Using My Stash--June & July

I still haven't even looked into replacing my desktop computer but I have some free time so decided to do a blog post from a laptop. I'm really sad that I had a whole bunch of pictures all set up and ready to be able to do blog posts on my desktop but they are now inaccessible.

I haven't used up much in the last couple of months and there are a couple of products that I wanted to do blog posts on but will have to wait until I can retrieve my pictures from the dead PC hard drive or take new ones.

Cleansers:

 

Naïve Body Wash and Naïve Facial Cleansing Foam. Both are my favorites although I have to admit that right now I am using Dr. Brommer's liquid soap for bathing.


Skin Care:

Hada Labo UV Whitening Emulsion, Noevir Extra Moisture Cream and DHC Q Lotion. I REALLY liked the Hada Labo sunscreen. It didn't feel like a sunscreen but felt like a lotion. I'll have to look into getting more of this as I like it as much or perhaps even better than Noevir Raysela. Noevir Extra Moisture Cream is something that I can't do without in colder weather conditions. Right now it is so hot and muggy that I don't have a need for it but will definitely be picking up a new jar in a month or two. DHC Q Lotion (toner) is something that was picked up from Japan for me. I really like it a lot and will consider getting more but I do have other lotions in my stash right now.


Makeup:

Wunderbrow, Super Quick Eyebrow--WP, Dior brush and MAC eyeshadow pro palette in Electra. Wunderbrow is one of the items in which I wanted to do a review and have pictures on my defunct PC. I really like it and am using my 2nd tube. I threw away the packaging for the eyebrow so I'm not sure what brand it is but it is from Japan. I was using it in conjunction with Wunderbrow but think (at least I hope) I've mastered Wunderbrow that I don't need the eyebrow pencil. I've had the Dior eyeshadow brush for a few years now and the tip of it is all ragged. I guess that it's time to give it up. Don't think that I'll buy a Dior replacement as I have other brushes that function just as well. MAC Electra has been a staple in my everyday makeup. I've had this pan for years. Although I haven't replaced it yet, I will definitely be doing so. Just wish that I could use my Back-To-MAC items to pick up pro palette pans.

How is everyone's summer going so far? Mine has been wonderful since family is all together.

*Kat*

Quick Check In

Hi All! Now that my busy period at work has ended,  my son and his family are here visiting for the summer. I'll try to do posts as I can but want to spend as much time with them as possible.

A couple of things to note:

I've added to the left, a bloglovin button to be able to follow this blog, if you wish.

My computer just died yesterday and along with it was a bunch of pictures that I had uploaded and prepped to do blog posts with. I don't think that it will be worth fixing again since it's been fixed twice before--both times the motherboard needed to be replaced. Until I can find the time to replace my computer, I will be using either my iPhone, iPad (both of which I don't like to blog with), hubby's super slow and old laptop or my work laptop to at least do important online things.

Hope everyone is having a great summer so far.

*Kat*

Tokidoki Blush Brush

Sorry for the inconsistent posting of entries. It seems that this summer will be pretty busy for me. I also got sick on the 4th of July so I haven't had a chance to respond to some emails and comments but will try to catch up soon.

I just wanted to do a quick post tonight on the Tokidoki Blush Brush.

I do realize that the line has been discontinued from Sephora but still wanted to do this. I've been using this brush a lot recently. I really like it. I think that it's cute and the brush applies blush quite nicely.

The one thing that I don't like is the bulkiness of the brush topper. While it's really cute, it's quite heavy and cumbersome. I tried gently pulling it but it doesn't come off. (I haven't tried playing rough with it yet.) Any suggestions from anyone who has come up with a solution? I would like to be able to pull the top off and be able to put it back on when not in use, if possible.

*Kat*

Purchase Review: Eyeko Skinny Liquid Eyeliner

I've read over the years, about people using and loving the Eyeko Skinny Liquid Eyeliner. I've heard it compared to my HG K-Palette Eyeliner and other Japan brand eyeliners.

For those who haven't heard of these yet, here's a quick overview. Originated in London, I believe that at one time it wasn't easily available in the U.S. and elsewhere other than Europe. Again, I'm not positive on this as I hadn't been looking to purchase these at the time. I discovered in the last 6 months to a year that it was available at Sephora. In store, there is only black available, so I had purchased that a while back. It is a pen-like eyeliner, similar to many Japanese brands as well as Revlon Colorstay and Physician's Formula.

I recently discovered that there are other colors available online at Sephora so I decided to pick up Navy and Purple.

When I first purchased the black one a while back, I have to admit that I didn't care for it much. I felt that K-Palette worked for me much better since the K-Palette pen lines your eyes with a much finer line than Eyeko. I was lured by the thought of being able to use navy and purple eyeliner, which is why I decided to purchase Eyeko eyeliners again. Unfortunately, I am not impressed and am rather disappointed. I was hoping for some brilliant eyeliner colors but they come out so dark that you really can't see a distinctive color difference. When compared side by side with the each other, you can see how similar they are to each other. (B=Black, N=Navy, P=Purple)

I also find that Eyeko eyeliners do not glide on like the way K-Palette does. I was willing to overlook the differences if I could get brighter, more discernible colors in the colored eyeliners so it's unfortunate that it doesn't work out for me. I'm sorry to say that these were a thumbs down for me.

