Wednesday, November 30, 2011

Empties: November 2011



Hello, my Pretties!

I don't usually do back to back posts but today is an exception.  It's the last day of the month and my last day to do this empties post for the month of November.  And it just so happened to fall on a Wednesday.  Pink Wednesday.

OK, let's get this show on the road!

November 2011 Empties

Vaseline Intensive Rescue
Repairing Moisture
Fragrance Free Lotion
Love this stuff.  It's a basic white cream.  No scent what's so ever.  And it's hypoallergenic.  It claims to "accelerate the healing of dry skin with an effective, non-greasy formula."  I believe that is exactly what it does.  I have very dry skin and this helps me feel moisturized and so soft.  I'd slather this on after a shower and I was soft until the very next day.  I like lotions with a scent better but this one works well so I would repurchase this again.
Softsoap Cherry Blossom
& Wild Bamboo
Moisturizing Body Wash
Moisturizing?  Really?  I don't think so.  I bought this because I love the smell of cherries.  This did not smell like cherries.  It smelled like sugar...like a cheap cherry candy.  Not good.  I will say that this lathers up beautifully and a little goes a long way but I'm looking for moisture here and I didn't get it with this body wash.  I used up the bottle because I didn't want to throw it away but I will not be repurchasing this again.  Ever. 
TRESemme
Heat Tamer Spray
OK, now this I would repurchase.  First off, I like how this smells.  I like the pump that it comes equipped with.  It makes for a light mist of product all over my hair.  I have severely curly hair and I'd use this when I would straighten my hair.  I'd wash my hair and while it was damp, I'd mist this all over my hair.  Then I'd proceed to straighten it.  After straightening my hair, it was so soft.  I love that feeling of running my hands through my hair.  After using this product, my hair was soft, shiny, less frizzy and smelled wonderful.  Really good stuff.
Up & Up Multipurpose Solution
No-rub Formula
I bought this one night at Target when I was low on funds but needed some solution for my contact lenses.  Anyone who uses contact lenses knows that the solution can be pricey for name brands like Baush & Lomb, ReNu, Opti-Free, or Boston Advance.  This one here was only two dollars and change.  Not bad at all.  And in my eyes, I didn't see a difference.  It worked just as well at cleaning, rinsing, disinfecting, and storing my soft contact lenses as its other name brand counterparts.  This, I would also repurchase.
Bath & Body Works
Signature Collection
Into the Wild Body Lotion
Ooh, child, now this smells good.  It does not state on this mini bottle what it's supposed to smell like and I can't for the life of me describe scents but this smells so good to me.  It's a body lotion infused with Vitamin E, jojoba, and shea butter.  All wonderful things to put into our skin.  I have always loved B&BW's body lotions.  They leave my skin feeling so smooth and smelling wonderfully.  I'm not sure if this one is still available but this is one body lotion I wouldn't mind buying again.
Aquafresh Triple Proctecion
Anti-Cavity Fluoride Toothpaste
I cannot even look at this photo.  I did not like this at all.  Sorry, but I did not.  I did not like the way it didn't freshen my breath.  I love to brush my teeth and feel that cool minty freshness most toothpastes leave behind. This one did no such thing.  I felt like I didn't even brush my teeth!  It didn't even taste good while I was brushing them.  But again, I finished the tube because I didn't want to throw it away.  I'll stick to my regular toothpaste.  Not going to buy this again.  No sir.
Avon Solutions Total Radiance
Day Cream/Night Cream Duo
Aw, I'm so sad that I finished this.  This was supposed to be a two week trial size containing day cream with SPF 15 and a night cream.  This lasted me well over two weeks.  Before putting on my makeup, I would apply the day cream.  My skin was so soft and moisturized when using this product.  It would help the makeup application go on smoother and look more even.  At night after my shower, I'd apply the night cream.  In the morning, my skin was very soft.  I know Avon still carries these two but separately.  I don't think they offer this trial size anymore.  I do believe this product is worth paying the full price for the regular size.  I plan on buying this again.
EOS Lip Balm in Lemon Drop
Yes, I know everyone loves EOS lip balms.  Me, uh, I'm on the fence about this one.  I love the packaging.  It's so cute and different.  The packaging gets me every time.  But the product itself, I'm just "eh" about it.  Nothing wow, nothing horrible.  At first it was very moisturizing for my lips but then it's like they would peel more.  I don't know.  The flavor is OK.  Not my favorite.  I had also tried the Summer Fruit one which I liked better but was even more drying on my lips.  I don't have that one to show you, my daughter ate it.  I might consider purchasing another one of these but in a different flavor.  I've only had two of these, Lemon Drop and Summer Fruit and the Lemon Drop was way more moisturizing than the Summer Fruit.  I don't know why.  What flavor do you recommend I buy?

