BEAUTY REVIEW: Revlon ColorStay Liquid Eye Pen in Blackest Black

SOURCE:  Drugstore.com

I've been doing a lot of nail polish reviews lately, so I thought I would shake things up a bit by selecting another type of beauty product to review.  I am still in the process of slowly cleaning out and reorganizing my beauty products.  I admit that I've kept some of these products way too long, but only for the purpose of posting a beauty review before tossing them out.

Revlon's ColorStay Liquid Eye Pen is one of those products that I have been keeping to review.  As you all know, I am a fan of the felt tip liner.  For some reason, I'm not very good at applying eyeliner with a brush tip unless its the Physicians Formula's Eye Booster 2-in-1 Lash Boosting Eyeliner + Serum.  Perhaps with more practice, I will be able to apply my eyeliner with a brush tip like a pro, but until that happens, I am more than satisfied with using a felt tip eyeliner.  Thus, Revlon's ColorStay Liquid Eye Pen seemed to fit my criteria and I had to try it, especially after some of the beauty gurus on YouTube raved about this product.

THE PROS:

• Application:  The felt tip liner applies the product smoothly across the lash line, but I suggest using this product for only your upper lash line and using a pencil eyeliner to line your bottom lash line.  I use short small strokes along my lash line to apply the product.  The felt tip allows you to apply a fine to bold line depending on the look you want.  This is also a great product to easily achieve a cat eye look.
• Availability:  Revlon cosmetic products are widely available at all major drugstore chains.  However, this seems to be a very popular product so stores tend to run out of this product fast, especially when Revlon products are on sale.
• Price:  The felt tip liner retails for about $9 to $10, which is a deal considering the price of other high end eyeliners.

THE CONS:

• Performance:  The eyeliner formula is not as dark as I would like it to be, even if it was in "blackest black", but it is darker than some other black eyeliners I've used before.  A huge drawback for me was that it is not waterproof.  It tends to smear on my lids, especially around the corners of my eyes where moisture tends to collect.  I also noticed a little bit of smearing under my bottom eyelid area.  Boo hiss.  I am not a fan of raccoon eyes.
• Variety:  This eyeliner only comes in three colors:  Blackest Black, Black, and Blackened Brown.  Even though I usually use jet black eyeliners, having a wider variety of colors would probably make this product even more attractive.

Again, I have more pro points than con points, but the performance of a product is an paramount factor in my book when it comes to eyeliners.  I don't hate this product, but I am not totally in love with it either since I have other eyeliners that I feel perform better than this one.

BEAUTY REVIEW: OPI Nail Lacquer in Chicago Champagne Toast

SOURCE:  Drugstore.com

I am trying my best to stick with my plan to make use of all the nail polishes I have accumulated.  Honestly, what is the sense in buying all these lovely bottles of polish without ever using them?  Every time I see big displays of OPI, Essie, or Sephora polishes, I am overcome with excitement.  I slowly feel my willpower cave in and my body being magnetically drawn to the display.  My eyes are dazzled with all of the pretty shades.  It's actually really sad to realize that I am such a vulnerable and gullible target consumer.  But, I digress.

During a recent sidewalk sale at the mall (again, I am such a sucker!), I picked up a couple of OPI polishes, including this classic favorite in "Chicago Champagne Toast".  I've been a fan of this color for a long time.  In fact, it was one of the first shades I used when I sported my long acrylic nails.  Yes, I used to have acrylic nails when I was a poor starving law student until I realized that one of the reasons I was a poor starving law student was because I was spending money every two weeks to get my nails filled, filed, and polished.

"Chicago Champagne Toast" is described on the OPI website as a "fine pink champagne with an understated shine".  I'm not sure if that description is totally accurate because the polish looks more peachy than pink to me and the shine is pretty frosty.  Well, you be the judge by looking at the picture of my finished nails.

OPI's "Chicago Champagne Toast"

THE PROS:

• Performance:  This polish is opaque and I found that only two coats are sufficient.  I used a base coat (Revlon's Quick Dry Base Coat) and a top coat (Seche Vite) to complete my manicure.  Due to the frosty finish, you need to make sure that you apply your polish carefully.  The polish stands up to the daily wear and tear and usually lasts on my nails for about one week before noticeable chips and cracks.
• Affordability:  OPI polishes are not cheap, but cheaper than some of the high end polishes, such as Butter, Chanel, and Nails Inc.  For the quality, you get a solid product at a reasonable price.

THE CONS:

•  Color:  I am not sure whether my issue with color should be under its own separate category or lumped under the performance category.  However, as much as I love this color, I swear that the color in my most recent purchased bottle is different from the color in an older bottle.  Maybe it is just me, but I remember "Chicago Champagne Toast" as being on the nude side rather than pink/peachy.
• Availability:  OPI polishes are only available at salons.  However, now that OPI also makes the polishes for Sephora, you can find OPI polishes at any mall or outlet mall.  My biggest complaint is that OPI has so many limited edition polish lines that unless you fall in love with a color that is part of OPI's Classic Line, you may need to wait and find a dupe in a subsequent collection.  Luckily "Chicago Champagne Toast" is part of OPI's Classic Line.

Hmm...so with two pro points and two con points, it looks like a tie.  However, as I stated before, this is one of my all time favorite OPI polishes and therefore, this polish receives a thumbs up from me!

