Empties: October 2011

Hello, my Pretties! (Again!!)

OK, OK, one more post before I call it quits for today. It's Halloween, we all have stuff to do!

So here are my empty jars for October. And once again, NO MAKEUP! Gah! I can't finish any makeup!!

Empties for October 2011.

Sephora Super Supreme Body Butter
in Lusty Pleasure
(Sample size)

I got this in a Sephora makeup bag filled with Samples that my sister gave me. This is the first sample out of the bag that I have used.

It was OK. I can't really remember what it smelled like. It did feel good, though. Nice and thick. Very hydrating. I used it one night after my shower and applied to my legs and my arms. This sample size was enough for my monster sized limbs! Yeah, my skin did feel better, softer, and I still felt smooth in the morning.

Sensodyne Tooth Paste for Sensitive Teeth &
Cavity Protection Extra Whitening

The sweet-tart bought this for his teeth which were starting to hurt when he drank something cold. I have had that problem in the past too. I used this toothpaste as well and I didn't notice any whitening of my teeth after we had used up the whole tube. It tasted fine. I did not experience any sensitivity while using this product. The sweet-tart on the other hand, still experience some sensitivity while using this toothpaste but the says that it helped him a lot. "It would be a lot worse without it," he said.

But I must share with you what is on the tube:
"Sensitive teeth may indicate a serious problem that may need prompt care by a dentist."

Vaseline
100% Pure Petroleum Jelly

I think every household should have this. This was a tiny jar coming in at less than 2 oz. but it lasted forever. FOREVER. I have used this on my skin, on my daughter's skin, and on my lips. Works wonders for my cracked and usually dry lips. The other day, my lips were so dry that when I smiled, they split down the middle. Ouchie! So, I started using it every night before bed and in no time, I was back to my healthier pout.

Vaseline is a multi-use product. "Protects minor cuts, scrapes, and burns. Moisturizes to heal dryness."

Slatkin & Co.
Caribbean Escape Scented Candle

I know, I just posted this in my last post, my October Favorites, but I did have 3 of these. The one in the last post, is the last one that I have left. NOOOO! I don't think Bath & Body Works carries this anymore since it's not a fall themed scented candle.

But, I need another one. Like, NEED. It's sweet and fruity and not too overpowering but strong enough to fill up the room.

Garnier Fructis Forifying Deep Conditioner
Sleek & Shine 3 Minute Masque

I've got to say, this stuff is pretty good. It smells good. It leaves my hair smelling good. It makes my hair softer! I also took a long time to finish this one jar. It's pretty big. And I don't use this everyday. I would use it when my hair felt like it needed a little extra TLC.

Febreze Thai Dragon Fruit
Fabric Refresher

Love Febreze! Love it. And I loooove this scent! The sweet-tart picked this one out because it had the word "dragon" in the title. I agreed to buy it because it was pink. Weird way for picking out stuff at the store but it worked for us!

I would use this after cleaning our bedroom and spray it on the bed covers, pillows, curtains, and carpet. Then I would light my Caribbean Escape scented candle and I was in heaven. This lasted me 4 months. Don't know if that's good. I think so. I wouldn't use it every single day, just when I felt like relaxing in a beautifully scented room. Um, so why didn't I use this everyday?

This is what is on the back of the bottle:
"Inspired by the winding canals of Thailand that are lined with dragon fruits, mangoes, and papayas."


Also worth noting, this product is safe for cats and dogs but not for birds.

Alright, I'll let you all go for now but not before wishing you all a HAPPY HALLOWEEN! Please, have fun and be safe. ~XXOO~

Luv & Luk,
--L.

♥♥ All items in this post were bought by me with my own money except for the Sephora Super Supreme Body Butter. These are my own thoughts and honest opinions. ♥♥

Favorites: October 2011

Hello, my Pretties!

Yay! Look at me, I'm right on time today! I'll try to keep this short and sweet since I'm sure many of you are getting ready to celebrate Halloween tonight!

Monthly Favorites for October 2011.

Avon Care Moisture Replenish
Daily Hydrating Cream with SPF 15

I just recently started using this cream since my other one has just a couple more days use out of it. And, I'm really liking this. It doesn't say it's specific for use on the face or body so I assume it's both. But I just use it on my face and my neck. What ever is left on my fingertips, I just massage into my hands.