Well, my dears, that's this months empties.  Yay!  Now I can toss these in the trash, finally.

Luv & Luk,
--L.

Pink Wednesday: November 30, 2011



Hello, my Pretties!

After a few Wednesdays of absence, I'm back today with a new Pink Wednesday post.  I'm starting to run very low on pink nail polishes!  I think I have just about shared with you all of my pink nail polishes already.  Today I have another Kleancolor Nail Lacquer to showcase for you all.

My pink of choice for this Wednesday is Kleancolor Nail Lacquer in #20 Neon Pink.

Indoor with flash.

Outdoor with flash.

Indoor without flash.


So there I have for you three different pictures of the same nail polish.  And even after all of the pictures I took, none of them did the color justice.  NONE!  I couldn't believe it.  This pink is so neon.  It's like a fluorescent pink.  Like a highlighter pink.  Doesn't look that way in the pictures.  I'm sad.  It's so pretty in person.  I know I sound like a broken record.  I've been saying that a lot lately.  Anyone have any ideas how to take better photos?  Especially for such a special color like this one.

Well, even though it doesn't show it here, this is an awesome pink.  It is much brighter and crazier than any pink I would ever wear but I love it.  I look down at my hands and I am automatically happier.  Crazy but I think that's color therapy.  

I hope I'll be back next Wednesday with an all new pink polish to share with you.  I better go look for one since I might have to buy one this time.

Luv & Luk,
--L.

Tuesday, November 29, 2011

Favorites: November 2011



Hello, my Pretties!

I love Twitter.  I was tweeting away earlier when someone mentioned that they already had posted their monthly favorites.  I was like, "OMG, I totally forgot!"  What else is new?  I know.

And in case you don't follow me on Twitter, I announced late last week that I had gotten a job as a nanny.  Sounds weird to say it because it's for my two year old nephew.  He has health issues so his doctors recommended that he be taken out of daycare and for my sister to hire a nanny to go take care of him at home.  And so she hired me!

So yeah, that's what I've been up to lately.  My days are long now.  I'm with him from 7 a.m. to about 7 p.m.  I have my nephew and my daughter, both two years old, all day and then I have my six year old daughter from 3-7 after I pick her up from school.  Yeah.  My hands are full.

So, you might see my blog start to suffer a little bit from it.  By the time I get home, it's dark out so I can't take pictures for a new post. I'm going to have to save all of that for the weekend when I'm off but then again, I have my two munchkins at home all day so that's why I would never work on blog posts on the weekends, only on weekdays when one was in school and the other was napping.  LOL.  So, I guess I'm going to have to try something else.

Anyway, I managed to get in my Monthly Favorites post today.  Here it is.  Enjoy!

