Into the Influenster Summer VoxBox Abyss!

I mentioned this box awhile ago, so I decided to take a closer look into the wonderful Summer VoxBox from the company Influenster.  For details of what Influenster is you could check my previous post HERE.
After testing out the goodies I got for review, I realized that the VoxBox was still a great thing to get especially since it was free.

When my husband handed me the package when we were in the car, I quickly opened it, and was surprised by everything that was inside.  Above is a picture of when I opened it during my car ride.

Nail Polish: Sinful Colors Leap Flog

I finally gave in and decided to grab this shade from Sinful Colors.  I honestly thought the name was Leap Frog, and not Flog.  At that moment, I couldn't remember exactly the meaning of flog.
Flog Definition:

1. Beat (someone) with a whip or stick to punish or torture them: "the stolen horses will be returned and the thieves flogged".
2. Promote or talk about (something) repetitively or at excessive length.

**Defintion VIA Dictionary.com
Pretty interesting for a name.  

The shade is more of a dusty forest green sort of shade to me.  This nail polish is crazy lol.  There are times where it looks more darker and yet paler in forest green.
My only issue with it is, it seems sort of patchy to me after 2 coats.  There were parts on my nail where I could still see through it.  So 3 coats would be perfect for it.
Drying time is so and so.  It does not dry quickly.  But overall I am happy with this nail polish and glad that I grabbed it.

Don't forget that this week until Saturday (July 28th), Walgreens will be having a sale on Sinful Colors for 99cents.  So if you love cheapo polishes it's a good grab for your collection.  They have a wide range of colors.

What is your favorite nail polish from Sinful Colors?

Nail Polish: Sinful Colors - Energetic Red

So I bought this awhile back, lol April to be exact, and never mentioned anything about it.  Better late than never right?

Energetic Red was part of their Wow Pop Collection that pictured superhero comic sort of thing.  Supposedly this is also included in their POPtastic Summer collection.

Nail Polish: New York Color Mint Breeze, Golden Glam, & Time Square Tangerine Dream

For the rest of this week til JULY 21st, all New York Color products will be on sale for 40% off.  You also get a $1+UP with your rewards card.  If you do go into Rite-Aid sneak around the cosmetic aisles, just to check if they have any NYC coupons of $0.50 any $1.72 or more purchase.  So even better savings!
This time I had only picked up three nail polishes since I already grabbed some other items during that weekend of other polishes and such.

The bottles for their Expert Last nail polish seem better than their other bottles.

Nail Polish: Color Club - Hot Couture, Magic Attraction, Beyond the Mistletoe, Gingerbread, & Covered in Diamonds

Over the weekend we had gone to Ross and hubs caught eye of a Color Club collection ($7.99 per box).  Of course he quickly ninja-ed it up for me, so that it may be included within my kit.  At first glance I was quickly excited because it said Glitter Vixen.  As we were in line, I was checking online, and realized none of the original EXCEPT for one was in there.  Okay two if you count a dupe!  I am not mad though!  What do you expect from Ross?  Though I would greatly appreciate it that they would avoid doing such things since it fools those who are unsure of the collections.  Just my opinion though!
Here is a picture of how the original Glitter Vixen looks like:

**Taken from Color Club website

And here is what mine looks like:

So off right?  The first and 4th bottle from the left are the same ones.  I thought they were different, but after close inspection they are exactly the same!  So for the other bottle, I will be passing it off to my friend. 

FiSed at the Craft Store

So I forgot to post this, which occurred a few weeks ago.  OPP!  Went to several craft stores:  Hobby Lobby, Joanne's, & Michaels.  Also stopped by several other shops as well.  My hubs and I went into the shops just to look around.  But like always there was some sort of good sale, or a clearance item which caused me to NINJA it!  Also ended up picking some polish up as well.

An air shot of all the goodies I ended up getting.  I went a bit glitter crazy!  Please excuse the bad quality of the pictures.  I took them at night. 