BEAUTY REVIEW: Essie in Lilacism

SOURCE:  Essie website

Recently, I've been making a conscious effort to polish my nails.  I keep buying bottles of pretty nail polish shades, but never get around to polishing my nails.  Thus, I am making an effort to get off of my lazy butt and start polishing and manicuring my own nails.

As part of my effort, I am also trying to use all the colors that I currently own.  I bought Essie's Lilacism several months ago at my local drugstore.  I was looking for something pale/neutral with a hint of lavender.  Even though Lilacism looked a little darker than what I had in mind, I thought that I would give it a whirl.  So what did I think?  The verdict is still out.

Perhaps it is because I am so used to neutral, pink, and red shades on my finger nails.  Or, perhaps I am used to a polish with more shimmer.  Whatever the reason may be, I am just not totally head over heels for this shade.  The polish is opaque, which I like because I find that many of the Essie polishes are sheer.  I only needed to apply two coats of polish to achieve my desired finish.  Lilacism does not have any shimmer or sparkle to it, but leaves a very shiny opaque finish.  A plus for this type of finish is that your application does not have to be super straight.  For a little more desired sparkle, add a glitter top coat.  The application was pretty easy; no noticeable streaking, which Essie is also known to perform.

My nails with Essie's Lilacism

THE PROS

• Availability:  Essie polishes are now widely available at more large retail drugstore chains, including Target and Walgreens.  I remember the days when we needed to visit the salon to get our hands on Essie polishes.  In fact, I didn't even hear about Essie polishes until about five years ago.  I got this bottle at Longs Drugs.
• Affordability:  Essie polishes are not cheap, but they are not crazy expensive either.  For the quality, you get a solid product at a reasonable prices.
• Performance:  As stated above, this polish is opaque and does not streak on application.  I used the Revlon Quick Dry Base Coat; two coats of Essie's Lilacism; and Seche Vite top coat. I did my nails on Sunday night and after five days, I don't see any noticeable chips; just a little wear and tear on the tips of my nails, but that is due to typing on my keyboard at work.  Since Lilacism is a lighter shade, little chips in your polish isn't very noticeable.

THE  CONS

• Color:  Despite a good performance, I am not crazy about the color.  The lighting in the picture above lightens the actually color of the nails.  It is very lavender; almost the shade of an Easter egg.  In fact, after I finished polishing my nails, I thought that perhaps I should wear this shade for the Spring rather than the Fall.

One would think that after three pro points and only one con point that I would give this product a thumb up.  However, the color point really weighs heavy for me.  I don't dislike it enough to give it a thumbs down.  After all, if I really hated it, I would have taken it off and changed my polish.  I am going to keep Lilacism in the rotation, but perhaps I will revisit it when the Spring rolls around.

RAMBLE: More Than a Number on a Scale

SOURCE:  WKBT website

October is National Bullying Prevention Month.  While every month seems to hold great importance towards the prevention or awareness of some worthy cause, bullying is a topic of much national discussion.  No longer is bullying reserved for kids on the school yard.  Bullying has transcended to college, the work place, and especially online.

Just recently, WKBT News 8 This Morning anchor Jennifer Livingston bravely went on camera to address an email she received from a viewer.  In the email, viewer Kenneth Krause writes:

"Hi Jennifer, It's unusual that I see your morning show, but I did so for a very short time today.  I was surprised indeed to witness that your physical condition hasn't improved for many years.  Surely you don't consider yourself a suitable example for this community's young people, girls in particular.

Obesity is one of the worst choices a person can make and one of the most dangerous habits to maintain.  I leave you this note hoping that you'll reconsider your responsibility as a local public personality to present and promote a healthy lifestyle."

Rather than allow these words to get to her or merely brush these words off from an obviously rude viewer, Ms. Livingston decided to publicly call him out by addressing his email on air.  The video is below:

 

Hooray Jennifer!  Hooray for your bravery!  Hooray for standing up for yourself!  Hooray for believing in yourself!  Hooray for knowing who you are!  My favorite part of this video is when she said:

"You don't know me.  You are not a friend of mine.  You are not a part of my family.  And you have admitted that you don't watch this show.  So you know nothing about me but what you see on the outside.  And I am much more than a number on the scale."

We are ALL much more than a number on the scale and for Mr. Krause to believe that she owes the public a slim figure (after three children) at all times is ludicrous.  I doubt that Mr. Krause feels that he should be defined by his weight, so why expect the same from Ms. Livingston?  He is the one that is perpetuating our society's warped beliefs that you have to be thin in order to find happiness.  It's hurtful remarks like these, which are masked as pieces of advice and help, that cause many to forget that what you are inside is truly beautiful, remarkable, and powerful.

Mr. Krause, you are a bully.  Your remarks, regardless of your offer to help Ms. Livingston, were intended to be hurtful.  Your remarks and response to Ms. Livingston's video indicate your insecurities and weaknesses.  Mind your own life before taking jabs at someone else, especially one that you know nothing about.

BEAUTY REVIEW: Clinique Continuous Coverage SPF 15 in Ivory Glow

SOURCE:  Clinique

I don't know many women with flawless skin.  Admit it ladies, we all have some blemishes that need hiding or a little touch up, so a good concealer is a must have item.  My favorite concealer used to be Almay's Nearly Naked Cover Up Stick in Light/Medium until I found out that this concealer was discontinued.  Instead of searching for a concealer from the drugstore, I decided to go to the department store.  I am a satisfied and dedicated user of Clinique products for moisturizing, cleansing, and face makeup, so I figured I would give its concealers a whirl.