November 2011 Favorites

Blistex Cold & Allery Lip Soother
External/Analgesic/Lip Protectant
Net wt. .15 oz/ 4.25 g
I got this a couple of weeks ago when I was really sick with a cold.  My nose was so stuffy that I was basically panting like a dog just trying to breathe.  My lips were so dry so when I went to get some Kleenex from Walgreen's, I saw this and I bought it.  I love how it smells.  It's so citrus-y.  It claims to relieve lip discomfort and dryness due to illness or medication.  That is does!  Instantly my lips felt moisturized.  They were already all cracked and peeling prior to application.  I put it on before bed and in the morning, my lips were almost normal!  It is infused with vitamins C and E along with green tea, elderberry, chamomile and honey.  No wonder it tastes so good.  Good stuff.
Avon 24 Karat Gold Lip Gloss
in Honey Gold
I've had this lip gloss for what seems like ages and I love it!  I'm not a pink lip gloss person but this one works for me.  I adore this shade.  Sad thing is, it's no longer available.  You can't see it in the shot but it's more than half empty.  I think this one will appear in my monthly empties post very soon.
Swatch of Honey Gold.
As you can see in the picture, it's a very pretty pink.  But what you can't see, is that it has loads of shimmer in it.  You can see it in the tube as well as on your lips when you're out in the sun.  Such a cute color.
Avon Anew Rejuvinate Night Sapphire Emulsion
50 g net wt./ 1.7 oz
Another Avon product to share with you today.  I had also tweeted about this product about a month ago.  I said I was using a new face cream that made my skin look almost air brushed.  So many of you wanted to know which one it was!
Very cool looking night cream.
I love the look of this.  It's a gel but it's like glittery blue.  Super pretty.  It feels weird on.  It's a gel and I'm used to a cream consistency.  In my opinion, when I wear this night cream, in the morning, my face is so soft and smooth and my pores are less visible.  Yay for shrunken pores!  This one is pricey for me but I figure that I'll be 30 in December so I need to take care of my skin.  The only downside to this is if you have sensitive skin like I do, it's recommended that you wait 15 minutes after cleansing your face before applying the night cream.  If you don't wait, you could get a burning feeling on your face.  Not like I'm-on-fire but it's plain old discomfort.  I like it.  It claims to make you look 5 years younger in two weeks.  It cost me about $30 but I think I do look more youthful.
E.L.F. Shimmering Facial Whip
in Citrus 
OK, this one did not cost me $30 but it cost me $1.00 and I love it.  I use this product as a brow highlight or as a highlight on my cheekbones.  But lately I have been using it as a base for my shimmery shadows and it works beautifully.  The shadow sticks so well to it and it lasts all day.  No creasing on me.  Best $1.00 ever.  I've seen other posts done on this product and I have seen some bad reviews.  To each his own.  Every experience is different.  Mine was a good one.  For a dollar, try it out and see if it works for you.  There are many shades to chose from on the E.L.F. website.
M•A•C Fluidline
Eeek!  I can't believe I have M•A•C.  I got this as a part of my Tartan Tale gift set that my sweet-tart gave me last year for Christmas.  I kept saying I was going to show it off but I never did.  Maybe I should still do it.  One year later and it's practically untouched.  I cherish it so much, I don't want to use it.  LOL.
Blitz & Glitz Fluidline
Net wt. 3 g/ 0.10 oz
This is such a smooth application.  It's like butter.  For real.  I've never said that about any makeup item I own.  Love this stuff.  I use it on my waterline too and it applies effortlessly and evenly and it stays on all day.
I've had this for about a year and I just started using it.
Man, I have missed out on this eyeliner!  I should have used it since I got it but, no, I had to hold on to it for God knows what reason.  If I had used it from day one, I would be out of it by now.  Lately, it's the only eyeliner I want to use.

This eyeliner is black but with little gold shimmers in it that I don't really see when I apply it to my eyes.  I just enjoy the darkness and richness of the black and the creaminess.  It's wonderful.
Maybelline The Falsies Flared
Volum' Express Mascara
I won't go into too much detail about this because I plan on doing a separate blog post on this one with pictures of before and afters.  I love this stuff.  I doesn't leave my eyes looking like the ones in the commercial but I do see a difference.  My lashes are much longer and that's always fine with me!
Essie Nail Lacquer
in Lady Like
.46 fl oz/ 13.5 mL
I have been looking for a pink like this.  It's not full on bubble gum pink at all which is why I think I love it so much.  It's more of a romantic, refined pink.  Definitely, a lady like pink.
Swatches of Lady Like.
As you can see in the picture, it's so glossy.  Just the way I like it.  And with no top coat and two coats of nail polish.  I can see myself wearing this very often.  It's a nice everyday color and it will also look nice with a LBD and it's even work appropriate.
Swatches.
Here I have all the swatches to the Blitz &  Glitz eyeliner.  The dot on the top is the Shimmering Facial Whip out of the tube and below it is the swatch of it blended in.  A little goes a long way.  Underneath that, is the swatch to the Honey Gold lip gloss.
Victoria's Secret Refreshing Body Mist
in Pure Seduction
125 mL/ 4.2 fl oz
And one more thing.  I love how this smells.  I've been using this everyday instead of perfume.  I don't usually use perfume, I use body sprays more.  This one smells of casaba melon, plum, and freesia.  It's perfection.  And, I'm almost out of this one too.  Another monthly empties candidate.  Since it's so hot here in Texas, I enjoy spritzing this all over my body because it definitely refreshes me.  Maybe next time, I'll try a different scent.

Wow, half and hour later and I'm done typing.  Good God.  Well, that's all I have for this month, my dears.  I wonder what the month of December will have in store.

Luv & Luk,
--L.

Sunday, November 27, 2011

Finger Painting: Metallic Orange

Hello, my Pretties!