Nail Polish: Cosmetic Arts (no name)

I have seen Cosmetic Arts products before but I have never picked them up.  You could normally find their products at Ross, which is where I have only seen them at.  The polish goes for $1.99 a bottle.  I suggest if you do head to Ross and you see a shade you want, grab it!  Don't think of "I'll wait til next time," because sometimes that item won't be there no more.

Once again there is no name for this shade at all.  The owner of Cosmetic Arts are the same owner for Color Club, which is Forsythe Cosmetic Group.  Makes sense why there is no name sticker upon it.  It would be really helpful if they did have it though.

Within the bottle, it reminded me of a polish that I have seen before, but never grabbed.  Since at that time, I didn't think it was something I would want.  But like they say "Grab a polish for just incase!"

I cracked and FiS! OH MY!

So over the weekend, I had finally cracked!  I have been on a no-buy where I was attempting to finish up some products in order to buy some new ones.  But that was getting me no where haha.  I went into a drugstore to pick up a colored eyeliner, and instead I ended up buying nail polishes, along with some little goodies my son decided to pick up as well.  Gotta love the toss on the counter while mommy is paying!  haha no no!  My kid isn't like that.  He actually asked me if he may get one, and I told him "No, but you could get two."

Okay for the Color Club and Cosmetic Arts nail polishes, I have no clue what the names of it are.  So if you have ANY IDEA at all, let me know!  Either send me an email or make a comment.  I will greatly appreciate it.  I'll post swatches of it soon. 
As for the New York Color I bought them over at Rite-Aid which is currently on sale for 40% off for this week only (July 15 - 21).  Actually it's all the New York Color products at the moment.  Which is great!  If you're lucky your Rite-Aid could have the $0.50 off coupon for NYC cosmetics.  Not to mention $1+up with Rewards card. 
So here are the NYC polishes I picked up:

• Mint Breeze
• Golden Glam
• Times Square Tangerine Creme

So there is my small FiS moment of goodies! 

What did you pick up over the weekend?

Oh nails, Y U SO SHORT?!

So last week I mentioned in my post I mentioned that I had to cut down my nails.  A few have seen these already on my quick shot upon Instagram.  I decided to make an actual post of it. 

It'll take some time to get use to short nails again, but hopefully they speed up in growth like they normally do. 

My July Birchbox!

Birchbox is a wonderful way to try out products from new, and lingering around.  They have different subscriptions that you could pick at for your liking.  And you may cancel at anytime.  It is though a hit and miss.  Sometimes you'll get items, or the whole box, that you won't like, and there are other times where you will simply just love what you get.  From sample sizes to full sizes.  From cosmetics to snacks to perfumes. 

Over the weekend I had received my July Birchbox, and I have to say that this was better than the one I have received last month.  I was hoping to obtain the Eyeko eyeliner, but it didn't happen.  YET I was still happy with what I got.

The cardstock cover on the box I thought looked pretty cool, and could be an inspiration for future products.

Doesn't that box make for a perfect nail gradient scene?  Or maybe even drips...WHO KNOWS!  Gotta love random inspiration of items.

Double slap those nails! But they're done!

First off I would like to say thank you to all of those who follow or check out my blog.  Greatly appreciate it.  Second off, if you do my tutorials, or I give you inspiration please note it.  So I could check it out.  Lately I found two people who actually took my tutorials changed some words in it, but still copied exactly what I did.  :( That sort of ticked me off.  So like I say "Give credit when due!  If someone inspired you to do something, let it be known!"  Though there are times when great minds think alike, which in case high five to you!  But when it's to a T, yeah...that gets my engines going a bit... 

So sorry about that I had to get it off my chest!

Well I have been doing my nails on and off.  Just haven't really been taking pictures of it.  But they have been done!  I'll post two pictures of what I have done lately.