As you can see here, the formula is very thick. Just this amount is enough for my face, my neck, and the rest if for my hands. I use very little on my face because a little goes a long way. I don't want to have an overly moisturized, almost greasy, looking face. I like to apply this on my face before I apply my foundation.

Here is what is printed on the back of the jar:
"This light, easily absorbed cream contains nourishing sunflower seed oil which helps provide moisturizing properties to shield skin from dryness. Hypoallergenic. Dermatologist tested. Provides SPF 15 protection. Non-comedogenic."


I have a feeling this will come in handy for the winter and the dry air that comes with it.

Lorac Blush in Soul

My first Lorac item. So pretty. This is a really good everyday blush. I tend to lean more towards the peachy toned blushes just because I think they look better on my skin tone over the pink shades.

This blush is not overly soft. It doesn't fall apart like the E.L.F. ones tend to do. It does not have a creamy silky texture either. But the color payoff is great. My face looks fresher and brighter with this blush on. It also has a nice shimmer to it. It's more like a matte blush with flecks of shimmer scattered through out.

Wet n Wild Coloricon Eyeshadow Single
in 251A Brulee

I had seen this eyeshadow used as a brow highlight in so many blog posts and so many YouTube tutorials. I finally found one at Walgreen's and I bought it. Then it went home to sit in my makeup drawer untouched for months. I just remembered I had it this month. And now I have been using it every time I do my makeup.

It's the perfect brow highlight. It's matte. It's not stark white. I have yet to use this as a lid shade. It's soul purpose of existence for me is to use as a highlight.

Do you have this? If you don't, get it.

Lorac Eyeshadow/Liner in Midnight Sparkle

And here is another eye product. This is also another Lorac product. This is a great duo use eye product. You can use it as a liner or as a shadow. I have used this as both. This is a black with big chunky glitters all throughout.

It add extra wow when used as a liner but you can't get a thin line with this, it's a thick tipped pencil. As a shadow, you can create a smoky look and if you like glitter, you have that added bonus.

But, the glitter does fall off a little. Especially when I used it as a shadow. I guess because you apply more. I had flecks of glitter on my lashes and right on the tops of my cheeks. Nothing major. I just kept seeing little reflecting lights out of the corner of my eyes and that was a little annoying.

But since I did like how it looked on, I will keep using it!

Avon Nail Experts Mineral Strength

I have been trying to grow my nails and so I started using this every time I paint my nails. I put one coat of this under the nail polish. I have never used a base coat, and while this isn't labeled as a base coat, I use it as one. It was working. My nails did get stronger. I had less breakage. And when I did get one, it was minor.

But in this whole month, I did lose two nails to breakage and that wasn't too bad. So, I cut them all off and now I am starting the process all over again. I hate having long nails mixed in with broken nails.

Slatkin & Co. Caribbean Escape
Scented Candle

Oh em gee! This smells so good. I know Caribbean Escape is not a fall like scent but it smells so good! I would use this year round.

The description the jar describes it perfectly:
"A sweet, tropical blend of melon, raspberry nectar and Italian lemon, infused with creamy coconut milk."


On second thought, I want to drink this! Doesn't it sound delicious?

Swatches.

Left to Right:
Lorac Eyeshadow/Liner in Midnight Sparkle
Lorac Blush in Soul
Wet n Wild Coloricon Eyeshadow Single in 251A Brulee

OK, I will admit, this isn't such a hot post. But hey, this is what I really liked this month. What were your favorites?

Luv & Luk,
--L.

♥♥ All products in this post were bought by me with my own money. These are my own thoughts and honest opinions. ♥♥

Pink Wednesday: October 26, 2011 (Late Post)

Hello, my Pretties!

I know, I'm late with my Pink Wednesday post since today is Thursday.

I was up polishing my nails last night at 11:30 so I didn't get a chance to take pics and post before Wednesday was over. Sorry! But I swear I did have them done last night. I posted a pic on Instagram just to show you that I did do my Pink Wednesday look. That counts, right?

