Using My Stash--April and May

I have found some time to do another blog post. Hopefully my schedule slowly allows me to get back into the swing of things as our busy period starts slowing down.

I felt that I didn't have enough empties to do this blog post last month so again it's a two month post.

Skincare:

If you will notice, a lot of these were sample items. The only full-sized product is Clarins Instant Smooth Perfecting Touch primer. I really like this for use during the drier, cooler months. The other jar that looks like it was a full-sized product is Algenist Firming and Lifting Cream. I don't think this is a full-sized product but I got this from exchanging 100 VIB points from Sephora. I used this on my neck and decolletage and really liked it a lot. I wish that I had exchanged more points and had gotten more. Fresh Black Tea Age-Delay Cream sample packet. I'm glad that I got to try this out first. It applies a bit too greasy on my skin for my tastes. DHC Eye Bright Eye Cream sample. I liked this and may purchase it in the future. I'm hoping that I can get more sample packets as it'll be great to take with my when I travel. DHC Kakonjuka Line Essence, Lotion and Cream (forgot to include cream in the picture) packets. I was excited to try these but wasn't wowed by them. I also found the scent to be a bit earthy. I find that it's often difficult to form good opinions on products when they are little sample packets. I'd rather have something a little larger, which I'd even be willing to purchase, just to get a good feel of how products work. DHC Velvet Skin Coat primer. This was nice and it didn't break me out. Unfortunately, I didn't have enough product to be able to form a good opinion on it. I may have to to purchase it to see just how well it works. If it does work well, then more of these packet sizes would be nice for traveling as well.  H2O Deep Sleep Recovery Cream and Night Oasis Oxygenating Energizer Serum. These were nice sizes to work with although I still would prefer something a little bit more. These products were okay but don't think it would be something that I would feel inclined to purchase.

Makeup Items:

I always feel such a sense of accomplishment when I use up makeup items since these take so long to use. I have included two mascaras--Sephora Full Action Extreme Effect Mascara and Maybelline The Colossal Volume Express Mascara. I didn't care for the Sephora mascara and used it a few times only but it's gone way past the 6 month mark so it's time to get rid of it. The Maybelline mascara was okay and I did use it quite a bit. Revlon Lip Butter 050 Berry Smoothie is my favorite everyday lip color. I used it all up, all the way down the tube. I was going to get a replacement for it but I tried a Maybelline Whisper Lipstick  75 Rose of Attraction and am loving it too. The color is very similar to Berry Smoothie. MAC Print eyeshadow. Print is my all time favorite color and I use it almost every day. I already had another one in my stash as a backup. Dior Hydra Life BB Cream, 100 VIB Point sample. I was really liking this at first but noticed that it wasn't long wearing at all. After 5 or 6 hours, it would fade significantly. I'm so glad that I didn't spend the money on a full-sized tube. Oriks Sun BB Cream sample packet. I was able to try this only once and knew it wouldn't work for me, but mainly because the color is way too light for me. I looked like a ghost wearing this.

Cleansers:

I replace my Clarisonic brush heads in January, April, July and October. I have to charge my Clarisonic Plus once a month and so during those months when it runs out of battery life and needs to be charged, is when I replace the brush head. Daiso Puff and Sponge Cleanser is my HG brush cleanser. I try to wash my brushes once a week. Sephora Daily Makeup Brush Cleaner is something that I use on a daily basis to clean my brushes in between the washings.

Hair Care:

I should have entitled this heading as Hair Care Plus One because I realized after I took the picture that I included a hand soap refill package in here. I love that hand soap and have asked my friends to bring back refills for me every time they go to Japan. I'll be asking my son to bring more too. Lux Super Damage Repair Shampoo and Conditioner. While I really like this product, I used it up and won't be using it any more. The Asian brands of shampoos tend to make my scalp irritated. It gets a bit itchy and there tiny little bumps on my scalp that are a little tender. It also tends to build up on my hair after prolonged use which makes my hair look weighed down and lifeless. I do have backup refill packs in my stash but these will be for my daughter-in-law's use when she visits next month. Tsubaki Hair Oil packet is in my Palty Hair Color and I do like it. I will probably keep the packets that I get and use it to pack into my travel bag.