Incidentally, my mom uses Clinique's Continuous Coverage and suggested that I try it.  I'm glad that I listened to her (I admit it, I don't always listen to her) because it does a fantastic job with covering my facial blemishes and sun spots without leaving a cakey appearance.

THE PROS:

• The performance:  This liquid product provides full coverage and is easy to apply onto the face with using your fingertips or concealer brush.  It applies on smooth and leaves a matte finish without streaking.  It also does not leave a cakey appearance and easily blends with your foundation.  I use this product under my liquid foundation.  This product provides such great coverage that you can use this as a concealer or a foundation.
• The benefit:  This product has SPF 15, so it provides protection from the sun.  Although I always wear sunblock under my foundation, a little more protection can't hurt.
• The variety:  This product comes in four different colors to match a full spectrum of skin tones, including Creamy Glow, Ivory Glow, Porcelain Glow, and Natural Honey Glow.  I use the Ivory Glow, which is good for light to medium skin tones.
• The packaging:  This product comes in an easy to use squeeze tube with a needle point nose.  Forget the messy doe foot applicator wands or the pumps that sometimes squeezes out too much product.  The squeeze tube allows you to control the amount of product you need.  However, the Clinique website states that new packaging is being phased in, so I am not sure if it is just a change to the color or design of the tube or if Clinique is doing away with the squeeze tube all together.  I hope that is not the latter because I love the squeeze tube.

THE CONS:

• The price:  This product has a retail value of $24 for 1.2 fl. oz., which is pretty steep, but I find that this product lasts me several months since just little goes a long way.
• The availability:  This product is not available at drugstores.  However, Clinique is widely available at most major department stores and Sephora as well as outlet cosmetic stores, such as Ulta or the Cosmetic Company Outlet.

All in all, I am sold on this product.  Again, I guess mothers do know best because this product performed great on my skin.  Even my female coworkers noticed the difference and asked me if I was doing something different to my regular skin care routine because my skin looked clearer and brighter.  I give this product a thumbs up all the way!

BEAUTY REVIEW: Neutrogena Formula Moisture Wrap Body Lotion

SOURCE:  Drugstore.com

Yes, long time no blog.  I am obviously having a difficult time consistently blogging, which makes me wonder if I should keep this blog going, or just face reality and close it up.  Perhaps a blog month is needed for me to change my tune.  "Blog-tober" anyone?  How about "Blog-vember"?  But, I digress.

I was looking through my room the other day and realized that I have all these used products that I am ready to chuck, but have been holding onto because I wanted to blog about them.  In light of my growing "to chuck" pile and an urgent need to reduce the clutter, I decided that I better start blogging again.

I have been looking for a good body lotion.  Although I suffer from dry skin mostly on my hands and face, which I have great moisturizers for each, I would like to address my ashy legs.  I was a pretty consistent user of Victoria Secret body lotions, but stopped using them.  The scents were driving my olfactory senses batty and my favorite scent was discontinued.  Boo hiss.  I noticed the Neutrogena Formula Moisture Wrap Body Lotion in my local drugstore and decided to give it a try.

I am a fan of the Neutrogena sunblock line, so I was eager to try out the body lotion line.  Perhaps the hand cream and foot cream products are better, but the Moisture Wrap Body Lotion needs more work in my humble opinion.

THE CONS:

• The body lotion has a thin, almost watery, consistency.  I could shake the tube and hear the product bouncing vigorously around inside.
• Due to the lotion's thin consistency, it takes a while for the lotion to settle into your skin.  I found myself fanning my legs to speed up the drying process.
• The body lotion is not the best for extremely dry skin.  My legs are not extremely dry, but the lotion didn't do enough to moisturize my ashy legs.  Perhaps after continued use I would have seen more results, but I am impatient and didn't see much results after one week of continued daily twice-a-day use.
• The body lotion has a slight fragrance, so it is not "fragrance free" as advertised.  Perhaps my sense of smell is a little more sensitive, but this product does have a slight fragrance that reminds me of Keri Lotion a little bit.  I don't think that it is off putting at all and really don't mind it, but the tube says "fragrance free".
• The body lotion leaves a slight sticky feeling on your skin.  I prefer moisturizers that don't leave a greasy or sticky feeling.

THE PROS:

• The price.  The regular retail price for this product on Drugstore.com is $7.99.  I think this product costs more at my local drugstore in Hawaii since things tend to be a little more expensive here.  Still, that's super reasonable for body lotion, especially from a pretty reputable brand, such as Neutrogena.
• The size.  The body lotion comes in a generous 8.5 fl. oz. tube, which at $7.99 comes out to $0.94 per fl. oz.  Very reasonable, especially when you consider that body lotion from Bath & Body Works comes in an 8 fl. oz. bottle at a retail price of $11.
• The availability.  Neutrogena products are sold in every major drugstore chain.  The Nordstrom Rack I visit also has a large variety of Neutrogena products available at a discounted price.

After writing out the pros of this product, it's a shame that I didn't like this product more.  I just wished that it performed better because at the end of the day, that's what really matters in my book.  Since I don't have much use for it now, I am chucking this into the trash can.  What a pity.

RAMBLE: You Are Not Special

SOURCE:  YouTube

I usually listen to the radio as I get ready for work in the morning.  Usually the only items I pay attention to are the traffic updates, the news, and sometimes the Hollywood gossip feature.  The rest of the items that fill the airwaves fall into the "background noise" category.