And now, here is this week's pink polish. I had meant to do a Breast Cancer Awareness post since October 1st but you know how it can be. Life gets in the way of everything you ever planned on doing. So, again, I'm sorry for not posting a Breast Cancer Awareness look sooner.

Pink Polish:
N.Y.C. Long-Wearing Nail Enamel in 109A Pink Promenade Creme
Essie Nail Polish in 475 Castaway
(no flash)

I've had this N.Y.C. nail polish for the longest time and was really excited when I found it in my stash. A new pink polish to use for my Pink Wednesday. I'm starting to run low on pinks, here.

Pink Promenade Creme is a very bright, hot pink. It's a very fun color. It's almost so bright that it looks slightly red. It is a creme finish and is very glossy.

Pink Polish:
N.Y.C. Long-Wearing Nail Enamel in 109A Pink Promenade Creme
Essie Nail Polish in 475 Castaway
(with flash)

The Essie nail polish was a gift from MyBeautyRate and I love it! Love, love it! She was getting rid of some nail polishes that she wasn't using anymore so she was kind enough to share them with me. I'll do a separate post on that, though, so stay tuned!

Castaway is a mix of cotton candy pink and Barbie pink. It's so girlie. It's cute. It is a very true to pink PINK. This also is a creme finish with high gloss.

With flash.

As you have seen from my previous nail art posts, I'm not that good. I kept this one super duper simple and just did the pink ribbon on my ring finger as my accent nail. After I did both hands, I looked at the final product and I thought, "Maybe I should have done Pink Promenade Creme as the base color and Castaway as the ribbon accent color." You know, most pink ribbons designated for breast cancer are light pink. Aren't they?

Without flash.

Well, anyway, that's all she wrote. 

I didn't even want to do a nail post because I was so depressed that I had to cut my nails. They were finally growing and were looking good. One nail on my left hand broke on Monday and then one broke on my right hand on Tuesday so on Wednesday, I just cut them all! I hate having uneven nails. Oh well. Time to start all over.

Luv & Luk,

--L.

P.S.

I just wanted to say that if anyone of you out there is suffering from breast cancer or knows someone who is, I am truly sorry. I wish that there was no such thing as breast cancer. As women, we need to support each other and help each other. While my words are just plain words, I hope that it might bring one of you out there some comfort knowing that there is someone in this world who is rooting for you. God bless.

Giveaway: A Little Bit of Everything 300+ Followers Giveaway!

Hello, my Pretties!

Just here to inform you of another giveaway going on that I entered and I thought that you might like to enter too.

All the prizes!

To enter the giveaway, check out the blog post HERE.

There will be 3 prizes!

Prize 1: Urban Decay shadows and loose pigments
Prize 2: All the NYX items
Prize 3:  China Glaze 3 piece Crackle set

Check out A Little Bit of Everything's blog and make sure that you follow the directions! The entry form is a little tricky so do it right and GOOD LUCK!

Hurry and enter. Contest runs until November 15, 2011.

Luv & Luk,
--L.

Finger Painting: Frankie Fingers

Hello, my Pretties!

It feels like ages since I last blogged. So much going here on but I won't go into that. All that matters is that I am here now!

Last blog post was on a NYX nail polish by the name of Lime. I didn't like the color too much until I decided to do a Halloween inspired Frankenstein nail look. This was my first serious try at drawing on nail art. I cannot draw with a paper and pencil so this was such a feat! But it really was fun.

I got my inspiration, or should I say, I copied this look from goldiestarling on YouTube. She has an awesome channel so I do hope that you will check it out!

Here is the direct link to goldiestarling's nail tutorial:
Halloween Nail Tutorial Lil' Frankies

Here is my version of this really cute look.

3 coats of NYX in Lime.

Add a head of hair with black nail polish.

Add some sideburns with black nail polish.

Dot on two eyeballs with white nail polish.

Draw on some eyebrows with black nail polish.

Draw on the mouth and stitches with black nail polish.
(Sorry for the blurry image. You get the idea.)

Dot on two irises on the eyeballs with black nail polish.

Make sure the whites dry well or else the eyeball
will travel like mine did here.

I used the thumb as my accent nail.
All other nails were given a French mani with black tips.

But the sweet-tart wanted me to do all the nails Frankie.