A couple of items that I did not use up but will definitely not use any more:

Smashbox Photo Finish Hydrating Foundation Primer:

While many people have raved about Smashbox Photo Finish primers before, A few years ago, I tried the HD Photo Finish primer and it didn't sit well with me. The higher silicone content is not good on my skin. I tend to break out in tiny little bumps. I don't know what possessed me to decide to go ahead and purchase the Photo Finish Hydrating Foundation Primer a few months ago. I was told that there was way less silicone content in it but after using it a few times, I didn't like it much and I was starting to break out in those tiny little bumps. The picture shown is from Sephora's website as I didn't take a picture of the one that I had. I ended up giving it to Mai, who really likes the HD Photo Finish primer.

Mannan Gel Peeling:

I really liked this but it's a couple of years old now and I don't know if it's past it's expiration date, if there even is any. I also can't find it in Donki, where it was purchased. Any suggestions on a good gel peeling product?

*Kat*

Valentine's EOTD

With Valentine's Day coming up next week Tuesday, I decided to work on a simple Valentine's look.

Products Used:

Urban Decay Eyeshadow Primer Potion in Eden
Urban Decay Pistol Eyeshadow (from NAKED 2)
MAC Eyeshadows: Yogurt and Swish
NARS Eyeshadow: Red color from Hanamichi Palette
K-Palette Real Lasting Eyeliner
L'Oreal Voluminous False Lashes Mascara
Tarte Starlet Amazonian Clay Blush (From Starlet Palette)
Revlon Berry Smoothie Lip Butter

Primed my eyelids with Eden. Yogurt is applied just under the eyebrows. Swish is applied to the inner 1/3 of eyelid from lash line to crease line. NARS red eyeshadow is applied to middle 1/3 of eyelid, from lash line to just above crease line and blending upward and outward. Pistol is applied (the one marked with the white "x") to the outer 1/3 of the eyelid from lash line to just above creaseline and slightly blending it upward and outward. I also blend it in the crease line having it fade as I work my way toward the inner eye. Lined the upper lash line and outer corner of the lower lash line with K-Palette. Using Pistol, I apply it over K-Palette on the lower lash line and blending and fading it towards the middle of the lower lash line. Mascara is applied to uncurled eyelashes.

Starlet is applied to my cheeks and Berry Smoothie to my lips.

This eye makeup look is definitely much more pastel than I usually wear. As a result, I really felt that I needed to wear mascara although I don't normally do so, especially for going to work every day.

I consider it to be a sweet and innocent look, neither of which I am. Haha!

Hope you'll be enjoying Valentine's Day with your special someone.

*Kat*

Valentine's EOTD/FOTD

I wanted to get this done before I forget what I used to do the EOTD.

Although I had to get up and be at work very early on the 14th, I still wanted to have a festive look. I used a lot of pink in this look.

Products used:

Missha BB Primer
Maybelline Fit Me Foundation 120 & 125
Maybelline Fit Me Powder 120
UDPP Greed
UD Naked Palette--Naked and Smog
MAC Swish, Sushi Flower, Sorcery
K-Palette 24 h Eyeliner
Revlon Grow Luscious Mascara (not pictured)
Clinique Bottom Lash Mascara (not pictured)
Physician's Formula Happy Booster Glow & Mood Boosting Blush in Rose
Canmake Maxi Volume Rouge 02 Pink Berry

Primed eyelids with UDPP's Greed. This is a beautiful, glimmery gold. Naked was used in contour area of eyelids. Sushi Flower applied over entire eyelid from lashline to just above crease. Swish dotted in middle of eyelid. Smog was used in outer corners of eyelid and Sorcery was blended over it. Swish was applied to the tear duct area of eyelids and along lower lashline.  Lined upper lashline and outer 1/3 of lower lashline with K-Palette. Revlon Grow Luscious Mascara applied to upper lashes and Clinique  Bottom Lash Mascara to lower lashes.