So, in order for something on the radio to catch me attention, it has to be something unusual.  This unusual sound byte perked my ears up last week.  The deejay mentioned a high school graduation speech given by the high school's English teacher.  The speaker stood in front of the Wellesley High School graduating class and said, "You are not special."  This speech was so extraordinary that its video on YouTube has gone viral and has sparked debate about how appropriate the speech was for a high school graduation.

Right off the bat, sure, I agree with the opponents of this speech.  How could you say to a bunch of happy high school seniors full of promise and dreams that they are not special?  Why, that's almost down right rude and mean to say, especially on their special day.  However, critics are taking these four words, "you are not special" out of context.  Mr. McCullough is not insulting his beloved students, he is encouraging them to be all that they can be.

Mr. McCullough states:

"Yes, you’ve been pampered, cosseted, doted upon, helmeted, bubble-wrapped.  Yes, capable adults with other things to do have held you, kissed you, fed you, wiped your mouth, wiped your bottom, trained you, taught you, tutored you, coached you, listened to you, counseled you, encouraged you, consoled you and encouraged you again.  You’ve been nudged, cajoled, wheedled and implored.  You’ve been feted and fawned over and called sweetie pie.  Yes, you have.  And, certainly, we’ve been to your games, your plays, your recitals, your science fairs.  Absolutely, smiles ignite when you walk into a room, and hundreds gasp with delight at your every tweet.  Why, maybe you’ve even had your picture in the Townsman!  And now you’ve conquered high school… and, indisputably, here we all have gathered for you, the pride and joy of this fine community, the first to emerge from that magnificent new building…  But do not get the idea that you're anything special.  Because you're not."

Hmm, I have to say that I agree with him.  Parenting philosophies have changed over time.  We no longer believe in the notion that children should be seen and not heard.  We provide our children with everything we can to nurture them, love them, protect them, guide them, and educate them.  We celebrate all achievements whether big or small, turn negatives into positives, and teach rather than punish.  We love our children and only want the very best for them.  And honestly, there is absolutely nothing wrong with that.  However, what if all of our love and care creates a false sense of entitlement in our children?

He goes on to justify:

"You see, if everyone is special, then no one is.  If everyone gets a trophy, trophies become meaningless.  In our unspoken but not so subtle Darwinian competition with one another--which springs, I think, from our fear of our own insignificance, a subset of our dread of mortality--we have of late, we Americans, to our detriment, come to love accolades more than genuine achievement.  We have come to see them as the point--and we’re happy to compromise standards, or ignore reality, if we suspect that’s the quickest way, or only way, to have something to put on the mantelpiece, something to pose with, crow about, something with which to leverage ourselves into a better spot on the social totem pole.  No longer is it how you play the game, no longer is it even whether you win or lose, or learn or grow, or enjoy yourself doing it… Now it’s “So what does this get me?”  As a consequence, we cheapen worthy endeavors, and building a Guatemalan medical clinic becomes more about the application to Bowdoin than the well-being of Guatemalans.  It’s an epidemic--and in its way, not even dear old Wellesley High is immune… one of the best of the 37,000 nationwide, Wellesley High School… where good is no longer good enough, where a B is the new C, and the mid-level curriculum is called Advanced College Placement.  And I hope you caught me when I said “one of the best.”  I said “one of the best” so we can feel better about ourselves, so we can bask in a little easy distinction, however vague and unverifiable, and count ourselves among the elite, whoever they might be, and enjoy a perceived leg up on the perceived competition.  But the phrase defies logic.  By definition there can be only one best.  You’re it or you’re not."

His logic is one that is highly debatable and controversial to some, but I have to admit that I agree with him.  Despite his words being hard to swallow at first, his point is simple:  Everyone does not receive a trophy at the end of the game.  Life is about winning AND losing.  You have to learn how to win and lose.  While the sting of failure is often avoided at all costs, failure is the source of some of the greatest lessons in life.

Mr. McCullough advises:

"The fulfilling life, the distinctive life, the relevant life, is an achievement, not something that will fall into your lap because you’re a nice person or mommy ordered it from the caterer.  You’ll note the founding fathers took pains to secure your inalienable right to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness--quite an active verb, “pursuit”--which leaves, I should think, little time for lying around watching parrots rollerskate on Youtube.  The first President Roosevelt, the old rough rider, advocated the strenuous life.  Mr. Thoreau wanted to drive life into a corner, to live deep and suck out all the marrow.  The poet Mary Oliver tells us to row, row into the swirl and roil.  Locally, someone… I forget who… from time to time encourages young scholars to carpe the heck out of the diem.  The point is the same: get busy, have at it.  Don’t wait for inspiration or passion to find you.  Get up, get out, explore, find it yourself, and grab hold with both hands."

He concludes:

"None of this day-seizing, though, this YLOOing, should be interpreted as license for self-indulgence.  Like accolades ought to be, the fulfilled life is a consequence, a gratifying byproduct.  It’s what happens when you’re thinking about more important things.  Climb the mountain not to plant your flag, but to embrace the challenge, enjoy the air and behold the view.  Climb it so you can see the world, not so the world can see you.  Go to Paris to be in Paris, not to cross it off your list and congratulate yourself for being worldly.  Exercise free will and creative, independent thought not for the satisfactions they will bring you, but for the good they will do others, the rest of the 6.8 billion--and those who will follow them.  And then you too will discover the great and curious truth of the human experience is that selflessness is the best thing you can do for yourself.  The sweetest joys of life, then, come only with the recognition that you’re not special.  Because everyone is."