Oh Mail! Oh my! : Influenster Summer Beauty VoxBox

So over the weekend I received my first box from Influenster, which was their summer VoxBox.  If you have not heart of Influenster it's basically a site of trendsetters who could share their lifestyles and show off their influence upon items they received.    You sign up and basically take surveys, which are their badges.  The badges you earn will help them better understand you, and decide what to give you in your personalized box of goodies.  Oh and did I mention it's FREE?  Yup that's right! 
If you qualify for their boxes they will send you an email, that will show you a link in your profile.  You have a certain amount of days to fill out the form.  So my suggestion once you obtain that email, get at it really fast!

Review: DetClear Bright and Peel

DetClear Bright & Peel is made by a Japanese brand called Meishoku.  It comes in two forms a peeling jelly, and a liquid solution.  They have three different kind of scents:  Mixed Fruit, Mixed Berry, and Neutra.
I have been using these products for over a month now and I have them in both forms.  I have the liquid solution in Mixed Fruit, and the peeling jelly in Mixed Berry.

This is based upon mine and my husband's experience on the product.  Yes he does use these as well time to time.  Remember no one's skin are the same, so others may have different out comes.

Tutorial: Inglot Freedom System how to remove pans

I decided to post this tutorial mostly because someone had asked me how do I remove my pans from the Inglot Cosmetic's Freedom System pans.  So for those who do not know how to as well, hopefully this well help you.

Inglot Cosmetic has a customizable palette that they call "Freedom System."  Where you could personalize these already made palettes, and place inside it eyeshadows, blushes, powder, or concealers just to name a few.  They are actually at the prices of drugstore brands, but pack a nice punch when it comes to pigmentation.  You could find some swatches of their eyeshadows on my blog.

In order to remove the pans from the palette you need a strong magnet for it.  I do the way that Inglot suggest to you on how to remove it.

The best magnet to use is honestly located on this lid!  All you have to do is just take the top lid off.

On the under side of the lid is the magnet that I use to remove the pans.

 Place the magnet over the corner edge of the pan you want to remove.

The pan will attract and TADA you could pull out the pan.  From there you could adjust how you want your palette to look.

Enjoy :D

UH-OH! FiS moment & Review with Inglot Cosmetics!

Over the weekend I turned in my points for a program I have on my phone called Shopkick, for a $50 gift card for Macy's.  And with that wonderful gift card, I splurged on Inglot!
I'll touch base with what Shopkick is first.  It's basically an application that you could hopefully find in your app shop.  It's a wonderful program that allows you to earn points by scanning barcodes on items, and walking into shops.  You earn kicks basically, which is what they call their points.  With those kicks you get to turn them in to random things on their reward programs.  From Starbucks to Macy's, Sports Authority to Toys R Us, just to set a few examples.  So if you get the chance, check it out.  Here's my referral link: CLICK HERE.
So on to my little goodies that I picked up!  As stated went to Macy's to pick up some Inglot goodies.  I kept debating on what to get, and the promo girls at my local Macy's was super wonderful.  I believe one is named Sherri, honestly I forgot cause I was too excited to splurge.  She gave me closer insight of some of the products and her opinion on the ones I had questions about.  Super friendly, and not to mention loved her nails!
I never knew that the Macy's Inglot were suppose to put the pans in for you.  Until she told me that they were suppose to.  They tried to color coordinate my items, but I picked so many random colors haha.  I felt sorry for the girl since I would end up changing it out later on.

The above image was how she arranged it.  It's fine that way, but I still wanted to change it up a bit when I got home.  I know I picked such a wide arrange of colors.

Nail Polish: CQ Intense Color Enamel Polish - Tropics

A few days ago, I realized I didn't have an actual blue sort of shade nail polish.  So I was on a mission to get one for my kit.  Most of the blue polishes that I saw were more of with a metallic or sheer sort of look to it.  Which is something I didn't want.  And if you know me, I don't like spending a lot on polishes.  Cheap polishes are fine to me. 
I was in Rite-Aid walking around and stopped over at the CQ polish section.  They are the same company that makes the Chameleon, and Petites nail polishes.  Their price range goes from $1.99 to $3.99.  I never picked up their Intense Color Enamel line before, so I was pretty intrigued when I caught a glance of a blue that I actually really liked.