For the face, I used Missha BB Boomer to prime, the two Maybelline Fit Me foundations and powder. Cheeks was Physician's Formula Happy Booster Blush in Rose and lips were Canmake Maxi Volume Rouge in 02 Pink Berry. I wanted to use sweet pink colors for cheeks and lips.

It was a very pink look, perfect for Valentine's Day even if the only place that I went to was to work.

I hope that everyone had a wonderful Valentine's Day.

*Kat*

Holiday Green and Gold EOTD (pic heavy)

It seems that recently I've been doing mainly reviews so I decided to an EOTD that I recently did and recreated for today's blog post. With the holidays right around the corner, I find myself wearing the festive colors of the season so I wanted my eyes to match the festive mood.

Products used:

I left this picture pretty much at it's original size so you can click on it to see better.

Urban Decay:
   Eyeshadow Primer Potion in Sin
   NAKED Palette--Sin (Noted w/red star)
   Book of Shadows III--Kush and Loaded (Noted w/red stars)
MAC:
   Remotely Grey
   Neutral Pink
   Goldmine (Noted w/pink star)
K-Palette Real Lasting Eyeliner
Revlon Grow Luscious Mascara

After my usual preparations, I primed using UD Eyeshadow Primer Potion in Sin.

In contour area between the creaseline and browbone, I applied Remotely Grey. I also applied Neutral Pink in the same area but only on the inner 1/3 and blended it towards the center and out.

It's a very subtle difference

Kush is then applied on entire eyelid from lashline to just above creaseline.

Loaded is applied in the same area but only on the outer half of the eyes. I make sure to blend the colors well.

Using my finger, I dab it into Goldmine and then dab it onto the center of my eyelid. Keep on doing this until you reach the intensity that you want.

Using Loaded again, I define the outer "V" of my eyelid.

I also use Loaded on my lower lashline to create a very subtle liner effect. Mai doesn't like to do this because she wears contacts and can't stand the shadow getting in her eyes. I like to do it because it's an effect where you wonder if the person lined her eyes or not.

I finish it off by applying a bit of Sin onto browbone, line my upper lashline and outer 1/4 of lower lashline with K-Palette and Grow Luscious mascara to my upper lashes.

For a formal party, you can make your eyes more dramatic/glamorous  by using UD 24/7 liner in zero (included in the BoSIII palette) and going over it with Loaded.

I hope that you enjoyed this holiday look.

EDIT:  You can also use shades of blue and silver in the same manner for another holiday look.
*Kat*

Product Review: Revlon Grow Luscious Mascara

With Kay of cosmeddicted arriving in Hawaii in a few days, I'm getting prepared to do a blogger meetup with her. One of the things that she wants to do is hit the drugstores as she likes drugstore products. I decided that I should check out the local drugstores to see if there was anything interesting.  I hadn't bought drugstore items on a regular basis in a long time except for the Neutrogena Makeup Remover wipes. The other occasional items that I have bought have all been fails for me.

A few posts ago, I wrote about how L'Oreal Voluminous Million Lashes mascara wasn't all that. Those of you who have been reading my blog for a while know that I did the Trish McEvoy Lash Enhancer challenge and liked what it did to my lashes. Although there is still some product left in the tube, I stopped using it since it's now over 3 months old. On most days I don't wear mascara but I do use Talika Lipocils in place of mascara since it is a lash enhancer which is applied like mascara. Of course it doesn't do anything since it is colorless. I just like to use it for it's lash enhancing properties and to clean up and remove any eyeshadow powder that may have adhered to my lashes.  I then saw a commercial on tv for Revlon's Grow Luscious Mascara, which intrigued me. I liked the concept of it since it's a mascara and a lash enhancer in one.