And that to me, is the REAL point of Mr. McCullough's speech.  Don't merely think that you are special.  Instead, BE special.  Live up to your potential.  Those are words that we should all continue to live by.

RAMBLE: Graduation

Punahou School Commencement 2012

Tonight I attended my cousin's graduation from high school.  His graduation took me down memory lane when I graduated from Punahou School and stood on the same exact stage to receive my diploma.  Not much has really changed since I graduated.  The Punahou Symphony Orchestra still plays Pomp and Circumstance as the graduates walk into the Blaisdell Arena arm-and-arm with each other.  Sprays of plumeria still adorn the stage backdrop along with the huge Punahou seal.  The graduates still sing Oahu Wa and cheer "Strawberry Shortcake".  But most of all, all the graduates were filled with the same excitement, pride, and hope that I felt when I graduated from high school.

Of all my graduations, my high school graduation meant the most to me.  My college graduation probably rates at the bottom of the three.  It was pretty lackluster.  I barely remember most of what was said or even who the key note speaker was that day.  All I remember was that I was ordered to walk at graduation when my parents found out that I was thinking about skipping the whole thing all together and picking up my diploma from the registrar's office.  I possessed a nonchalant attitude as I strutted down the aisle of the Stan Sheriff Arena.  I received my college diploma without a job lined up or any clue what I wanted to be when I grew up.  Instead, I was intending to re-enroll as a post baccalaureate student until I figured out what in the world I wanted to do with my life.

My law school graduation rates second because that was a personal achievement for me.  Attending and graduating from law school was an accumulation of my effort, perseverance, and a little bit of courage.  Law school was tough, but getting through law school and passing the bar exam was something I wanted to do for myself and I was committed to achieving my goal.  Thus, my graduation was more personal in nature for me.

However, my high school graduation tops my list because the event was a rite of passage.  It was the end of childhood and the beginning to endless possibilities.  I remember standing on stage with the realization that there were so many doors that were open thanks to my parents and family for giving me roots and my teachers for giving me branches.  Now, I needed to find leaves.

My high school graduation was also important for my grandmother who as a young teen was forced to put aside her desire to attend high school in order to help her family.  She truly believed that an education was a master key that opened so many doors and always emphasized our studies.  I am her youngest grandchild, so she didn't think that she would be around when I graduated from high school.  However, thanks to great medical advances and probably good genes, my grandmother lived long enough to see me graduate from high school.  I remember sitting on stage and looking out into the audience and seeing her have with the biggest beaming smile.  After the ceremony, she hung a beautiful double maile lei around my neck and openly wept in my arms.  It was a moment that I will never forget and still brings tears to my eyes when I remember it.

My grandmother was still alive when I graduated from college and law school, and passed the bar exam, but my high school graduation was the biggest for her and for me.  It was the first time I realized why education was so important.  It was more than fulfilling academic requirements, I was fulfilling an unrealized dream for my grandmother and other women like her who sacrificed their education.

Tonight, as watched my cousin and his high school classmates receive their diplomas, I walked down memory lane and remembered how fortunate I am to not only have the opportunity to graduate from an outstanding school, but the support from my family.  Congratulations to the Class of 2012!

BEAUTY REVIEW: Urban Decay Eyeshadow Primer Potion

SOURCE:  urbandecay.com

I noticed that my most recent posts have consisted of bad reviews regarding drugstore cosmetic products, so I thought I would stray from this trend and post a review about a cosmetic product that I love.  As I mentioned in a previous post, I have oily eyelids, which affects the lasting power of my eyeshadows.  I am a big believer that drugstore cosmetics can be just as good as department store brands, so I usually try drugstore varieties before investing my hard earned money on more expensive high-end products.  Thus, I tried the L'Oreal De-Crease Eye Shadow Base first.  Unfortunately, I didn't see any remarkable results or improvements when I used the De-Crease product.  My eyeshadow still faded and creased within no time at all.

I finally caved in at Sephora one day and decided to purchase the Urban Decay Eyeshadow Primer Potion.  Virtually every makeup guru on YouTube owns a tube or bottle of this eyeshadow base.  I bought the original primer potion in the professional size because I figured that I would get more bang for my buck.  I also heard that the squeeze tube was easier to use and last longer than the original potion bottle with the applicator wand.  The salesperson at the case register at Sephora said that I would not be disappointed and she was totally right.

I have been a fan of this product since the first day I used it.  The primer is light and creamy and dries invisible on the skin.  It helps to brighten your eyeshadow shades while providing the best last power that resists fading and creasing.  I was so impressed with how my eyeshadow and eyeliner held up way past my lunch hour.  During my pre-eyeshadow primer days, I would always find myself in front of the bathroom mirror after lunch carefully wiping away my raccoon eyes.  Now, all I need is powder touch ups for my face and rarely have to wipe away raccoon under eye circles...only the outer eye corner areas at best (I have teary eyes from time to time).

The squeeze tube bottle is easy to use and the needle point dispenser top makes application as breeze.  I usually dab a small amount on the tip of my finger and blend the product with a finger tip along my entire upper eyelid.  I find that just a little bit goes a long way and am so impressed with the staying power of my eyeshadow when I use it, which is daily.

I am still a fan of drugstore makeup products, but make exceptions for higher-end products that work, especially when they work better than the drugstore products.  A huge thumbs up!

