Empties #1 2013

My first empties! I definitely did not finish all of this in one month. I have a weird thing where I like to put all my empty in a box. Looking at all those empty bottles makes me happy to know that I have finished them. Yes, I have issues. 

Lancome La Base Primer: I got this when I was a tester for L'oreal. When you are a cosmetics at L'oreal, you get a little gift bag of makeup cosmetics as a thank you: It ranges from Maybelline to Lancome products. Le Base Primer didn't do anything special that any other silicone primers would do. It has very little product and ran out pretty fast. I was done with it less than 3 months. It is also really expensive for what it is ($50). I would never have gotten it if it wasn't complimentary.

Vichy Thermale 3-in-1 Calming Cleansing Solution: This is probably the closest dupe to Bioderma. I do like Bioderma, but I personally prefer cleansing oils to any other makeup removers. I just find it easier and less wasteful. Vichy Thermale 3 in 1 Calming Cleansing Solution is not exactly cheaper since it comes in a smaller bottle than Bioderma, but it is easier to find it in the States. It's sold in some drugstore and Ulta. 

Chanel Vitalumiere Aqua Cream Compact: I love this stuff! I would say it's merging HG. It exactly what the regular Vitalumiere Aqua does but it has more coverage and lasts a big longer on me. You don't need much at all. I use you duo fiber brush tap it in lightly and buff it in. It leaves a beautiful glow to your skin that is like the heavens calling from up above. God, I miss it. I need to buy another one. 

Chanel Double Perfection Powder: This is really Chanel's version of MAC 'Studio Fix.' It has great lasting power; however, if not careful, it does cake up. I liked that it has medium to full coverage, but during the day I had some issues with caking around my nose. It's probably not a fair assessment because I did use a the sponge that it came with a stamped it on my face.  

Eucerin Daily Protection SPF 15: I didn't like this. It had a powdery feel and it left my skin sticky. I was so glad to be done with this.

Touch in Sol Feel Like Honey Moon Skin Base:I got this in a Glossy Box. I couldn't use to this as a primer. It is suppose to be a primer right? It says skin base? Well, when I did use to as a primer then followed with my regular foundation, it balls up and made it look icky. Instead, I used it as a nigh time moisturizer, which turned out great. It was really moisturizing and made my skin look brighter and plumper. 

Neutrogena Anti-Residue Shampoo : It does exactly what it says it does. It's a really good clarifying shampoo, but I couldn't get pass the smell. It smelled like Baby Powder. Because of that, I could not wait to get rid of it. 

It's a 10 Miracle Leave-In Conditioner: This stuff is great!!! It makes your hair SO silky soft. All those ten things it says it does, it does do it. 

Urban Decay All Nighter Setting Spray: I rely on this during the summer. It doesn't make a huge difference for me. I would say about the lasting power is an hour or two extra than normal. However, I don't mind that it makes little difference because it beats slapping out powder every 10 minutes. 

Kiss Me Heroine Lengthening and Curving Mascara: Practically HG. I'm on my 3 tube of this stuff. It's the only thing that holds my curl. It's worth the $10 shipping...(crying on the inside).

Kiss Me Heroine Mascara Remover: Total HG. Japanese mascara is the worst thing to get rid of. It is practically impossible. Seriously. This is the only thing that works. It looks exactly like mascara but without the brush on the wand. I swipe it on, wait for a few minutes and it slides off like a dream. 

Blinc Liquid Eyeliner: I got this in a Birchbox years ago, and I was surprised that I like this. It has a really thin brush tip. It was easy to draw it on. I hear a lot of good things about Blinc as a brand. I want to try more of their stuff. 

24 Hour Eyebrow Pencil: I got this as a Japanese market. One side was a brow pencil and the other side was a brow market.  A lot of brow products for black hair is too dark or too brown for me.This is the perfect color for me. This was lingering towards grey. I loved the marker side more than the pencil side because it looked so natural. A few flicks of the pen made the my brows look really natural. 

WHEW!!!!!!! Did anyone actually read that whole thing?!!? Thank you whoever did. That was A LOT OF stuff. I hope it was helpful.

Benefit 'Hello Flawless!'

Man, I go through so much powder. I used up my Chanel Double Perfection last summer. Since summer is coming up, I thought I'd buy another one. Well... that's the excuse I told myself, at least.

Benefit Hello Flawless

First the packaging: It has packaging plastic packaging with a magnetic closure. The magnetic closes well. I have no complaints. They packaged it to look like a vanity mirror. It has the Benefit logo on the side of the compact. It's so cute! It comes with a powder puff and brush, which is pretty nice. It usually comes one or the other, but I don't use either one. 