There are two versions of this mascara--waterproof and non waterproof. I bought the non waterproof version since I reallly dislike having to remove waterproof mascara, although it's usually a better mascara to keep my eyelashes curled after I curl them. It comes in a pretty green tube. The package says, "Get lashes that not only look instantly longer and lusher, they will also grow stronger day after day. Lash enhancing formula complements the natural growth cycle of your lashes and improves their overall appearance and condition with each use."

The brush is pretty typical--cone shaped with bristles. Since I've mainly been using Gokubuto mascara, this brush seems to be a bit on the fat side at the bottom end. I was surprised to find that the mascara was on the drier side, which is great for me since it doesn't weigh my poker straight lashes down. If I curl them with an eyelash curler, my lashes will completely lose their curl with wetter mascaras. In order to prevent this, I usually have to use a mascara base first, which helps to keep my curl.

I decided that I wasn't going to curl my lashes and just use it to clean up my lashes instead the way that I do with the Talika Lipocils. To my utter amazement, my eyelashes curled...significantly! It is very, very rare that I find a mascara that will significantly curl my eyelashes on its own. To top it off, this isn't billed as a curling mascara but one that will lengthen and make your lashes lusher (I'm assuming that means more volumized). When I was done appying several coats of mascara, it looked the way it looks when I use an eyelash curler. I used this mascara yesterday after I bought it so I thought that perhaps this effect was a fluke. I tried it again today and the result was the same. I'm so happy with the result!

No mascara

With mascara--my lashes are definitely thicker

No mascara

With mascara--see how curled my lashes are and that's without using an eyelash curler!

I wore the mascara for more than 10 hours and my lashes stayed the same. I didn't experience any flaking either. I have not experienced any clumpiness (haha, is that a word?). I'm not exactly sure if it washes off easily with warm water and soap since I always use the Neutrogena Makeup Remover wipes and Noevir Deep Cleansing Massage Gel to remove my makeup first. However, it didn't require massive amounts of remover to take it off.

My take on this mascara--AWESOME!

*Kat*

Updated Review: Revlon Moisture BB Cream and Canmake Gokunobi Mascara

I have played around more with the Revlon Moisture BB Cream and I am liking it more and more. As I stated in my initial review post, I like it for the mere fact that it's really color matching. It also had decent coverage, more than most of the other BB creams. The only thing that knocked a percentage point off for me was that it isn't hydrating enough for my preference. I had started to apply moisture essence cream on top of it before applying my cream foundation, which works out quite nicely.

Yesterday, I decided to be brave and try using only BB cream and no foundation. I combined it with the Kanebo Freshel Moist Lift W BB cream, which is very hydrating. I prepped and primed my face as usual and applied the Revlon BB cream as I normally would. I should explain this step a bit. I will apply a light layer of BB cream and then do my eye makeup, except for eyeliner and mascara. After applying my eye makeup, I clean off any fallout that might occur and then apply another light layer of the same BB cream, then apply foundation and powder. I then finish up my eye makeup, which will always consist of eyeliner and may or may not include mascara. So back to yesterday...I applied the first light layer of Revlon BB cream, did my eye makeup and then applied another light layer of Revlon BB cream. Instead of foundation, I applied Kanebo Freshel Moist Lift W BB cream, concealer and powder foundation. I then finished up my eye makeup of eyeliner and Talika Lipocils on eyelashes, shading powder, blush and lipstick. I liked the result. Overall, it lasted quite nicely tnroughout the day. At first there were times when it seemed to be a little ashy but that didn't last.

Only Revlon BB Cream

Freshel BB Cream over Revlon BB Cream

Finished FOTD w/BB creams only, concealer and powder foundation over concealer, over nose, chin and jawline

We were out for most of the afternoon and had a wedding reception to attend that evening. Unfortunately, I wanted my makeup to look more glam than normal because the couple that had married are both models, with the girl having modelled in Japan. I wasn't sure what the guest list looked like but I wanted to be sure that I wasn't looking like a country bumpkin. I didn't have time to redo my whole face so I had to apply over what was already on. I lightly buffed off as much of my blush as possible with a cotton ball, applied more concealer over my ugly discolorations. I then got the brilliant idea of using my Temptu since it's airbrushing foundation on and that can be layered over what I already had on very easily. It turned out beautifully. I will definitely use the Temptu more often now over BB creams, although I was avoiding doing so prior to yesterday.