BEAUTY REVIEW: Maybelline Dream Mousse Blushes -- DISCONTINUED

Maybelline Dream Mousse Blush in Pink Frosted, Soft Plum, and Rose Petal (L to R)

I came to the conclusion the other night that I have too many items in my makeup stash that I don't use anymore.  I also realized that rather than tossing these used and neglected products into the trash, I was saving them to do a review.  By the way, I take total blame for my procrastination.  Due to my procrastination, some of these neglected or rejected items have been discontinued in the interim by their manufacturers, such as the Maybelline Dream Mousse Blushes.

I previously fell in love with the Maybelline Dream Mousse Concealer many moons ago until Maybelline decided to discontinue the concealers, but still stick with blushes and bronzers.  In fact, one of my very first blog posts was about my frustration over discovering that my favorite concealer was no longer available on the market.  I guess Maybelline decided that it was time for the blushes and bronzers to go as well because I noticed on Maybelline's website that these products have been discontinued.

I am not fretting over this news like I did when I found out about the concealer because the Dream Mousse Blushes were just okay.  Perhaps I am too used to powder blushes, so anything that is in mousse or cream form is a little suspect to me.  However, I used these Dream Mousse Blushes periodically for over two months and I was just not sold on them.

I bought and used three shades:  Pink Frosted, Soft Plum, and Rose Petal.  The product comes in a small heavy clear glass paint pot jar.  The blushes really look and feel like a mousse dessert--light weight and a little fluffy.  The color selection was not very large as I recall (maybe five or six different shades?), so I picked the shades that I thought would match my skin tone the best.

The positives:

• Easy application.  I just used my fingertips in lieu of a blush brush.
• The mousse consistency applies with a powdery finish, but more on the finished look below under the negatives.
• Easy items to pack while traveling.  The packaging and blush consistency make these blushes a great product to take with you when you travel because you don't have to worry about your powder blushes cracking or breaking.

The negatives:

•  Limited blush shade selection.  All of the shades looked fairly similar to each other with just fine differences between them.  None of the shades available were particularly bright and most fall along the lines of a subdued pink or health rose shade.  The brightest shade was Pink Frosting.
• The powdery finish does not blend well and has a bit of a glittery finish.  The more I tried to carefully blend the product, the more it started to clump together.  The product also has a bit of a sheen, so if you are looking for a matte finish, this is not the product for you.
• There is not much of a color payoff .  I was a bit disappointed in the limited color payoff of this product.  The shades were pretty in the paint pots, but washed out once applied to my cheeks.  Pink Frosting had the best color payoff compared to the other shades, but not by much.
• The product is not long lasting.  Perhaps it is due to my over blending, but I found that the cheek color faded away by noon.  Rose Petal performed the worst.

I am assuming Maybelline discontinued the Dream Mousse Blushes to replace them with the Maybelline Dream Bouncy Blushes.  However, after the lackluster performance of the Dream Mousse Blushes, I am not interested in the Dream Bouncy Blushes.  Oh well, one less product to keep in my makeup stash and with this post, off to the trash can!

BEAUTY REVIEW: L'Oreal Concentrated Lash Boosting Serum

SOURCE:  Drugstore.com

I admit it.  I am a puny eyelash sufferer.  No matter how many layers of volume boosting mascara I apply, I am still a victim of puny eyelashes.  Don't get me wrong.  I am not ashamed.  I take my less than stellar eyelashes in stride.  And, after trying the L'Oreal Concentrated Lash Boosting Serum, I will continue to take my eyelash shortcomings in stride.

My local drugstore was having a sale on all L'Oreal cosmetic products several months ago, so I thought that would be a perfect opportunity for me to try out the lash boosting serum that several YouTube beauty gurus were raving about.  Again, I wanted to see if the product really lived up to all of its hype.  Sadly, this product did not.

The description for the lash serum states on the L'Oreal website that it contains "Centella Asiatica extract and Arginine to reinforce, condition, and protect each lash."  To tell you the truth, I have no clue what Centella Asiatica extract or Arginine are, but I'll give it a whirl!

I applied the lash serum daily to my bare lashes at night by using the soft serum applicator that was gently curved in the shape of the average eye.  I placed emphasis on "average" because my small Asian eyes do not normally fit the size of the average eye, but I tried my best not to poke my eyeball!  The lash serum can be used twice a day, underneath mascara and on bare lashes at night.  Perhaps my failure in applying the lash serum under my mascara contributed to the downfall of this product because I didn't see much results, especially after four weeks, like the website claims.  My eyelashes essentially looked the same as they did when I first started to use this product...puny.

However, I do have some positive things to say about this product.  First, the product conditioned my lashes.  I found that my lashes became softer thereby preventing them from breaking or falling out.  Second, the serum did not leave a residue or dark markings.  I read that one of the side effects of using some of these rapid growth lash treatments is darkening around the eye line.  The clear serum applies and dries clear without a sticky residue.  Lastly, the serum does not burn when applied.

Oh well.  I guess I will just keep applying mascara and eyeliner.  It's totally fine with me.

BEAUTY REVIEW: Maybelline Fit Me Blushes & Bronzer

From upper left hand corner going clockwise:  Blush in Light Pink, Bronzer in Golden Tan, Blush in Medium Pink, and Blush in Medium Coral.

I've started getting into blushes recently.  Perhaps I am starting to realize that I have enough eyeshadows to last me several lifetimes (okay...that's an exaggeration, but I admit that I have more than enough), but not that many blushes.  I was starting to get tired of using the same coral blush and wanted to branch out and explore different shades and colors, so I figured I would start with the drugstore brands first before laying down some hard earned cash on department store blushes.