This powder is exactly what Benefit said it does.  Man,  this powder packs quite a punch! It definitely gives a medium to full coverage. I was quite pleased that it covered all my acne pigmentation. I like this way more than Chanel Perfection and MAC Studio finish. Both other powders has caked on me and make my pores humongous. The powder is also really find and silky. It feels as light as loose powder. It's amazing how such a fine powder have so much coverage. I use Real Techniques powder blush and just tap it on the skin and HELLO FLAWLESS SKIN!

There is a few things I hate about this powder.. It's SO powdery! I barely tap my brush in the compact and the powder goes everywhere!! I can see why other people say that this powder runs out really fast. I never seen a powder that is that powdery! Also, this powder does not last long. It lasts at most 3-4 hours. This is really disappointing but I love the coverage. But lasting power is really important to me. 

Would I buy this again? No. Even thought I love everything about this powder, but it doesn't last enough. :( 

Rite Aid Haul

Rite Aid is having 40% off on Revlon & Physicians Formula! 

I knew this haul was happening when I found out Rite Aid is having this sale. I told myself that if I ran 2 miles that day then I get to go shop, and I did! :) 

Left to Right: Revlon Colorstay in Nude, Physicians Formula Glowing Boosting Airbrushing Bronzing Veil , Revlon Just Bitten Kissable Balm Stain in Precious

I was thinking about getting Revlon Naked too, but I didn't know if it's going to last long on me or not. I was thinking because of all the rave reviews about Revlon Colorstay Whip's lasting power that I'd try this one firs.t If this doesn't work then... nothing will? Or at least in the Revlon range. 

Physicians Formula Bronzer was totally an impulse buy. The pretty sun got to me.. 

Was there anything else that I should have gotten? 

How to Get Foundation Out of a Broken Foundation Pump Tutorial

What you need: 

Hammar or Scissors

Empty Jar

Your stupid foundation that doesn't give you your damn foundation

Step 1: 

Take your hammar or whatever you can bang with and take the top off.

It should look like this. 

Step 2: 

Turn it upside down and start pressing down against the jar. The foundation should start coming out. 

Warning: It'll get really messy. 

Ta-dah!!!!!!! 

Chanel Vitalumiere Aqua

While Bourjois Healthy Mix is in a coma, I am using Chanel VitaLumiere Aqua. This is a light formula. It is one of those foundations if you want your skin to look like skin. If you have acne scarring of hyper-pigmentation, you would need to use concealer.  I wore this all the time last summer. It doesn't last long, but the finish is so pretty! It has a dewey finish but not obvious dewey. It is really similar to Bourjois Healthy Mix but Bourjois Healthy Mix has more of a matte finish. I would wear this with primer and power my t-zone during the summer. It does have a really strong smell. Grandma floral smell.Thankfully, the smell is gone after application. Whew.

 It has a little nozzle that I like. It controls how much you want as opposed to a foundation with a cap. Even pumps can be a pain (See my Bourjois review). When you use this, you are suppose to shake it up a lot. If you dont, you'll an oil and foundation poop all over your face. So shake shake shake it up, baby! I do what goddess Lisa Eldridge does when she applies it, just with fingers. I find that with fingers gives more coverage than when I use the Real Techniques Buffing brush (love!) I would highly recommend this. 

"You most likely need a thesaurus, a rudimentary grammar book, and a grip on reality. This latter means: there’s no free lunch. Writing is work. It’s also gambling. You don’t get a pension plan. Other people can help you a bit, but ­essentially you’re on your own. ­Nobody is making you do this: you chose it, so don’t whine"

-Margaret Atwood 

I dream of Portland

I'm graduating soon (yay!) 

But, I don't want to move back home... 

I want to move to Portland!! 

I remember going there for the first time, and I imagine doing Portland stuff all the time.  

Like going to the Saturday market EVERY Saturday.

 Eat at these places ALL the time. 

And eat Voodoo Donuts like it's a religion

LE SIGH.

Tinted Moisturizers

The pump on my Bourjois Healthy Mix broke. It's been sadly sitting on my desk for days now. I tried to fix it, but nothing comes out. It makes me so sad, because Bourjois isn't sold in the U.S. I got it from a swap who someone from Sweden was so lovely to send it to me. But now, after so many days, I have to admit that Bourjois has finally died. 

On the other hand, I guess this is a good thing because now I get to go foundation shopping! muahahahaha! 

Lately, my skin has been okay. I'm getting less breakouts (FINALLY). My acne hyper-pigmentation has been less noticeable  so I don't need a lot of coverage. I want something that is makes me skin look like it's glowing from within, but last a long time. I also want some type of coverage to cover the spots that are still there. So, I looking for longer lasting and little to medium coverage. 

The Contestants: 

Chantecaille 'Just Skin' Tinted Moisturizer SPF 15

Part of the reason why I want this is because it is so luxurious. It's bloody expensive $64. That's like a month of groceries. But I read so many good reviews on it. It supposed to be a better counterpart of Laura Mercier tinted moisturizer. I did try Laura Mercier's version. I got the oil-Free one. It was so pretty and I would have kept it but it made me into an oil slick within 2 hours. I am hoping this one would be like Laura Mercier, but lasts a lot longer. 