With Temptu foundation

As for my eye makeup, I had to apply eyeshadow over what I already had on. Fortunately, I went neutral during the day using UD's NAKED palette so I could go with bolder, brighter colors with no problem. I can't give you any EOTD steps because I have no clue what I really did, I kind of just went with the flow. I do know that I used Maquillage, MAC and Dior eyeshadows. Anyway, I had reviewed Canmake Gokunobi, which is supposed to curl and lengthen your lashes. Unfortunately, my eyelashes didn't curl well and it didn't hold my curl when I did curl my lashes first. So I decided that I would curl my lashes and apply my HG Shiseido Mascara base first. I then applied Gokunobi mascara and my lashes looked great. I even got brave and applied it to my lower lashes, although I've read and heard that older women shouldn't apply mascara to their lower lashes. I haven't applied mascara to my lower lashes in a long time but I did last night. You can see how well the Trish McEvoy lash conditioner has helped to lengthen my eyelashes, both upper and lower.

I'm glad that I glammed up a bit for last night's reception. It was a beautiful event and there were lots of glamorous women there.

Sorry, this post ended up being a lot longer than I thought it would.

*Kat*

EOTD plus Miscellaneous

Today I have a wedding reception luncheon and a 10th anniversary dinner to go to so I did my makeup which will take me from day to night with just a bit of touching up. This is all the items that I used on my eyes:

As usual, I use Maquillage Moisture Cream Foundation and Coffret D'or Beauty Essence Pact as a base for my eyes. MAC Painterly Paint Pot as cream base, all over lid, being careful not to go over the MEZAIK Double Eyelid Stretch Fiber. MAC Neutral Pink over entire eye from crease line to browbone. MAC Sorcery (burgundy color from Devil May Dare Quad), from lashline to crease line and blend upward toward browbone to soften. From Lunasol Quad, Black/Gold/Brown color outer 1/3 of eye and lightly go across the creaseline. Again from outer corner of eye, blend upward toward tip of inner eyebrow. Very, very lightly dust Tokidoki Killer Candy over entire eye from crease line on up. MAC Gold Tease (from Devil May Care Quad) on brow bone. Line upper and lower lash line with Lunasol Black/Gold/Brown color. With upper lashline, lightly blend the shadow upward towards crease. I also added more of the color to my outer uppper lid to add a little more depth. Use Gold Tease to highlight the inner corner of eyes and work it into lower lash line. I used Canmake Shading Powder along the bridge of my nose from inner corner of eyes to inner tip of eyebrows to create an illusion of an even nice nose bridge. Dot the center of eyelid with pink eyeshadow. I couldn't find my favorite Swish by MAC so I used the color palette from Sephora. I have a green arrow pointing at the color that I used. Line upper lash line with Bobbi Brown Gel Liner in Black. Lined outer 1/3 of lower lashline with Revlon Colorstay Eyeliner Pen in Black. Curled eyelashes with Shu Uemura eyelash curler and applied Diorshow mascara. For tonight, I will apply Diorshow Black Out Mascara to darken it.

Note: I really need to get a sharp pair of manicure scissors to cut the MEZAIK. I've been using a small cutterbug scissors but the blades are still long enough for me to accidently cut my eyelashes. I noticed it when I curled my eyelashes and applied mascara to my right eye. *sigh*

I mentioned a few posts ago about really liking MUFE's HD Microfinish Blush. It is really pigmented and a little goes a long way. It's hard to pump out only a little bit so I have found that by tapping the pump and smooshing the nozzle against your hand, I can get just a little bit out at a time. This is all that I need.