I love how the shape of the bottle looks and how the name is on front of it as well.  The cost of the polish was $3.99 and they have a wide arrange of shades.

There were no strays on the brush at all, and it's not too thin or too thick.  Was just right.  Applying it to the wheel went on with ease, and did wonders as a two coaters.
This was the perfect blue I was looking for on a nail look I have in mind.  Hopefully I could get those done before Saturday!

Inspired by my girl Emily: Look + Nails done

So this post is way over due!  A while back one of my fave nail girls, Emily, sent me a picture of a colorful pastel look she did.  I asked her about the colors, and asked if I could do a spin of it.  Of course she said go for it.  Gotta love this girl!
I have actually done this look two times, trying to make it look right on my eyes.  I changed it a little bit on how she originally did it.
So my first take was done with BH Cosmetics' 88 Cool Matte Palette.

I couldn't find my brown liner for this one (still no clue where it went), so I grabbed a cheapo liner from my kit, and it didn't even show on the tight line at all BOO!  It just didn't come out right at all on my eyes.
I gave it a few days before I tried again.  The second time around I loved how it came out!

My June 2012 Birchbox

So yesterday I received my second Birchbox which actually had made me semi-meh for it.  There are actually three items in it I was not fond of receiving at all.  I am thankful though that Birchbox did send them to me, but it just is not for me.

Nail Polish: Essie Mojito Madness

I received this polish from Klout.com and would not be possible without you many followers!  So thank you for making this possible!
I was so excited upon getting one of Essie's summer collection polishes for free.  At first they made it sound like it was more than one, but either way I was happy.  If you know me, you know I love my polishes!
Oh Mojito Madness you are one serious gorgeous lime green color.

I say this would look super nice with some hot fuchsia shade on top of it.  Got to do a nail look with this polish soon. 
I love the formula of Essie nail polishes.  Though sometimes I try to avoid spending $8+ on polishes, they are still worth the grab here and there.
Do you have a favorite Essie polish?  Did you get the Essie perk from Klout?

My current nails: Neon and Black

I actually woke up today at 6:40am and got to doing a gradient splatter scene on my nails, since I couldn't go back to sleep (thanks hubs for allowing the alarm to scream).  I was suppose to do my nails yesterday but after five designs on my hand, I was just not feeling it.

A little FiS moment

I did a little FiS and picked up some goodies.  I am still trying not to spend so much at the moment.  Since a lot of family or coming down and the two special love of my life boys' birthday is coming up SOON.

First off is a Japanese brand called Detclear, which is basically a brightener and peel toner that removes dead skin, black heads, and such.  There is a gel solution of it as well, but I ended up accidentally picking up the liquid solution.  Which honestly doesn't bother me one bit.  I love being able to see results of how smooth my skin feels after using it, and the gunk it picks up.  I will be picking up the gel solution after this bottle is finished.  It has a slight smell of fruitiness, but it isn't anything overwhelming.

I ended up picking up three Wet n Wild Megalast nail polishes from Walgreens.  B2G1F deal.  The colors from left to right:  Heatwave , Tropicalia, and Bite the Bullet.

So there you have it, my little splurge moment.  Like I said I am still trying not to spend so much.

What did you buy lately?  Are you on a no buy?

 

Check out Klout!

Klout has to be a social networking blogging best friend!  You should really check them out if you're a blogger!  You could receive chances to earn perks, which basically are free items to discounts etc.  From full size to samples.  It's just a wonderful program out there, and it doesn't hurt to try.
So here are the items I have received lately:

Lipton Tean & Honey iced tea packets:  I actually had received this two weeks ago.  Just been that busy.  I obtained 10 samples and inside the little packet there were coupons with it.  The flavor was Mango Pineapple.

