JPG" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I thought that I could reglue one of the mirrors but the mirror was too thick and the case would not close. I ran a decorative paper through the Xyron machine to make it sticky backed and stuck it to the cover to make the case more presentable.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qllF4931X7A/VXfOhPXxo8I/AAAAAAAAFTI/-LsgqHENIZY/s1600/IMG_1736.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qllF4931X7A/VXfOhPXxo8I/AAAAAAAAFTI/-LsgqHENIZY/s1600/IMG_1736.JPG" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Although I don't normally use and keep the included applicators, I placed it into the case to show that even the applicators fit nicely.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I peeled the label off of the back of the Chanel case and placed it onto the outside cover, covering the Sephora logo. This way I will know that this is the eyeshadow palette and not a mirrored case.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0pWJepOwm1s/VXfPIzlIcrI/AAAAAAAAFTQ/TNDPNN7g__s/s1600/IMG_1737.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0pWJepOwm1s/VXfPIzlIcrI/AAAAAAAAFTQ/TNDPNN7g__s/s1600/IMG_1737.JPG" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">In comparison to the Chanel case, this new housing is half the thickness.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-P1caYUDAj9w/VXfPe9BMOQI/AAAAAAAAFTY/i79dpMTcwmo/s1600/IMG_1741.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="53" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-P1caYUDAj9w/VXfPe9BMOQI/AAAAAAAAFTY/i79dpMTcwmo/s320/IMG_1741.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It makes for even easier portability. I'm really happy with the end result. I will now make better use of this beautiful palette.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">*Kat*</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>galpal.hihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10011396090923857096noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3245834111302321191.post-75329238184354731972015-06-07T18:49:00.000-10:002015-06-07T18:49:17.642-10:00Long Time No Blog!<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">My work schedule will FINALLY start winding down back to almost normal. I'm so sorry for the absence! I have to admit that this year seemed quite insane! It could also be that I'm getting older and slowing down.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I came home each day exhausted and yet couldn't sleep because I was too wound up. All that I could do was sit and vegetate in front of the television. The last few weeks it was getting boring and yet I couldn't muster the energy or have the motivation to sit and take pictures and write up a blog post. I was starting to really miss doing anything beauty related so I started to go through my stash and clear things up and out. I also got motivated to want to start pressing pigments. I started doing so a couple of weeks ago and have been having a lot of fun doing so. For now, here's a picture of the various supplies that I've been using.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9v09SQZdp54/VXUeJHlI86I/AAAAAAAAFR0/jchAGMiHE_I/s1600/IMG_1731.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="252" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9v09SQZdp54/VXUeJHlI86I/AAAAAAAAFR0/jchAGMiHE_I/s320/IMG_1731.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I am hoping to do a couple of blog posts on the things that I have done. I've also made a Vitamin C serum, which is to help lighten dark spots and brighten your skin,</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">While my work life is slowing down, my personal life is getting hectic with various visitors coming. I guess that really marks the start of summer!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">How has everyone been?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">*Kat*</span>galpal.hihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10011396090923857096noreply@blogger.com3