Lately, the sweet-tart and I have been visiting our local flea markets.  We're not looking for anything in particular, just browsing.

But I did find something that I've become addicted to.  Kleancolor nail polishes.  OMG, I'm starting to build up quite a collection of Kleancolor.  I find them at the flea markets for $1.00 a piece.  Not bad at all.  I like things that cost me a buck.

I will show you all later what other Kleancolor nail polishes I have but for starters, let me show you my most favorite one.  And it's perfect for fall!

Kleancolor Nail Lacquer
Net wt. 15 mL/ 0.5 fl oz.

Kleancolor Nail Lacquer
160 Metallic Orange

Swatches without flash.
Two coats.
The shimmer in this nail polish is just crazy!  I love the look of this.  It wasn't as glossy as a finish as I prefer but it was still a nice looking polish.  A shiny top coat would be such an easy way to add the gloss that I was hoping for.

I got this nail polish during a cold front so the weather was so cloudy and gloomy.  But the next day when the sun came out, WOW!  The way this color shines in the sunlight was enough to take my breath away and call up my sister to tell her how pretty it was.  She was with me when I bought it.
Swatches with flash.
Two coats.
I mean, can I just say wow.  This is such a beautiful color.  I saw this a couple of weeks ago at the flea market and I automatically thought of Thanksgiving.  It's the perfect pumpkin spice color.  I look at this nail polish and I swear I can smell all the scents of fall from the pumpkin pie to the autumn leaves.  I'm in love.

I was even surprised of the wear time I got out of this nail polish.  With only two coats, no base coat and no top coat, I got 4 perfect days of wear out of it.  It might have gone longer but I took it off to try another nail polish I recently bought.  My nail polish never lasts on me since I do dishes like 7 times a day or more!  So for me, 4 days without a chip with this one, was more than enough to make me happy.  But then I remember it was only a dollar and I'm even happier.

OK, that is all the gushing I have about this new nail polish of mine.  I love it.  Did I make that clear?  I really love it.

Luv & Luk,
--L.

P.S. You can purchase these wonderful nail polishes off the Kleancolor website at www.kleancolor.com.

♥♥ The product included in this post was purchased by me with my own money.  I am not affiliated with Kleancolor.  These are my own thoughts and honest opinions. ♥♥

Saturday, November 26, 2011

Subbie Saturday: November 26, 2011

Hello, my Pretties!

Here is another installation of Subbie Saturday.  Yay!

Today I have a lovely lady who I met through my blog a while back.  She's always leaves comments on my blog, which I totally appreciate.  She has become a constant on all my blog posts.  She never fails to have something nice or encouraging to say to me.

As of late, she has become my best friend on Twitter.  We chat almost everyday.  We are actually planning on a makeup swap for December so I'm really excited to see what she has picked out for me because from what I've seen on her blog, she has really good taste when it comes to makeup.  So, stay tuned for that blog post!

OK, no more waiting.  This week's Subbie Saturday star is my beauty buddy, Jazmin of My Pursuit of Happiness!

My Pursuit of Happiness
(Image taken from Jazmin's blog.)
Yay!  Congratulations, Jazmin!

Jazmin has been blogging on her beauty blog since June of this year.  Six months in and she already has 101 blog posts under her belt.  That is really impressive.  You need to stop on by and check those blog posts out!

Here are some of my favorite posts by Miss Jazmin:

In her blog, Jazmin has EOTDs and fun hauls.  She does nail posts and reviews too.  Her photos are always clear and nice.  Her blog posts are easy to read, quick and to the point, no rambling on and on like some bloggers I know (like me!).  Which I think is a very good thing for those readers who don't have a lot of time to sit and read long lengthy posts.  Every time I read her blog posts, I read them all the way through.  No skimming required!  That is a plus!

All in all, Jazmin has proven to be a great blogger and a great friend.  I enjoy chatting with her and reading her feedback.  She is a total sweetheart and I'm glad that I've met her.  I think you all will feel the same way if you visited her blog.  

When you stop by her blog, tell her Ms. Prettyful Girl says HI!

Luv & Luk,
--L. 

♥♥ Photo of Jazmin included in this post does not belong to me.  I took it straight from her website at http://hunter87-mypursuitofhappiness.blogspot.com ♥♥

Thursday, November 24, 2011

Happy Thanksgiving!

Hello, my Pretties!

I'm so excited today is finally here.  I swear I live all year just for today.  I cannot wait for our turkey day feast later on this afternoon.  It's only 12:44 a.m.  I should be in bed and I will be as soon as I finish with this post.

