My October Birchbox

Birchbox is basically a subscription site where you pay monthy or yearly and receive several items in a box depending on your profile (questions you answered).  It's a hit and miss with the boxes at times but it's not something that actually bothers me.  It's a gamble that could open your eyes up to new products.  And honestly I prefer the $10 for a box of say five items than paying $12 for a deluxe sample etc.  

 So for this month their focus was on transformation.  

Like always it includes a card giving a description of what they mean or the theme of the box.  

Review: Etude House Drawing Show Creamy Liner - BK802 Black Double Shot

Today I am so excited to show you some goodies that I had received from the company Cosmetic Love, which is a Korean-based online shop that sells a lot of Asian cosmetics.  They carry various products from nail polish to BB creams to eyeliners to lipstick.  Their site even carries skin care products and items for men as well.  Just to list a few big name Asian Brands:  TonyMoly, Skin79, Missha, Etude House, and the list goes on.  Their website is very easy to navigate through.

I picked the Etude House Drawing Show Creamy Liner in BK802 Black Double Shot, since I never tried an Asian gel liner before.  They were even kind enough to put in three samples with my package.  If you order from them you will receive samples as gifts.  So say you order 1 product you get 2 samples.  You order three items you get two samples, a nose pack, and a mask pack.  They are at random of course, but its a great way into trying new products!  More information about the samples I received, later on in this post.

The box that the items were in was such a pretty color.  It was a golden like shade that reminded me of the nail polish from Milani - Signature Gold.  When I saw the package I instantly went "Oh...what is that!"  It is very eye catching and brightens your day a bit.  It is way better than seeing the typical cardboard boxes I get.

Nails: Tape it up!

So today's nails were based off of tape manis.  I have not done a tape mani for so long nor have I used my striping tape much.  So why not?

I decided to follow two tutorials from Nailside her laser, and and abstract 80's, but changed it to my liking.  She really does wonders when it comes to tape manicures!

Review: Elegant Touch Envy Wraps - Silver Bengal Metallic

Today I have another wonderful product to show you from the company Elegant Touch.  It is one of their Envy Wraps in Silver Bengal Metallic.  Elegant Touch is a popular nail company from the UK, and had recently touched the US shores.  They carry various false nail collections and not to mention wraps as well.  You could find their wonderful items at an ULTA shop near you and online site.  

A glamorous way for women to extend fashion to their own fingertips – not to mention a huge celebrity trend right now! Envy Wraps are simple to apply and stay perfect for up to 10 days with no smudging, chips or drying time!  -Elegant Touch

Review: Eylure Naturalites 035

Today I have an item to show you from the company Eylure.  It's one of their Naturalites lashes in style 035.  Eylure's lashes are made of 100% human hair, and they are reusable and suitable for those who wear contact lenses.

Naturalites 035 adds natural volume to your lashes for a subtle full look.  If you are familiar to Eylure lashes, its a lighter version of the 080 lash style.

Review: Katy Perry Lashes by Eylure - Darling

Today I get to show you these wonderful Katy Perry Lashes by Eylure the Darling style.  They added two more styles to the Katy Perry line:  Darling and Pretty.  I always loved how Katy Perry's lashes were.  So it was great to hear that she came out with a line with Eylure.  Now you could be rockin' Katy Perry lashes at an ULTA, CVS, and Claire's Boutique near you!

Darling: Selected by Katy as a cute and wearable evening style. A dark, sculpted lash designed for easy eveningwear. An ideal event lash that will suit all eye shapes. - Eylure

On the back they give you tips and a step by step diagram on how to apply the lashes.  I find it very helpful when products supply directions on the outside package.  That way people who are buying the products have a better understanding of how to use it.

Review: Elegant Touch Polished Nails - Coral & Envy Wraps Bling - Candy Sprinkles

Today I get to show you two products from Elegant Touch:  Polished Nails in Coral, and Envy Wrap Bling in Candy Sprinkles.  I decided to combine these two together since I thought they would look good together.  Oh yup I was right!