And here is the final full set...top coat and all.

Nail ingredients used:
NYX Nail Polish in Lime
L.A. Girl Matte Flat Finish Nail Color in Matte Black
Avon Nailwear Nail Enamel in Cloud 9
Wet n Wild Clear Nail Proctector

So, I know goldiestarling's was so much better but this was really fun. I know most of you will be able to do this very well. If I did it semi-good, some of you will rock this look!

I just thought that this was a fun way to feel festive this Halloween season. I highly suggest that you all try this one!

SIDE NOTE:

Since I first did this look using the actual nail polish brush and a tooth pick, I did get a nail art brush from my sister. She begged me to do her some Frankie Fingers so I did and in return, she gave me a Milani Nail Art Polish in a light green. I just use the brush now! I wipe off the green polish and dip it in the black nail polish and the mouth, stitches, and eyebrows can be drawn on so much better. I highly suggest you get one!

Luv & Luk,
--L.

♥♥ All items mentioned in this post were purchased by me with my own money. ♥♥

Finger Painting: Lime

Hello, my Pretties!

It's time for another (finally) Finger Painting post! I haven't done one in a long time. I usually only have time to polish my nails once a week and I usually use that to do them pink for my Pink Wednesday's post. But this weekend I squeezed in a non-pink hue.

Check out my green thumb!

NYX Nails 

One of my three NYX nail polishes. I need to get me some more!

Such a pretty lime color.

NYX Nail Polish in Lime

PERFECT name! I don't think there is any other name that this nail polish could be called. Lime is what it looks like to me. A nice juicy ripe lime. Hmm, now I'm craving a limeade.

Ingredients

I personally don't check the ingredients to my nail polishes but I know that  a lot of you do. I might just start posting the ingredients to my nail polishes in my Finger Painting and Pink Wednesday posts.

After one coat.

After one coat, I was so not impressed. It was fairly sheer. While the formula was nice, not to thick and not too thin, it applied smoothly but not evenly.

After two coats, not much changed. There were still uneven blotchy looking parts but I knew that a 3rd coat would do the trick. I really do not like having to do a 3rd coat. For me, 2 is my max.

In the bottle. No flash.

After 3 coats.

Perfect even color.

In bottle. With flash.

I was iffy of this polish...

but it's so bright, how can I not love it?

I have to say that my sweet-tart was the one who wanted me to polish my nails this color. I gave him all 3 of my NYX polishes to choose from and this is what he chose. And I like it! Thank you, honey! Muah!

My final thoughts on this polish...IT'S A KEEPER! Despite having to apply 3 coats which I think is one too many, I love the final results. The color is bold and its shiny. It has a very uniform appearance after the 3 coats. And just so you know, the swatches of the nail polish with the flash is closer to the color as it is on my nails in real life. The no flash photos don't do it justice.

Thanks for stopping by, my dears.

Luv & Luk,
--L.

♥♥ All items mentioned in this blog post were purchased by me with my own money. These are my own thoughts and honest opinions. ♥♥

Giveaway: Beauty Tidbits Thank You Giveaway

Hello, my Pretties!

I have another giveaway to share with you today! Woo hoo!

This fantabulous giveaway is being hosted by Beauty Tidbits. I really love this blog and I really wanted to enter this awesome giveaway...

And I really, really, really want to win!! I mean, look at all this stuff!

This is all that is included:

• MAC eyeshadow (your choice)
• MAC lipstick (your choice)
• Merle Norman Eyeshadow color trio
• Merle Norman blush in Sheer Desire (peachy pink)
• Merle Norman Lip polish in Gumdrop (shimmery pink)
• Tarte Lights, Camera, Lashes! Mascara in black
• Tarte Mineral Powder Bronzer (Park Ave. Princess)
• Kate Somerville Detox Daily cleanser
• Love & Beauty nail polish in Peony
• Love & beauty nail polish in Seafoam
• YBF Quench lip treatment
• Avon True color eye shimmers in Soft Blush
• Buxom Dolly Lip polish (mini)

(The above prize list was taken straight off of Beauty Tidbits' giveaway blog post. Which you can see HERE.)

