Steals & Deals: Welcome to Lashville

So here's the scoop little babes, I am not very well endowed in the lash department (thanks Mom & Dad lol) so lets talk falsies.. I got these off eBay, I think for everything included I paid something ridiculously cheap like $12.00 for 60 pairs yes you read that correctly I said SIXTY pairs of lashes. I got 6 different styles of 10 pairs of lashes each.


They're not as good quality as Ardell's or something you'd buy for 8 bucks a pair from somewhere like Sally's Beauty but hey, they're totally worth it because you do get some really good bang for your buck.


This is what the photos from the eBay ad looked like:

There were a few defects in the lashes as far as a few of the lash fibers being improperly stuck together, but you can totally afford to lose a few due to the extreme low cost of these. It only works out to about 20 cents each! I also don't like the way the lashes are packaged unlike Ardell's and etc. the lashes aren't attached to a little plastic holder which helps give them their shape. Aside from those two things they're great.

Please note that unlike Ardells and etc. These lashes (at least I'm pretty sure) are NOT natural hairs. They are synthetic - I'm not sure what they're made of. So again they're not as good quality as something you'll pay like $8 for. But they're still good none the less.

This is how the lashes I received look:

 

Overall I really recommend these for anyone who wants lashes but can't justify paying an arm and a leg for them.

When I wear a pair of lashes from this set I normally take the lashes out of the box and I'll wrap the lashes one at a time around a make up brush with a thick handle (Something like the Mac 187 brush) and I'll hold the lash band around there for maybe 30 seconds or so. This helps the lash band stay in a "C" kind of shape making the application easier.

After the lashes have both been curved I'll measure the lash band against my eyelid and I'll trim off any excess from the part of the lash that will be on the outer corner of my eye. I'll then also trim the excess part of the lash band from the part of the lashes that will be on the inner corner of my eye. Make sure your fairly gentle when you do these two things so you don't undo the curving of the lashes you did previously. If the "C" shape did weaken then you can wrap the lash around a make up brush  to get a curve again if necessary. Then you can apply the lashes to your eyes!

 

Here is all the lashes up close and personal:

The main reason why I did a post about this is because I couldn't find very many other reviews of eBay lashes before I bought these. So Hopefully this helps someone who's looking for a little bit more info on lashes from eBay before purchasing them! =)

Raccoon Eyes & Smudgy Eyeliner Unintentionally Is NOT Cool!

 Ok so this topic is a biggie amongst people with watery eyes. Unfortunately I am one of those people and since you're reading this I'm guessing you are too. I feel your pain. I've dealt with this issue since the dawn of my existence (ok maybe not the dawn but since I was at least 15 haha) I love love LOVE wearing eyeliner on my waterline I think it looks great! I had to stop wearing it due to the smudgyness though it would slowly migrate south and make me look like a raccoon after about an hour.

One of the better liners I've tried is Urban Decay 24/7 liner in Zero (its a black) this liner is really soft and easily glides on.


This is what Urban Decay says about these pencils: "The best Eye Pencil ever, ever, ever! Never before has a pencil this creamy and brilliant been waterproof, too. Velvety-soft, this never-before-seen formula stays soft and creamy for blending (about 30 seconds), then dries down to a long-lasting finish that WILL NOT budge. Line eyes with a hint of color or go for the full artistic, multi-hued effect with the wide selection of lush tropical hues, deep metallics and unusually vibrant neutrals. Incredible with Urban Decay Eyeshadows!

Created with 50% moisturizing ingredients suspended in a sophisticated waterproof formula, 24/7 Eye Pencils offer long-lasting color and a dreamy, creamy feel when applied. With Jojoba Oil, Vitamin E and Cottonseed Oil".


It definitely stays in place better then your average liner but this isn't something that will last you "24/7", after a few hours it also migrates down to my under eye area giving me the infamous raccoon look. This is a liner that I'll typically use if I'm just running around doing errands or going to my boyfriends place for the evening.


The urban decay pencils retail for $18.00 USD for 0.2g e 0.04 US oz. These pencils come in a huge variety of pencils on Urban Decay's website there are 23 different shades available. Please note Urban Decay doesn't ship everywhere - maybe you'd have better luck getting a hold of these on Sephora's website.


So far the best thing that I've tried on my waterline that doesn't budge for hours on end is Tatres emphasEYES Amizonian Clay Waterproof liner!