Elegant Touch Envy Wraps Bling in Candy Sprinkles is a great way for someone to enhance those nails even more without dealing with the fuss of doing the nail art etc themselves.  Its a fast easy way to pretty nails.  The Envy Wraps Bling adds texture to your nails while taking them to another dimension.  They also come in Nail Armour, Gone Wild, and Leopard.  

The Elegant Touch Polished Nail set in Coral is a pre-polished set of nails with UV and Gel Top Coat Technology.  It ensures us that these bad boys won't chip, scratch, or fade away during the time you have it on.  This is very handy especially when you don't feel like going to the salon to get your nails done or your nails just look so OMG WTH looking and can't repair it on time for a party.  Have to cover up that mess, right?  They also come in Deep Blue, Misty Grey, and Warm Pink.

You could find Elegant Touch products at ULTA shops or their online website (US followers).

Nails done: Spun Sugar Mess Around

So I decided to mess around with the spun sugar look again.  I actually did them twice in one day cause I wasn't feeling the first look I did.  If you're curious how to do a spun sugar nails look you could check my tutorial section, or look up YouTube videos of it.

For the first look that I did I decided to try out the fan gradients, which I thought was pretty neat and interesting.  

• Wet n Wild Megalast Nail Color I Need a Refresh-mint
• Wet n Wild Megalast Nail Color Candy-licious
• Wet n Wild Wild Shine Fashionista Lisa

But for some reason I just was not feeling it.  So I decided to do another spun sugar look.

Review: Elegant Touch Flawless French Manicure Kit

Today I have a wonderful item to show you from the company Elegant Touch, it's their Flawless French Manicure Kit.  Elegant Touch is a popular nail company from the UK, and had recently touched the US shores.  They carry various false nail collections and not to mention wraps as well.  You could find their wonderful items at an ULTA shop near you and online site.    

The easiest way to apply a Flawless French Manicure without the white polish – no smudges or wobbly brush lines. This exciting new technology means your manicure will not chip or fade for at least one week. The ultra-thin plastic French tip adheres to and protects your natural nail edge from breaking to promote healthy nail growth. The clever patented application tab allows accurate placement and the clear housing ensures proper adhesion. Base and Top seals are included to complete the perfect French manicure that lasts! -Elegant Touch

They come with two kit length sizes:  Short, and Medium.  I received the short nails which was fine cause my natural nails are short at the moment.  

My date day anniversary look!

Hello lovelies!  Today I am showing you a look that I did last Saturday for my date day with my love.  To make it more interesting it was our 10th anniversary of being married.  Yes I did get married young, but don't regret a thing.  I wasn't able to take pictures of places we went to and ate at.  I got to splurge a bit on goodies from shopping at some of my favorite shops.  Not to mention buy goodies for such a dear friend of mine.  

Review: Uniqso Barbie - Puffy 3 Tones Violet

Hello lovelies, and welcome to my blog.  Today I have something different from my usual postings.  I get to show you these wonderful big eye circle lenses from Uniqso!  They are a company that is located in Malaysia, and carry a wonderful various selection of lenses.  They supply prescription and non-prescription lenses.  They also have some cosmetic and nail art products as well.

Tutorial: Gradient Spun Sugar Nails

Several people have asked me how I did my gradient spun sugar nails, so I decided to write a tutorial about it.  I do not take credit for the spun sugar technique.  This is just my version of it.  You do not need to do a gradient if you do not want to.  You may skip to the spun sugar part of this tutorial.

Nails: Just splattering around

Yesterday I decided to do a splatter scene but combine it with some other nail art techniques.  I did two fingers with toothbrush splatter over a white base color, and the other two and thumb a straw splatter over a gem sponge marble technique.  You could find the tutorial here.

At first I attempted a spray paint splatter where you use a spray bottle and dilute some droplets of nail polish with thinner and spritz it on your nails, but I honestly had no patience.