Make sure to check out the actual giveaway blog post for Beauty Tidbits' giveaway to learn all the rules. It is open INTERNATIONALLY and active until November 30th. Winner will be announced on December 2nd. Good luck to all who enter!

Wish me luck, my ladies!

Luv & Luk,
--L.

Giveaway Hosted by Beauty, Fashion, & Makeup

Hello, my Pretties!

Today I entered to win this really cool giveaway, Smashbox for Burlesque Beauty Collection, hosted by Christine of Makeup, Beauty, & Fashion.

Check out this awesome prize on her blog post HERE.

Here is an excerpt straight from her blog:
"In the Burlesque Beauty Collection you get a limitless liquid liner pen in Jet Black, shadow & liner quad in Risque, loose shimmer in Burlesque and the double ended lip gloss in Peep/Show."

I haven't won a giveaway in a long time so, feel free to wish me luck! Your well wishes will be greatly appreciated!

Don't forget to check out Christine's blog. It is fab, I promise!

Luv & Luk,
--L.

Swatches: L.A. Colors 3 Color Eyeshadows

Hello, my Pretties!

I finally got around to taking some photos of the swatches to the L.A. Colors 3 Color Eyeshadow trios that I picked up in my Dollar Tree and Target Haul which you can see HERE.

L.A. Colors 3 Color Eyeshadows
0.19 oz (5.5 g)
$1.00 each

I picked up these four trios at my local Dollar Tree. I had been dying to try these. I only got one of each that they had but there are so many more that I need to look for. I need the whole collection!

BES503
Southern Belle
Without flash.

BES502
Shooting Star
Without flash.

BES507
Grassy Knoll
Without flash.

BES508
Moon Rock
Without flash.

BES503
Southern Belle
With flash.

BES502
Shooting Star
With flash.

BES507
Grassy Knoll
With flash.

BES508
Moon Rock
With flash.

So now here come the swatches!

I did my swatches a little differently this time around. I did the swatches on my forearm as usual but this time I divided the swatches into three parts. Top third, I placed the eyeshadow over ELF Eyelid Primer. Middle third, I placed the eyeshadow over my bare skin...no primer, no base. Lower third, I placed the eyeshadow over NYX Jumbo Eye Pencil in Milk.

I think this is a good way to see the way the eyeshadows will look depending on what kind of base you use if you use any at all.

Swatches with flash.

Left to Right:
1st set of three colors: Southern Belle
2nd set of three colors: Shooting Star

Swatches without flash.

Left to Right:

1st set of three colors: Southern Belle
2nd set of three colors: Shooting Star

Swatches with flash.

Left to Right:
1st set of three colors: Grassy Knoll
2nd set of three colors: Moon Rock

Swatches without flash.

Left to Right:
1st set of three colors: Grassy Knoll
2nd set of three colors: Moon Rock

NYX Jumbo Eye Pencil in Milk
ELF Eyelid Primer in Sheer

I must admit that I took the idea of using a primer and a base in my swatches, instead of just swatching on bare skin, from my fellow beauty Amber of Lipgloss and Flipflops. I thought, this is such a brilliant idea! Check out her blog, you'll love it.

This is the specific blog post where I stole this idea from:
Pretty Addictions Newest Colors Review

FIRST IMPRESSIONS:
I love the Southern Belle and Shooting Star trios the most because they are bright colors and I love me some bright shades of shadow! But I do feel that these two trios are so much alike. For me, the purple is very similar in both trios and the greenish shade is almost identical. The only colors I feel are different are the pink in Shooting Star and the blue in Southern Belle.

As for the Grassy Knoll trio, it's eh. The colors are nicely pigmented but I'm not too keen on green. I bought it because I want the whole collection...I'm anal like that. But whatever, I think the colors are nice and I might like them once I wear them...but I don't think I'd wear all three green shades at once. Too much green!

And the Moon Rock trio rocks! I love it. I think it can make a really nice and dramatic eye. Period.

Well, that's all I have for now. I cannot wait to try these out on my face! I will try and use one of them tomorrow so that I can show you what it looks like on. I'm so excited!

Luv & Luk,
--L.

♥♥ All products mentioned in this post were bought by me with my own money. These are my own honest thoughts and opinions. ♥♥