Kevyn Aucoin 'Sensual Tinted Balm'

Okay, the title is stupid. "Sensual Tinted Balm" Really? When was a tinted balm sensual? Did you squirt some KY in there? Anyways, other than the title, this thing has some great reviews. Other bloggers are comparing it to Chantecaille's "Just Skin" and they say that this one is less dewey and longer lasting. That sounds perfect for me.  

Nars Pure Radiant Tinted Moisturizer 

Nars as a brand rarely lets me down. They have true quality products. I never tried this, but I heard a lot people like it. I wonder if it lasts long on oily skin.

Jouer Matte Moisture Tint

The name of this tint sounds like a perfect match for me. Matte? Check. Moisture? Check. I never used Jouer before. It seems a lot of the English beauty bloggers are taking a liking to them. 

Which one should I choose? 

It's time to knit again.

I am back on the knitting brigade. I have so much knitting debt that I don't know why I stopped. I was working on some fingerless gloves and I only knitted ONE HAND. I really need to finish it, but before I do, I decided my friend's birthday is coming up and I promised her I would knit a scarf for her dog, Lulu. I never met Lulu. She is a Mini Pincher. I am really estimating the size of this scarf. Good thing my friend asked for a scarf. At least scarves is one size fits all. 

26th Birthday Extravaganza

Yesterday I turned 26! 

@courtesy of Katespade

I had a great time! My friends treat me well! And it all started last Saturday... 

We went to eat at Omars. It was disgustingly delicious.

These are the best fried zucchini ever.. (drool) 

I had the "Toad in the Hole." It is a baked potato filled with a very sexy cream sauce topped with a hamburger patty. 

Then, of course, my friends had to tell the waitress it was my birthday and I got a complimentary sundae. 

Look at all that hot fudge! 

Afterwards, I got very tipsy from an "Orgasm" shot (yummy) and a whiskey shot. My roommate told me I spewed quite a few F bombs during this time, which I do not normally do.. 

We decided to watch "Warm Bodies." This is probably the poorest rendition of Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet, I ever seen. But, what do I know? It's not like I was intoxicated or an English major. ;) 

On my actual birthday, I had no idea what was happening. My friends just told me to dress up, so I did.   

Face: Chanel Vitalumiere Aqua  Origins Planscription Concealer Benefit Hello Flawless Sleek Glo 

Eyes: Anatasia Brow Wiz Benefit Creaseless Cream Shadow in Birthday Suit, Kiss Me Heroine Mascara, CoverGirl NaturelLuxe mascara, Kiss Ever-ez fake lashes

Lips: Nars Honolulu Honey

When I got to my friend's place, my friends shocked me with a surprised party! I was definitely a surprised when two dogs started running at me. 

Aren't the decorations so cute!? 

My honorary seat!  

A panty rose on my plate. 

I forgot to take pictures of the food we had. (Darn) It was fried chicken, bbq baked beans and peas. Finger licking good.

We cleansed our palette with a homemade chocolate cake with a mixture of cool whip and strawberries topped with strawberry icing. OH YEAH. 

Afterwards, we drove around town to get my complimentary Dutch Bros. coffee. For non-Oregonians, Dutch Bros. is a a better version of Starbucks drive-thru. On your birthday you get a free any type any size coffee. We went to 5 Dutch Bros. I have five LARGE coffees sitting on my dining room table. It's going to take a week to get through them. IT'S AWESOME. 

And that's REALLY it. The end of my 26 birthday celebration.Yipee!

Birthday Wish list!

Tomorrow is my BIRTHDAY!!! Yeah, I know it's on Valentine's day. I am pretty special. <3 

I just want to share to the internet world what I'm needing wanting: 

From top left clock wise: Beauty Diary Facial Masks, Sony Nex Camera, polka dot candles, Caramel Cake

Beauty Diary Masks: My skin has been so problematic this year. It's the year of erupting pimples. Not only that... my skin has been SO dry. I never had dry skin before. It's probably because i'm aging. :( For all you gals with dry skin, coming form a person who normally has very OILY skin.. I feel you. 

Sony Nex: Oh sony.. I have been hearting you for so long. You are so pretty. Is it weird that I love this more than the Olympus Pen just  because of the sound it makes when it takes pictures? Hearing it makes me very happy. 

Caramel Cake: Because you are so sexy and scrumptious. Who would deny a caramel cake?! 

Candles:  I'm gonna need 26 of them tomorrow night! 

MAC Ruby Woo

Happy Chinese New Year!! 