Review: Ever Bilena Superlash Mascara - Blue

Today I am bringing you another review from the product Ever Bilena Cosmetics that I had received from my best friend's, Les, goodie package to me.  Ever Bilena is a popular brand in the Philippines that doesn't cost a lot.

I mentioned to her before that I wanted to try out colored mascara again.  She told me how a lot of people were using a blue mascara there that wasn't expensive at all.  So she picked me up Ever BIlena's Superlash Mascara Blue.    

I thought this wonderful how they have the mascara color shade as part of the tube design.  That way you don't have to look for the color name on the mascara tube, which honestly could be a hassle if you are in a hurry or you have some tubes that look the same.  

Review: Magnifibres Brush-on False Lashes

After seeing Ashley's review on Magnifibres, I knew I just had to try it since when you're on the go false lashes might be a step you skip.  Not to mention this also adds volume and length to your natural lashes.  Magnifibres was recently launched in July of this year, and is popular in the UK.  Sadly this is not available in the US but you are free to order from their website or QVC.  I was excited to try a product that has not been released in the states yet.

I got in contact with them and they were kind enough to send me a sample of their product.  I was so excited to try this, and not to mention curious on how it really works.

It came in a cute cylinder that had explanations and descriptions of the product.  "Instantly lengthen lashes by up to 5mm," had caught my eye.  I sat there wondering if the product is the width of this cylinder tube, we might have a problem.  But of course it's not!  That would be silly, right?

Review: Ever Bilena Mousse Opal and Amethyst; Advance Eyeshadows Amazing Pink

Today I am bringing to you a review on a product from Ever Bilena, a cosmetic company located in the Philippines.  My best friend, Les, had mailed me these products.  I was so excited to finally try some products from there.  To see what other products that I had received from her:  Here.

Nails: Gradient Spun Sugar

Today's nails were inspired by friend Sarah, also known as Chalkboard Nails.  She had done a nail design based off of a dress by Betsey Johnson during NYFW.  You could read more about it at her blog.  She had a nice framed sponged base, and did  the spun sugar technique over it.  I have seen the technique before, but never attempted it; always wanted to try it out.  Sarah's post of it was the push I needed!

As I was doing the spun sugar on my nails I quickly realized I wanted cotton candy!  Not just any cotton candy, the ones you get at fairs, amusement parks, etc.  It brought me back to when I was little waiting in line as the person was twirling the stick thingy in the machine to swoop up the cotton candy.  And you would see the sugar strings stick against the glass/plastic shield.

The spun sugar technique isn't as difficult as it seems at all, and I found it pretty fun to do.  May be a bit time consuming, but well worth it in the end.

Nails: Take a trip with me to outer-space!

Come with me and travel outer-space as I take you on a journey of my galaxy nails!

Today's nails were inspired by my lovely friends : Emily and Christina.  I am so glad I met these two really.  They inspire me in so many ways be it nails makeup or just grabbing a bite to eat.  I could always count on them for a laugh.  So make sure to check out their blogs:

• Very Emily
• Starlett Approved

They recently both did a galaxy drip, that as soon as I saw them I loved it!  I knew I had to do a galaxy mani since I haven't done for awhile, and not to mention they are always a blast to make. 

Oh Mail Oh My! Goodies from the motherland

I received a package from my best friend, Leslie, who lives in the Philippines.  I was super excited with this package since I would finally have some brands from the motherland in my collection.  She's even a wonderful adopted aunt to my kid, and got him something.  Which by the way, haha he never leaves home without his Angry Birds headphones.

Seriously maraming salamat (so much thanks basically) for always being there for me through thick and thin.  And opening up my eyes to new products.  Love you always!

I'll show you guys what I received for now, and over time I will do reviews of the items when I get around to it.