This is what Tarte says about these liners: "Infused with micronized clay and reinforced by our natural waterproofing agent, these plush shadow/liners are a must for creating intense and long-lasting high definition eyes. Our high-performance natural™ Amazonian clay is nature's most perfect ingredient, lending deep color pigments while nourishing skin, reducing surface oil and improving overall texture for smooth application.
Our botanical waterproofing agent is earth engineered from a blend of natural plant waxes to form an impermeable layer that protects against rain, sweat, tears and creasing. The fusion of technologies results in an intense yet smooth cream that can be smudged onto lids as an all over shadow or used as a high definition liner using the double-ended brush included with each shade. emphasEYES™ shadow/liners are housed in an airtight jar to keep product cushion intact from start to finish, so no matter the look the result is a precise and waterproof finish".


This liner is available in 5 shades: Black, Brown Indigo, Plum, Bronze and Green. I currently have Black, Bronze and the Green liner. I love the consistency of all the liners but the Green is the worst of the three texture wise, on top of that I also thought it would be a more brilliant green. Its still a great liner though. I HIGHLY recommend the brush that the liners come with. Its FANTASTIC! Its my favourite brush to use when applying eyeliner. Although, I do use an angled eyeliner brush for applying this product to my water line, just to make it a little easier. To be more specific I use a Quo angled eyeliner brush (which is pictured below).


Tatres emphasEYES Amizonian Clay Waterproof liners retail for $22.00 USD from Tartes website for 1.8g or 0.06 oz.

Quo's Angled Liner Brush

 

Another product that I think would work well is Mac's fluid liners. I tried them out on my water line and they did have pretty good staying power also. The tarte liners did stay a little bit better but if your in a pinch I think its well worth it to use Mac's fluidliner over something like Urban Decay's 24/7 liner.

 

This is what Mac says about their fluidliner: "Ultra-smooth, Fluidline’s gel formula provides the precision of a liquid liner with a silkier, softer finish. Goes on “foolproof” with a brush in an easy dip-and-stroke action. Long-wearing. Smudge-proof. Lines up in a rich array of colours and finishes. Brush sold separately".

 

Mac's Fluid liner comes in 7 different shades (Ivy, Rich Ground, Dipdown, Blitz and Glitz, Waveline and Macroviolet) These liners retail for $18.00 CAD for 2.5 g / 0.08 US oz. If your interested you can get it off Mac's website.

 

 

 

Overall I think its a great option to use liners like Tarte's and Mac's. It gives those of us with watery eyes the option to wear something on our waterlines without having to touch them up every couple hours.

Tattoo Adventure.. Re Do's & So On

So about two years ago, I got my first tattoo. I thought it was rad as hell. Something unique, that no one else I knew had. Diamonds baby - on my feet. They were cool at first. It's such a shame though, they were done SO BAD like, ok before these I'd never had a tattoo in my life I was a newbie, and in the world of tattoos I still am. The artist that did them neglected to tell me that the spot I chose for them sucked (you'll know what I'm talking about when you see the photos) Anyways long story short - they are horrid and I'm not digging them any more and in my boyfriend's words they are "so trashy" but he still loves me to pieces regardless of how heinous they are. We both agreed, I must do away with them! I don't mind covering them up with something new because I have no personal connection to them.

SO I did a little research and found a great little place on Bloor Street West in Toronto called Tat-A-Rama. The place has been around since '83 and a lot of the great tattoo artists in Toronto worked there at some point. I went in there and the guy at the desk gave my tattoos a look over and gave me the scoop on how much of an issue it could be to cover them up. He walked into the back of the shop and talked to a few people there, he came back up and told me to wait a few minutes because they had to have a "meeting" about my tattoos.

This other guy came up and took a look at them and told me how poorly they are placed and that he's not surprised they are the way that they are. He then asked what I'd like to cover them with. I told him (I'm not tell you guys yet.. It's a surprise haha) and he said that it can be done but it will probably require me to come back in the future for a few touch-ups. I booked an appointment so in two weeks the journey of my new tattoos will begin!

This is what I've got going on now. Please don't judge me!

Stay tuned for my new tattoos!


...I'm excited! =)

Being Bronze Intro...

So, I'm enjoying doing the Tanning Files but it takes time, and that's something I've been running short on lately which is why I've been neglecting it. I know, shame on me. Big shame.

So, rather than keeping you all on the edges of your seats in anticipation for the delayed Tanning File Reviews; I thought I'd quench your desires with something a little bit more easily done by me but still very interesting and useful to you. Best of all since in The Tanning Files I'm not covering how products rate on your lovely faces, this will help you in not walking around with a beautifully bronzed bod and a pale un-sun-kissed face.