*Kat*

Purchase Review: Clinique Moisture Surge CC Cream

I picked up Clinique's Moisture Surge CC Cream a few weeks ago. It was mostly out of curiosity because I wanted to see what the difference is between a CC cream and a BB cream. Just by coincidence, as I started typing this blog post, a friend on twitter happened to tweet and ask what's the difference between the two. The CC stands for Color Correcting. To be quite honest, I do not see any noticeable difference between the two although I only have tried this one CC cream.

I chose to try Clinique's CC Cream because it is hydrating despite the fact that it is an oil-free product. It is formulated for all skin types. I was color matched to Light Medium.

After using it for several weeks, I am really liking it. It has been quite humid here and it seems to last at least 8 hours without touching up except for a little bit under my eyes. As with all base makeup, I do find that it oxidizes on me but it oxidizes to a good color match for me. The one thing that Clinique's CC Cream has over any other brand of BB cream is the choice of shades. If you are lucky, most BB cream brands have only 3 or 4 shades and I've found it difficult to get a good color match for myself. Clinique's CC Cream has a range of 6 shades, running from Very Light to Deep. This raises the chance of finding a good color match. The CC cream is a bit thicker than the foundations that I was using so it took a bit of getting used to applying it.I still prefer using a flat-top brush and stippling it on. It has really nice coverage and a little goes a long way. I find it to be nicely hydrating and doesn't settle into any fine lines. It's been the foundation that I've been reaching for each day.

Please share any experiences that you have had with CC creams.

*Kat*

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*

Purchase Review: Pureology Hair Care

Hello everyone! It's my yearly absence from blogging as I'm in the midst of my busy period at work. I really, really admire those of you who work long hours every day as a norm and still find time to keep your house, cook and blog! I'm usually so exhausted by the time that I get home that I just sit like a lump on a log and fall asleep. in front of the television. Working 10 - 14 hours a day, six days a week isn't fun at all and really cramps my style. Haha!

One of the things about working long hours for a 2 month stretch is that it's gentle on my wallet, although I am supposed to be using my stash. I was able to leave work a little early one day and I was feeling a bit stressed so I went walking at the mall to de-stress. Not a good idea because I went on a little shopping frenzy. A couple of the items that I purchased, I would like to review today.

Pureology Precious Oil Shamp'Oil and Softening Conditioner:

This line is supposed to be great for color-treated hair that is rough, dull and brittle. It is supposed to help your hair retain its natural shininess and fullness while protecting your color. The key point to this line is that it has ZeroSulfate, ZeroSilicone and contains the Oleo Anti Fade Complex. It is 100% vegan, is ultra fortifying and offers extraordinary color protection, clarity and strength. (All according to their website.) Key ingredients are Sunflower Oil, Coconut Oil, Olive Oil and Jojoba Oil. The Oleo Anti Fade Complex will equalize porosity, restore manageabilty, restore protective lipid layer and enhance color vibrancy.

I have been using the Lux Super Damage Repair line from Japan. While I really loved it at first, I have found that Japanese shampoos especially, will cause my scalp to get these little irritated bumps. I think that might be because of the high silicone content in it. I know that my face will react that way if I use a primer that has high silicone content. For example, I can't use Smashbox Photofinish Foundation Primer as my skin does react to it. I wouldn't say that it's an allergic reaction but definitely not good for my skin.

I also found that after using the Lux line for almost a year now, I was finding that my hair wasn't feeling as soft and silky. I believe that it was a buildup of the product. In fact, my hair was looking dull and lifeless and I was actually beginning to think that perhaps as a result of age, I was experiencing hair loss. As I just finished up my bottles, I decided that it was time for a change, even though I do have refills for Lux.

It recommended that I try this Pureology line because of my complaints about my hair. I was a bit skeptical at first because I didn't like the fact that the shampoo is shamp'oil and had different oils in it. I was worried that it would just make my hair worse. I was pleasantly surprised by how well it lathers up. I know that the lathering component to most shampoos are not good but I just can't seem to feel clean unless I get a good lather. The conditioner doesn't feel heavy and rinses off well. The scent is pleasant enough, although I'm not a strong fan of scents. I've heard it compared to Bath and Body Works Twilight Woods scent. I'm not sure as I don't use that scent line.

After my first use, my hair was so happy! It felt softer and lighter and my volume came back! I'm surprised and amazed that despite the many moisturizing oils in this line that my hair doesn't get frizzy from being overly moisturized nor does it feel greasy. I've used it several times since purchasing it and my hair is quite happy. I'm also happy that it is free of parabens, sulfate and silicone. It is on the pricier side but well worth it to me. I happened to luck out and got it at Trade Secret while they were having a 30% off sale.

*Kat*