Essie Mojito Madness:  I am a total nail polish freak.  So when I had obtained this perk I was super psyched.  And more excited that it was a full size bottle.  I'll discuss this polish later on. 

Trident & Trident Layers:  I received this on Saturday and was actually surprised.  I honestly thought I was going to just get a single pack.  I was telling hubs that the box felt heavy, and wasn't sure if I was getting something else from Klout.  Upon opening it I ended up discovering that it was actually a box of Trident in both the Klout boxes.  WHOA!  Hubs was seriously shocked and kept asking me if I paid for them haha.  "Nope!  Totally free!"  In each box there are 12 packs.  Awesome perk! 

So like I said, if you're into social networking, or you have a blog check out Klout and see what goodies you could pick up!

**I was given a free product or sample because I'm a Klout influencer. I was under no obligation to receive the sample or talk about this company. I get no additional benefits for talking about the product or company.

Do you have a Klout?  If you do let me know, because you never know I might drop by and toss you a K+ :)

Nails done? Mhmm! Finally!

So I finally had time to do some actual nail work on my nails, other than my typical nail gradient splatters (which I still freakin' love).
I kept it simple and just used four colors.

Nails done? OH YEAH! Check!

So here is a shot of my current nails, my typical gradient and splatter look.  If you would like to know how I did it, you could spot it on my tutorial page.

Expired: Target Style Summer Beauty Bag Giveaway

Once again, Target Style is giving a beauty bag with samples & coupons within with a summer flare to it.  So make sure you head on over CLICK HERE to get your goodies while supplies last.

For clips of what was in the Spring bag you could see my post HERE

Enjoy!

Nail Polish: Color Club - Disco Nap

Today I would like to share with you another goodie I received from the lovely company Birchbox.  Color Club's Disco Nap mini bottle was included within my box.  I was super excited when I saw this, cause if you know me I am also a lover of polishes!

Today I would like to share with you another goodie I received from the lovely company Birchbox.  Color Club's Disco Nap mini bottle was included within my box.  I was super excited when I saw this, cause if you know me I am also a lover of polishes! I am not really into mini nail polish bottles, but honestly I do not mind it at all.
Disco Nap is a part of their foil collection, and the only seller I have seen so far for it is from Birchbox for $8.

My Saturday Look

Saturday was a very emotional day for me.  It was my grandfather's birthday, and he would of been 82 years old.  Though how many years have passed it is still something that hits me in so many ways.  That same year I lost my grandmother and grandfather months near each other.  I haven't cried about them since their funeral, and after reflecting how things have changed between my mom's side of the family, it hit me hard.  I miss them both loads.

We went to my mom's house for a bbq, to celebrate my grandfather's birthday.  Upon returning home, I cried as I reflected on the memories I had of them both.  I shut down for the rest of the night.  Just wanting to be alone.  Losing loved ones is never easy.  May they rest in peace.   

Kahit ano nga yare nga dyan yung familia mo para sayo (No matter what happens your family is there for you).  

So here is the look I did for that day:

Review: Stila Sparkle Waterproof Liquid Eyeliner - Curacao

Today I will be showing you a sample I received from Birchbox, the Stila Sparkle Waterproof Liquid Eyeliner in Curacao.

This was the first glitter like eyeliner I have used.  I only use black eyeliners to be honest.  With me, it doesn't hurt to try, and to try something new.

Review: Dash Minerals - sample pigments

I have to be honest, these samples have actually been sitting at the bottom of my stash for a year now.  I had forgotten about them, until recently when I was clearing out things to see what I wanted and not wanted.  These loose eyeshadows, in which I call pigments, are from a company called Dash Minerals, but also known as Mineral Perfections. 
I heard about the product, by being Google curious.  At that time the company was offering free samples.  You pick 5 items you want, and pay for shipping which was only $1.25 sum back then.  They ended up tossing in an extra sample.  Right now their samples are from $0.25 to $0.50 a piece.  So honestly it isn't that bad since you could do several looks with the product.