To start things off quickly, a little while ago I did a post on GOSH Giant Sun Powder 001. That link will provide you to swatches and a review to a wonderful product for those of you searching for a great sunny glow with minimal color alteration to your face.

Also, you may want to check out these two posts: The Body Shop Honey Bronzing Powder in 04 Deep Matte & The Body Shop Honey Bronze Liquid Bronzer. These are good products that are part of The Body Shop's 2011 Summer line (which means they are only available this summer). So if you do happen to fall in love with them, you better stock up until the cows come home because there's a chance you'll never see these babies again.

In keeping with what I always say at the end of these types of posts; Stay tuned for more (this time I promise) my little lovelies! 

=)

Kajal Liners

I heard about Kajal liners when I came across the Khôl Kajal by Guerlain on Sephora.com, here is the link. This thing goes for a pretty penny too: $36USD.

Personally I've never had any experience with this product, so I can't speak on it. But I can say that it did intrigue me. I started looking around for information on Kajal liners. Apparently there are various brands of these types of liners that contain lead.

Here's a little blurb I got off the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene's website:

"Which types of kohl, kajal and surma contain lead?

There are many varieties and manufacturers of kohl, kajal and surma. Any of them can contain lead. Recently, the New York City Health Department found the following products to be contaminated:

• Hashmi Surma Special, made in Pakista
• Hashmi Kajal, made in Pakistan
• Hashmi Kohl Aswad, made in Pakistan
• "Pure Kohl From the Waters of ZamZam"

This really freaks me out, I know that there are probably quite a few reputable manufacturers of Kajal liners but what consumers can be positive about what products contain what ingredients. The point of this post is just to get it out there to be careful when purchasing items you're not familiar with.

The point of this post is also due to the fact that I'm always very interested in trying new things. I love new products, I like to know what my options are, which is why I have an extreme love for Internet shopping. Its allowed me to buy a huge variety of products I'd never get my hands on here. Whether it be make up, nail supplies or clothes (by the way, clothes are my FAVOURITE things to buy online, because rather then being a constant mall shopper and wearing the same things as everyone else you get the chance to own something that no one else you know has - or will ever have lol)

Since the idea of lead in a Kajal liner scares the bejeasus out of me I didn't risk too much here. I decided that rather then ordering from a brand I've never heard of before and rather then shelling out cash on something I'm not sure I'll even like. I took the safe (and cost effective) route I also did plenty of research.

So Stay tuned for a post containing photos, swatches, a comparison and review between two different Kajal liners.. I don't know about you, but I'm excited lol =)

No Buy Break Up

This is how it all went down...

Steph: "Hey No Buy, I don't think I can do this any more. Believe me. It's not you - it's me. No wait, it is you. you suck. BIG TIME. It's not that I don't have the will power to continue on with you but, I'm starting to become blind to why I started this thing, I don't like you - you don't like me so who are we really kidding here..?"

No Buy (a.k.a. Steph's financial conscience): "I knew it, just like everyone else said you wouldn't be able to stick it out with me.. You didn't even last a week".

Steph: "Well to be totally honest I did last a week. You should know that. I could stick it out with you, but I'm choosing not to. Rather than deprive myself for 6 months, I'm going to plan out purchases & sleep on things. No more splurging uncontrollably. I'm going to be responsible. I'm teaching myself responsibility. No buys will not work for me. All the money I initially save will be spent faster than it was saved, obviously and after that money is gone I'll be in the same boat. So, so long Mr. No-Buy, your novelty wore off more quickly than anyone could have imagined".

Haha, I hope you all enjoyed my little skit.

You heard it. I quit. My boyfriend thinks this "no buy" thing is stupid and I'm around him almost 24/7 so in regards to me being on a make up no buy, he's a shit ass support system - which works out for me because I get to buy stuff again... Geeze hes a keeper! =)


Stay tuned for my first CherryCulture Haul + Review!

ASOS the First & Second Time Around.. Review

I have a huge love for buying clothes online, sure there's a little bit of fear due to sizing, but if you measure yourself a couple times and ensure to correctly read the size chart you should be fine. I suggest if your interested in buying online you should get a seamstress measuring tape or a cloth tape measure. This will just allow you to simply wrap the measuring tape around yourself so you can get an accurate number of your Bust (or chest if your a dude) your waist and hips. You should always also consider shoulder width and length of a top/dress when checking out measurements.

I have a huge problem with buying clothes, I'm about 5'7 which is average but I do have quite a long upper body and shorter legs so it can be hard to find things since the in thing now is "cropped" tops and jackets. I also have fairly broad shoulders a large rib cage. So just for safety reasons I measure myself at least a couple times and allow myself 1-2 inches just for a little bit of grace.