Review: KKCenterHk Pink Little Flower & Colorful Flower Water Decals

Today I am bringing to you another product from KKCenterHk:  Pink Little Flower [WDSY1187] & Colorful Flower [WDSY716]  water decals nail art decorations.  The reason why I am combining this post is because after making one hand set of each water decal look, I thought "Hey I am going to wear one look on one hand and the other one on the other hand."  Sadly when I took these photos I used the same hand to model them haha!  So sorry for the confusion, but on to those decals!

If you are unclear how to use water decals here is a quick tutorial on it:

Basically what you need:

• A cup/bowl of water obviously
• Scissors
• Your water decal sheet.  NOT STICKERS!
• Paper towel or tissue
• Tweezers is optional
• Your nails done

When I mean by done, have your base color done at least so you could apply the decals on them.  They do not need to have a top coat already on them.

Next cut out the design you want for each finger and set them to the side.  When you are ready to start putting these on, remove the protective plastic sheath/layer on it.

Dip your decal into the water carefully, and let it sit in there for a few seconds.  Be sure that your decal does not bob to the bottom or side.  You'll have issues trying to lift it out.

Take the decal out of the water with your tweezers, and place it image side down on to your finger.  Slide the paper back and you will see the image upon your finger.  With the image finger angle it right to where you would want it on your nail.  Like how you use a stamper from a stamp plate rock your finger left and right on that area to put it.  Dab off any access water that may be on it with a paper towel or tissue paper.  Afterwards seal it with your favorite topcoat.

Immense nail art work as needed!

Review: Stamp Plate [SPPMB29] from KKCenterHk - N.Nail

Today I am introducing to you a stamp plate that I got from KKCenterHk: Stamping Image Stamp Template SPPMB29.
It has a wonderful design of flowers on it, but also a pair of bows and a sparkling glass of wine. As soon as I saw the image I knew I wanted it cause I always get pulled into a nice look floral design.  In order to use this, you must have a stamper and a scraper.  It doesn't necessarily have to be from the same brand in order to use the plate, but you must have those items in order to use any stamp plate for that matter.

Review: KKCenterHk N.Nail Colorful Checkers Pattern Big Fimo Nail Decorations [DRN367]

Today I get to bring to you this gorgeous colorful checkered pattern fimo stick (N.Nail-DRN367] from KKCenterHk, which I was super excited to get.  As soon as I saw the picture for it, I knew that I had to have it.  

Doesn't it look so pretty and colorful?  Now you could see why I just had to have it! 

Review: KKCenterHk Microbeads Decorations Nails Art [N.NAIL-DRN382]

Hey beautiful!  *says in my best Joey way* How you doin?  Today I am bringing you another item I have received from KKCenterHk which is their microbeads decorations.  I went for their green grass microbeads [DRN382], since if you know me mint shades are honestly one of my favorites.  This was going to be my first time using microbeads.  I always wanted to try out caviar...fish eggs...microbeaded nails, but I never got the chance to until now.  So thanks to them I was able to experience something different and out of my comfort zone.

How gorgeous is that color of microbeads?  It was fun none the least having them on, but I eventually had to take it off due to the fact I couldn't resist haha.  Though I will be doing occasional accent nails of it time to time.

Microbeads Decorations Grass Green DRN382

The bottle size is 5cm x 1cm, and you could do about two looks with it.  What I mean by two looks is basically four hands all nails done by it.  Hope that makes it more clear.  It honestly depends though how you spruce it up.  If it is an occasional accent nail then it will last much longer.

Nails & Review: 'Cause this is thriller, thriller night

Normally I would title this as review and the product name but I just could not help it!  In my package from KKCenterHk, they included some water nail decals featuring Michael Jackson (Water Decals Nail Art Decoration Michael Jackson [WDBLE431])!  He was and still is truly a great inspiration for the music industry!   As I was opening up my package, my son (Xan) came over and started snooping around.  He always does that and gets excited to see what I get.  He quickly spotted the Michael Jackson water decals, and goes "You have to put these on now!"  Oh did I forget to mention to you, he loves listening to Michael Jackson!

The one on my thumb was Xan's favorite image out of the five images that are on the sheets.  I have to agree with him!