Actually, this is a little bit more that I usually use. I apply it using my MAC 187SE brush. It makes it easy to stipple the blush onto the apples of my cheek. The nozzle usually gets smeared with the blush from me smooshing it into my hand so I use a q-tip to clean and use what's on the q-tip to apply to my lips over lip balm as a lip stain.

One last thing...I mentioned yesterday that I got my hair done. It had been 7 months or so since I last had my hair colored. This time again I got it done with 3 colors. Here's the result:

*Kat*

Tokidoki Diamante EOTD and Reviews

One other thing that I picked up recently at Sephora was tokidoki eyeshadow quad in Diamante.  The box that it comes in is really cute and the case itself is cute. As I mentioned before, this chromatico eyeshadow palette is a limited edition item and is supposed to be a purple and plum palette. I like the fact that included in the palette is a dual-ended brush applicator and not a sponge applicator. There is also on the bottom layer a collectible charm which you can hook onto tokidoki key chains and makeup bags. Since this palette is Diamante, the charm is a diamond. (You can click on any image to view it in a larger size.)

I used this palette for today's EOTD.

Products used:
Mezaik Double Eyelid Stretch Fiber
Primed w/MUFE HD Microperfecting Neutral Primer mixed w/MUFE Full Cover Concealer #8
Maquillage Moisture Cream Foundation OC-20
Set w/Coffret D'or Beauty Essence Pact OC-C
Cream base MAC Painterly
Highlight browbone w/tokidoki #2 (I numbered the palette since there was no color listing)
Crease line blend up to browbone MAC Neutral Pink (limited edition color)
Lashline to crease line tokidoki #3
Outer corners and in creaseline tokidoki #4
Lightly dust tokidoki #1 over entire eye
Brush eyelashes w/Talika lipocils eyelash conditioner
Line upper lashline w/Revlon Colorstay Liquid Eye Pen
Line outer 1/3 of bottom lashline w/Revlon Colorstay Liquid Eye Pen

This palette is nice. The shadows are not heavily pigmented but not too lightly pigmented either. I really didn't like shadow #1. It was glittery and the glitter fell all over the place. I believe that you can see one glitter under my eye in the picture.

I use Bobbi Brown Eyeliner gel and MUFE Aqua Eyes. These are supposed to be waterproof and both are great. I don't have too much problems with my upper lashline unless I happen to touch my eyes, then either one of them will smudge. However, for my lower lashline, I can't seem to keep my eyeliner from smudging, giving me racoon eyes and fading. I recently bought the Colorstay Liquid Eye Pen and had very high hopes for it. I used Colorstay Liquid foundation a long time ago and really liked it because it wearability was great for 10 hours or longer. I have problems using liquid eyeliners with a brush so the pen seemed like it would be good. I like the fact that it's a pen. It makes application easy for me. I don't seem to have a problem with fading on my lower lashline, which is great. However, it still kind of smudges so that I have black lines under my eyes. It's also difficult to make a flick with the pen. I can do it much more easily with the gel liner and brush.

Finally, I talked about MUFE HD Microfinish Blush the other day. I really do like this blush but again, it is quite difficult to apply for a novice. It is quite pigmented, it doesn't spread easily and it dries really quickly. One other thing that I don't like is the pump. It doesn't pump out smoothly so it's difficult to pump out just a small bit, which is all you need. Since it dries so quickly, it's best to work with a little at a time and build up the color. Because of the way I pump it out, I always have residue on my pump so today I decided to use that residue on my lips. I was told by the MUA that you can use it on your lips and eyes. I prepped my lips with Bobbi Brown Lip Balm and applied the HD Microfinish Blush #8 PDA on my lips. It looks like I used a lip stain and I really liked it.

Although it is not shown in this picture, I finished with Maquillage Glossy Perfect Rouge in RS396, which is a sheer glossy lipstick. It provided a really nice finish. Please forgive my messy application.

*Kat*