My local drugstore was having a sale on Maybelline cosmetic products several months ago, so I thought it would be a perfect opportunity to try out their new Fit Me line of cosmetics.  The Fit Me! line has an assortment of liquid foundations, face powders, concealers, blushes, and bronzers to fit your skin tone.  Maybelline claims on its website that its blushes "provide a natural, fade-proof cheek color that leaves the skin the way it was meant to be...fresh, breathing, and natural."  The bronzers claim to also provide the a fade-proof bronze color.

The blushes come in twelve shades and the bronzers come in three different shades.  I bought the blushes in Light Pink, Medium Pink, and Medium Coral and a bronzer in Medium Bronze (see, picture above).  My local drugstore didn't have all of the twelve blush shades available, but I thought the three that I purchased would be a good start for me and neutral enough to match my skin tone.

Being that I consider myself a newbie on blushes and bronzers, I shouldn't cast stones, but these products failed to even live up to my naive expectations.  The blush and bronze colors look very pretty in their packages, but unfortunately, the compliments stop there.  The blushes and bronzer I bought are not blendable and in fact, the product is so dense that I had a difficult time lifting the blush or bronzer onto my makeup brush.  You actually have to use deliberate scrubbing motions in order get get any product onto your brush.  Furthermore, the blushes and bronzer are not very pigmented.  You need to build quite a bit onto your cheeks in order to see any color payoff.

All in all, the Fit Me line of blushers and bronzers are a huge disappointment and will be tossed into the trash as soon as I am done posting this review.  What's the point?  Maybelline needs to go back to the drawing board with this product.

RAVE FAVE: Korean Amethyst Jewelry

Amethyst & Citrine 4-in-1 Necklace

I know, it has literally been FOREVER since I blogged.  While a busy work schedule is not the best excuse to offer, that is actually the honest reason for my long absence from this blog.  I am hoping to get back to the swing of blogging.  I admit that I have been engaging in quite a bit of retail therapy since January.  Stress at the office fuels the little shopping monster in me, so I should have no problem with what to write about when things start to calm down.  That's something to definitely look forward to!

There is a recent addition that I wanted to share, which incidentally I did not purchase.  My amethyst and citrine necklace from Korea.  Last October, my parents went on a 10-day tour of Korea.  One of the tour stops included a huge jewelry shop selling Korean amethyst.  My mom usually doesn't go nuts in a jewelry store.  She will look through all of the glass cases, but always stops short of asking the salesperson for the price of the sparkly bauble she is eying.  Her mantra is, "If it's in a locked jewelry case, then it's probably out of my price range, so why bother."  My dad, on the other hand, rarely if ever steps foot in a jewelry store.  He would rather poke his eyeballs out than to suffer through the torture of combing through the jewelry cases.

Thus, the fact that my parents (1) entered and perused through a jewelry store, and (2) BOUGHT a few baubles at the jewelry store is nothing short of a miracle.  Perhaps it was the excitement of being in a foreign country.  Whatever it was that tickled their own little internal shopping monsters, I am thankful because I received a great present!

My mom told me that as soon as the woman at the jewelry store showed her this piece, she knew that I would love it.  Moms do know best because this is one of my favorite pieces of jewelry that I own.  It is literally four necklaces in one.  The round pendant is two sided with purple amethyst on one side and yellow citrine on the other.  The round pendant pulls apart to four smaller triangular pieces to create a beautiful and dainty citrine or amethyst choker.  The sterling silver chain is also adjustable so that I can wear it as a choker or at a longer length, or even adjust it to the collar line of my blouse, shirt, or dress.  This necklace is so versatile that I can wear it for the daytime or evening with dark or light colors of clothing.  I seriously love, love, love!!

BEAUTY REVIEW: Physicians Formula Eye Booster 2-in-1 Lash Boosting Eyeliner + Serum in Black

SOURCE:  Drugstore.com

I was browsing around the cosmetic department of Longs several weeks ago (which, by the way, is never a good idea for me since I always end up buying more cosmetic items that I don't really need) and noticed that the store restocked and reorganized the Physicians Formula display section.  So, like a dedicated target consumer that I am, I just had to make a full investigation.

I have to make a disclaimer.  The Longs that I usually go to is located in Downtown.  Due to its smaller space compared to other Longs stores, the cosmetic department is smaller and the variety of products is limited.  Thus, even though the some products are out on the market for a while, it sometimes takes Downtown Longs a long time to finally have these new items in stock.

One of the "new" items that I noticed was the Eye Booster 2-in-1 Boosting Eyeliner + Serum from Physicians Formula in Black.  I first heard about this product from watching several makeup gurus on YouTube and was excited to try it.  I am a big fan of felt tip eyeliners because I feel that I have better control applying my eyeliner than with a brush.  However, the videos on YouTube claimed that the fine brush tip on the Eye Booster Eyeliner worked just as well as a felt tip liner and the staying power of the liner was fantastic.

This product claims to visibly boost lash length, volume, and thickness instantly among 100% of women. Honestly, I think that is a pretty bold claim to make, but...whatever.  I bought this product for the eyeliner part, not the lash boosting serum.  This product is made in Japan and uses a high-tech Japanese formula that claims to be long-wearing, water-resistant, and smudge-resistant.