Review: theBalm - Meet Matt(e)

I would like you to Meet Matt(e), a well respected palette from the company theBalm.

I had received it from my husband for Mother's day, and I was super excited upon getting it.  I have been wanting Meet Matt(e) for awhile now, so this was an awesome gift for me.  

Behold a preview of "Liberius" - and yay won FilmFights Heavyweight

Here is a promotional clip of "Liberius" that will be sent to FilmFights.com.  My brother Matthew Castro was the director and editor.  I was on make-up and nails.  SFX was our friend Adam Biller, did a good job!  Director of Photography and Lighting Coordinator Jonathan Bouknight.  Sound was our friend Timmy Stewart, and my husband Steve.  Music by Wesley Carter.

An exorcist and his apprentice find a young woman in a small household possessed by a demon, and after they perform their standard ritual, things suddenly take a turn for the worst when the exorcism doesn't go as planned.

It was great meeting new people.  Not to mention the actors and actress were so friendly, and fun to work with.  They did a great job!  Johnny Francis Wolf, Elspeth Weingarten, Torrey Drake, and Troi Feinberg showed passion in what they were doing.

Thank you all who were on set for the great laughs!

Thank you to those who voted for the film!  We won the gold this weekend for heavyweight possessed category.
So enjoy and thank you for stopping by my blog.

Mario Badescu Skin Care samples

So a fellow blogger Jessica had posted about a skin care company called Mario Badescu, and how she received free samples from them.  I have heard and seen their products before, but since I rarely get pimples I never paid attention to them.  After seeing Jess' post, I decided to take a peek at them.  Perfect opportunity to right?  I mean who doesn't love to get free samples of a product?
In order to see if you qualify for their samples you take a little survey on their site (click here) that will ask you questions about your skin type, and pimple related issues.  After about two days, they will send you an email if you would like to receive their product.
About a week and a half I received my package.  I have been dealing with pimples as of late.  Nothing huge just small bumps near my nose.  So what a perfect chance to try out some new products!  They also gave me products that suited my skin type needs, which at the moment is combination.

I received eight samples, and they also supplied a catalog in-case I wanted to order their products, as well as a guideline in how to use the products that the package came in.  The instruction guideline is very helpful for those who are unsure when to apply a product.  It gives quick easy directions from morning to night time.

So here are the items I received:

• Aloe Lotion a soothing aloe and 2% alcohol make up this mild astringent for combination skin.  Disinfects skin's surface and removes residue that can clog pores.
• Orange Cleansing Soap contains orange extract that makes this gentle, cream cleanser mildly exfoliating and very refreshing.  It is safe for all skin types to help remove makeup and build-up upon the skin.
• Hyaluronic Moisturizer SPF 15 a daily moisturizer and moderate sun protection for combination, dry skin.  If you're allergic to peanuts, this product is not for you due to the fact it contains peanut oil.
• Glycolic Eye Cream for mature skin showing signs of wrinkles and sun damage.
• Bee Pollen Night Cream skin softening cream which provides a combination of natural oils with bee pollen and honey extract.  It hydrates and improves the texture of the skin overnight.  
• Flower and Tonic Mask is a combination purifying and calming mask for congested, bumpy or slightly oily skin types.
• Strawberry Face Scrub is actually made with real strawberry seeds that will gently buff away flaky skin.  It improves overall texture to the skin by revealing healthy, glowing skin while preventing blackheads.
• Drying Cream is an effective treatment to dry up small under surface blemishes that appear as raised bumps in oily areas of the skins.  

I just started using it yesterday, so I will know later on how good these products are upon my skin.  The prices of their items aren't that bad.  So far I am loving the night cream!
Have you tried Mario Badescu products?  What is your favorite product from them?