I bought two things from ASOS.com (which is a UK clothing website) they have a huge variety of items in a huge variety of price points. The thing I really liked about the website is on the left side bar it gives you tons of options, from size and color to the price your wanting to spend on something. Their clearance section is also phenomenal. As well as clothing ASOS sells shoes other accessories and makeup

These are the two items I bought:

 

The black and white print dress is for a baptism I'm going to in the beginning of July. I bought this dress on sale for only $33.24 which was a mark down from $59.09 its a really light weight dress and it will be perfect for the event. The only problem is that I bought it in a size too small, it fit me perfectly everywhere except the chest. So I ordered a second one and shipped the first one back for a refund. The second dress I bought (the white one) is a really REALLY light weight dress, its called a Cheesecloth tunic dress. I bought this dress on sale for $19.48 and it was marked down from $24.79! I thought that this would be perfect for summer and great for hot weather in general.

Overall I'm really happy with the speed at which ASOS sends items out and the short turn around from when I buy an item to when I actually receive an item (which to me in Ontario is about 7 days!) They're order confirmation email comes almost immediately and your shipping notification comes quickly too (either on the business day you place an order if its early enough. Or the next upcoming business day)

My absolute favourite thing about ASOS is that aside from just being able to look at the clothing they have an on the cat walk thingy where they show a model walking in the piece of clothing. This give you such a great indication of how it falls on the body from all angles and how it will move around when you walk... I applaud you ASOS! lol
I will be buying from ASOS again!

You can find the black and whit print dress here and the white Cheesecloth dress here. All of the prices mentioned in this post are in Canadian dollars.

The Body Shop Honey Bronze Liquid Bronzer: Review + Swatches

I bought this for $14.00 at the Body Shop. I've used this a few times and I really like it, I prefer it to my Eyeko Tinted cream - this blends much easier. I like that's is more of a liquid too then a cream it just spreads around your face more easily. The only thing that I dislike about this product is the speed at which it dries. Its totally dry in about a min, which means when your applying it you need to work quickly so rather then applying it to you whole face in one shot, its best to apply to you fore head then you cheeks and so on. To apply this product I just use my fingers. Another reason why I prefer this product to my Eyeko Tinted cream is because its matte. I've said in other posts that I'm a huge matte fan, obviously it just looks more natural.

This product has no orange tinge on it what so ever for me, it gives me a really nice subtle bronzy tan on my face and neck. This is a great product to use if you self tan but don't apply the self tanner you use to your face (like myself).

Blended (left) Unblended (right)

Overall I really like this product. I recommend it to anyone looking for a more tanned look on their face. I may or may not buy this product again, I prefer to use the matte honey bronzing powder that the body shop sells from this line (which is a temporary line). The powder for me is just more easily buildable in my opinion. You can read my review of the powder here.

I'm going to give this product 4.75 GlitterBombs out of 5, I really like the product. I just wish that you had a little bit more time to work with it when your applying it to you face.

 

Half Moon Nail Tutorial [Reattepmt]

Ok guys lets kick off June the right way lol, my last post about half moon nails was a big bust. it sucked, I know it, you know it. The end. Here is my first attempt at half moon nails. FYI - It looks horrid lol!


So I started by removing my current polish and filed my nails. So we've got a nice clean canvas now. I then applied Revlons Multi Care Base + Top Coat #965 let it dry and then followed this with a coat of Zoya Mitzi (this is a matte shade) I did a second and third coat of this to allow for the polish to be true to color. Be patient and let this FULLY DRY.


I then took paper hole reinforcers (the PLASTIC kind and stuck them on the back of my hand so they weren't super sticky - like so they aren't sticky enough to peel off the polish I just put on).

I placed the hole reinforcers on my nails and made sure they were secure. I made small cuts in the sides of the sticker so that the base of my nail was fully covered by the circle, if you don't do this there will be some lifting of the sticker because the skin at the base of your nail is somewhat raised compared to your actual finger nail. By the way, sorry about the blurriness in this photo lol

 

I then painted the top area with China Glaze Evening Seduction. It only took one coat to fully cover Mitzi. I then followed this by doing a top coat of Revlons Multi Care Base + Top Coat #965
This is the final result. Overall I'm really happy with it, sure there are a few imperfections but it was only my second time doing this. I'll be sure to do this manicure again and hopefully next time it'll be even better. I hope you all enjoyed this!