With Chinese New Year and Valentine's Day, this February is definitely the color of RED. I have been gravitating towards red lips lately. Of course, I'm not brave enough to wear it outside yet... but I do love it. I bought Ruby Woo because Lisa Eldridge said so, and she was right. It's beautiful.  

         

Ruby Woo $15

Ruby Woo is a matte forumla. It's a red with blue undertones. I don't know how it compares to other Mac lipsticks, because believe it or not, this is my only Mac Lipstick I own! A lot of people don't like matte forumlas. They find the lipstick drying and uncomfortable to wear. Although this is true, the drying texture gives my lips a very natural look like those are really what my lips look like! 

Ruby Woo goes on opaque, which i love! This swatch is a few swipes, because I want you to see the true color. 

Weird picture of me. Damn, this background makes me look like I'm in some shady area. 

What's in my makeup bag?

There are products I have been using lately. I been having the same face routine for the past month. I been loving all the products that I haven't thought of switching it up yet. Awesome, right? 

 Anyways, off the the pictures!! 

FACE: 

I LOVE foundation. It's probably the one makeup item I buy the most. Right now, I am using Bourjois Healthy Mix in 52. I think I am about a NC 20 in MAC, and this shade is perfect for me, right now. I want to say that this has a satiny leaning towards matte powdery finish. It is very similar to Chanel VitaLumiere Aqua in finish and consistency, but it has a bit coverage than VitaLumiere Aqua.  It does not cover all my acne hyper-pigmentation, but it has such a natural finish that I can overlook that part. As for staying power, it is not Revlon Colorstay. I have oily skin, and this would not suffice during the summer time. Right now, I am combination skin and with some powder it lasts me pretty well. (oh and this thing smells AMAZING. It has this great fruity scent!) 

Because it's winter time, my skin has been pretty good. I been using the Garnier Skin Renew Anti-Dark Circle Eye Roller to cover my blemishes and sometimes as a highlighter. I have a love hate relationship with this product. It's a great drugstore product. It covers enough of my acne blemishes and sometimes my dark circles, and it's reflective enough (for me) to use as a highlighter. When I use it as a highlighter  it is very subtle. Basically, this is the drugstore version of YSL touche eclat concealer pen before Maybelline and Loreal came out with theirs. BUT using this is  a pain in the ass. The rollerball doesn't distribute the product evenly. It either gives me a lot of product or little to no product. I try to shake it and it doesn't work. Also, IT FLASHES BACK. I would never use this if I knew I was going to get my pictures taken. I already have had that experience. It wasn't pleasant. It looked like I have two bright white discs shaped in the letter C under my eyes. Not cute. 

I do not want to say much about this because I just got it. But, I will say is it full coverage powder foundation. I like it so far. 

Oh Nars Orgasm. The most popular blush of all time. I had this thing for so long. 5+ years! Is that sanitary? I hope it is. When I first bought it, I hated it. I didn't get why people liked Nar blushes so much. ( I think I still think that way). It is not until I shattered it and fixed it when I started to love and appreciate it. It is such a pretty flush that I can't change any other blush. When used correctly, it looks very natural. This one that I have is REALLY pigmented. I think I used too much alcohol when I was putting it back together. I cannot use a standard blush brush when I apply this to my face. I use a stippling brush than tap the excess off my wrist THEN apply it to my face. The result is A-MA-ZING

EYES:

I love the Anatasia Brow Wiz in brunette. Surprisingly, even though it doesn't look unnatural against my black hair. 

I am not a eyeshadow person, but when I am in the mood, this is my quick eyeshadow fix. It's Stila Smudge Crayon Waterproof Eye Color in Antique. This is the only eye shadow cream thing that I can use without using a primer that creases on me, which is PRETTY RARE. I have really oily eyelids. I can't use most eyeshadow primers including Urban Decay's, and I have no problems with this. I love this champagne color also because it looks really natural on my eyes  while giving me a wash of color, which is really all I really want from an eyeshadow. 

I am a MASCARA FREAK. Besides that, my main requirement for a mascara is that it must hold my curl. If a mascara droops my curl even by 1mmi; it's a failure. Because I have stubby, thin and very straight Asian lashes, I can only use Japanese mascaras. There has been no American mascara that hold up my lash curl alone. So, my beloved mascara Heroine Make: the volume version make my lashes so pretty. I cannot have enough. Sadly, she is coming to an end. She's drying up and clumping on me so I use her as as a primer then coast Covergirl Natureluxe to give me an extra ooph. I do like the Covergirl Natureluxe. It gives separation and volume. I haven't tried it alone, so I can't give much of a review. 

Lips: 

I bought Nars Honolulu Honey last month and I used half of it already. This is the perfect nude. It's an orange tone lipstick, which sounds weird to refer it as a nude but on my very pigmented lips, the orange counteracts the pink making it nude-like on my lips. I'm going to need to buy another one soon.