While I can't vouch for the lash boosting serum (since I haven't used this product long enough to see any results), I can say that the eyeliner was long-wearing, water-resistant, and smudge-resistant.  I was pleasantly surprised at how long lasting this eyeliner was and had an easy time using the brush tip to line my eyes.  The brush tip allowed me to make thin and thick lines effortlessly, just like my favorite holy grail eyeliner from L'Oreal.

There is one downfall to this product that keeps my L'Oreal eyeliner from losing its holy grail status.  The eyeliner is not dark enough.  I prefer jet black eyeliners and the Physician's Formula eyeliner in black is actually a slate gray, especially when applied on top of eye shadow.  I happened to notice on the website that this line comes in a "ultra black" shade, which I did not see at Longs.  Perhaps that shade will satisfy my need for jet black eyeliner.  If you are looking for a slate gray eyeliner, this would be a great product for you.

All in all, I give this product a thumbs up for its eyeliner portion.  The eyeliner does what it claims to do and stayed on throughout the day and night.  It was also relatively easy to remove at the end of the day.  However, the jury is still out on the lash boosting portion.

**UPDATE**  I bought and tried the ultra black shade and I can't believe that I am saying this, but...I think I am now in love with the Physicians Formula eyeliner over my beloved L'Oreal  Linear Intense Carbon Black Felt Tip Liner.  The ultra black shade is jet black and applies effortlessly.  Combined with the long-lasting, water-resistant, and smudge-resistant formula, the Physicians Formula eyeliner has reached "super star status" with me!  Don't worry, I am not giving up on my L'Oreal eyeliner.  Now, I just alternate between the two products.

BEAUTY REVIEW: Suave Professional Touchable Finish Hairspray in Extra Hold

SOURCE:  Drugstore.com

Hairspray.  I've been using hairspray since my days when we used to style our bangs into big "Hang Ten" waves.  When big hair was all the rage and before we knew that the gaping hole in the ozone layer was partly attributed to our desire for big hair that defied the limits of gravity.

However, despite my need for height and control, I wasn't very picky about the actual product name.  Since I used so much of it back in the day, I usually resorted to cheaper brands at the drugstore that did the job.  That's when I started to use Suave hairspray.  It was affordable and performed pretty well.  The downside to Suave hairspray is the slightly crunchy finish.

Despite graduating from the big wave bang style, I still need hairspray to keep down my flyaway wisps or maintain volume.  Thus, I still use Suave hairspray.  I also still use aerosol hairspray now that I am reassured that the formula in aerosol cans are regulated as to not cause further damage to the ozone layer.

Recently, I noticed that Longs was having a sale on Suave hairstyling products.  I was actually running low on hairspray, so the sale came at a perfect time.  I picked up a can of the new Suave Professionals Touchable Finish Hairspray in Extra Hold.  I usually buy the regular Suave Hairspray in the big hot pink cans, but I thought I would try this new line of Suave products after seeing the commercials on TV.  Those are the commercials where top name hair stylists use unnamed hair products and find out that they used Suave Professionals hairstyling products rather than the fancy big name products they are used to using.

I give this product a big thumbs up.  It has a light non-chemical scent and sprays an even mist.  The hold is strong, but the finish is soft and natural rather than clumpy or crunchy.  The product is not sticky and lasts throughout the day.  It also washes out easily from your hair.  I am a big fan of this new product.  Kudos to Suave for developing a line that is affordable and performs well!

RAMBLE: Happy New Year!

SOURCE:  Google

Happy New Year!  I can't believe it, but another year has come to a close.  I must be getting older because I remember thinking that only old people talk about how time flies.  However, in my "old age," I can see the truth to this statement.

Before I start rolling with this blog post, let me extend my sincere apology for missing the last two days of Blog-cember.  I was doing so well leading up to the wee last days of December and honestly thought I was going to be successful in my mission to add a blog post every day during the month.  Alas, all my best intentions fell through as I got really busy with wrapping up all of my end of the year responsibilities and obligations.  I hope you all understand.  Again, please accept my apologies.

In evaluating 2011, I am still on the fence.  Last year brought a lot of tough times and stress, which cumulated into a really bad period for me on the work front.  In light of the new year, I guess the proper thing to do is to redirect my negative energy and pain and turn it into something positive.

The positive thing that came out of this whole ordeal was that it could've been worse.  I know that sounds like such a cliche, but there is a lot of truth to that statement.  When everything started going south and going south very fast, I knew that I needed to leave my job.  What was fortunate for me was that when a door was slamming in my face, another door suddenly opened and shuttled me through the threshold.  I am so fortunate that everything worked out in the end.  Now, I am happier and in a position that encourages me rather than put me down and place the blame on me.  I have to thank my lucky stars.  And on that note, I guess 2011 was a good year because despite the stress, I came out of it and am a little stronger and wiser as a result of that experience.

Now comes the New Years resolutions for 2012.  I don't usually make resolutions because I don't see the point in making lofty goals and promises that are broken in a matter of months.  However, I am going to make an exception for 2012.  I still harbor bad feelings and ill will towards those that made my life a miserable at my old job.  I want to try to let all of those ill feelings go in 2012.  There isn't much point in continuing to speak poorly about one particular individual.  It doesn't mean that I forgive her or want to bury the hatchet, but the snide and catty remarks should stop.  Instead, I need to recognize that she is no longer a friend, colleague, or supervisor of mine, and move on.

Happy New Year everyone!  Let's make 2012 a good and positive year!