I wanted to share this look with you because there is no better day than today for showcasing my newest L.A. Colors 3 Color Eyeshadow trio than today.  The colors are so rich and perfect for fall.

L.A. Colors 3 Color Eyeshadow in BES 504 Boardwalk.

Gold.

Orange.

Brown.

My fingertips impersonating fall leaves.
Perfect colors for a fall themed look.

Swatches with flash.

Swatches without flash.


 For this look, I took the brown eyeshadow and applied it all over my lid.  In the inner corner and inner half of crease, I used the gold shadow.  And in the outer half of the crease and lower lash line, I used the orange shade.
A nice sheer red and bronze toned lip.


I do believe this is the look that I will be wearing today for Thanksgiving dinner with my family.  So, let me just take the time at this moment to wish you all a very happy and safe Thanksgiving.  I pray that you all have a blessed day and have someone to share it with.  Please remember to count your many blessings.  I know that at times it may be so hard to believe that you have anything to be thankful for, but no matter how hard life is, you do have something to be grateful for.  I promise.  Hold on to that.

I, of course, am thankful for my life, first and foremost.  I am thankful that I am still alive when so many others will not get to see the light of another day.  And secondly, I am thankful for the family that I have in my life.  My family is my everything.  Without them, I couldn't be me.  Gosh, I have so much to be thankful for...my car, the roof over my head, the food in my big belly...the Internet, my iPhone, my makeup collection...my children's laughter and love, my sweet-tart's hand to hold, and all of you.  You all have made this blog what it is and are the reason why I chose to write week after week.  I am thankful that you all gave me a chance to show you what I have and that I have never received a negative comment, only positive feedback and encouragement to continue to grow as a blogger.  For that, I am truly thankful.

Luv & Luk,
--L.

Tuesday, November 22, 2011

FOTD: Simply Seductive

Hello, my Pretties!

I bet you thought, "Oh, man, I wonder what look she did!"  LOL.  Right?  No?  OK.

I couldn't think up a name for this FOTD.  I went with the obvious.  It's simple and it can be seductive too.  I'm not the most seductive looking woman but when I wear this look, I sure do feel it!

Very simple neutral eye using Clinique's Colour
Surge Eye Shadow Duo.

French Vanilla all over eye, from lid to brow bone.
Rum Spice in the crease.

Avon Colordisiac Lipstick in Temptress.

Feeling sexy!

Do I look seductive?

Face ingredients.

Face.
FACE:
Avon Magix Face Perfector
E.L.F. Tone Correcting Concealer in Apricot Beige
Avon Anew Age-Transforming Pressed Powder in Tan Beige

Eyes.
EYES:
Avon Perfect Wear Extralasting Powder Eyeshadow in Coral Beat
Clinique Colour Surge Eye Shadow Duo
     Rum Spice (soft shimmer) Eye Shadow
     French Vanilla (stay matte) Eye Shadow
     Mocha Pink Blush

Eyes part two.
EYES:
E.L.F. Liquid Eyeliner in Coffee
Clinique Lash Doubling Mascara in Black
Dior Diorshow Mascara in Black
Avon Color Trend Mini Eye Liner in Black

Lips.
LIPS:
EOS Lip Balm in Lemon Drop
Avon Colordisiac Lipstick in Temptress

And there you go, my loves.  This is something of a different look than I've been sporting lately.  I tend to sport bright colors more often these days but I don't know, I felt like doing something different.  Something a little more, shall we say, sophisticated.  I think I pulled it off.  I think I look more grown up.

As you can see, it takes very little product to pull off a look like this.  I used all the colors in the Clinique palette.  I love that blush.  Like seriously love.  For a while there I was using this blush on a daily.  The whole kit is wonderful.  I am so happy my sister didn't want it and shipped it off to live at my house.  You see, everyone knows that I am like an orphanage for unwanted makeup.  I don't discriminate.  I give them all a good home.  I promise!

I do hope that you all liked this.  I always feel so vulnerable wearing a bold lip, like I'm putting myself so out there.  It's because it's new to me.  I still have yet to wear this type of bold lip out in public.  I did this look on a day I stayed home and did laundry.  Yeah, I sure do know the meaning of seductive.

Luv & Luk,
--L.

♥♥ All the items mentioned in this post were bought by me with my own money for the exception of the Clinique Colour Surge Eye Shadow Duo which was a gift. ♥♥