Michael Jackson Water Decals 

Accidentally saw the Sunset + Quick Eye Look

Today I will be showing you two looks I did.  One for today and the other one was for Wednesday.  I was messing around with my palettes today, and not even sure how, but I accidentally did a sunset look.  I was going for a more different yellow and red eyeshadow combination look, but guess that wasn't happening.  Because my hands ended up doing a total sunset.  Think of something in your head, executed totally different by your hands.  Happens sometimes with nail art too haha.

Review: KKCenterHk - N.NAIL 5 Pieces Resin Brown Ice Lollies Nail Art Decorations [N.NAIL-DRN181]

Hello lovelies, and how are you all doing?  Today I am here to share with you an item I had received from KKCenterHk.

N.Nail 5 Pieces Resin Brown Ice Lollies Nail Art Decorations [DRN181]

These are resin brown ice lollies [DRN181], which comes in a set of five.  How cute are these?  As soon as I saw these I knew already what I wanted to do, which was an ice cream candy sort of theme. 

Review: KKcenterHK 3D Cutie Bow tie & Checker Background False Nail Tips [N184]

Today I have the opportunity to show you another item from KKcenterHK, a company that I have mentioned before.

I use to be a little bit hesitant when it came to false nail tips because as some of you know I had natural long nails.  After cutting my nails I decided it was time to use some false nails on me instead of on a client for a shoot.  It took some time to get use to short nails again, and as soon as I started messing around with false nails tips and I liked how they would look on my hands.  Now I could switch back and forth between long and short nails comfortably haha.

So after talking to my KKcenterHK contact, I decided to pick up one of their JHMJ False Nail sets.  I was instantly drawn into the 3D Cutie Bow Tie & Checker Background false nail set.

It comes with 12 false nails and a pink nail glue.  At first I thought it was just stating pink nail glue cause of the tube, but NOPE!  The color of the glue itself has a clear pink tint.  It does dry clear though so don't worry!  It's actually neat seeing a different type of nail glue color instead of the usual clear.

Nails done: Lei you down!

So this week I bring to you another Hawaiian based theme.  My focus was the lovely hibiscus and plumeria found around that beautiful tropical island.  It helped give me the time to practice up on my floral more.  I still have a hard time doing them but I would like to believe that I am getting better at it.  I never really liked doing flowers for some reason.  I think it has to do with my non-girly side really.

BzzAgent: UNREAL candy - Om nom nom nom

I know this is a totally different post from my usual, but I wanted to tell you about this site called BzzAgent!  I only recently found out about it, and I got my first campaign (just like a perk on Klout etc).  You take surveys, and from there they decide if you qualify for a product or not.  I think it's only coupons that you get but they are BOGOF sort of coupons, which honestly are still good. 

My first campaign that I had earned was for UNREAL candy!  I have seen them around but I never picked them up at all.  I think it's more of the price on some of the candy bars now of days.  Before they were cheap, and now you spot some of them going for a dollar.  Damn things are just getting pricey!  So when I received the coupons for this I was actually glad.  I also had a 15% Friends and Family coupon for Walgreens at the time.  I bought only two to try it out and basically just paid $0.70 for it!  Sweet!  After that I was addicted to these little things.  I kept two other coupons and passed the other one's to my mom and a friend of mine.

Nails done: Aloha `oe, aloha `oe

Aloha `oe, aloha `oe
E ke onaona noho i ka lipo
One fond embrace,
A ho`i a`e au
Until we meet again

Translation:

Farewell to you, farewell to you

The charming one who dwells in the shaded bowers

One fond embrace,

'Ere I depart

Until we meet again

 So by the title you could already tell that this was my sort of Hawaiian tropical theme.  I recently found an old outfits and leis in my closest that was from when I use to do Polynesian dancing with my Auntie Bennett when I was eight years old.  Gosh that was so long ago!  haha let's leave those kiddie pictures of me off the net LOL. 

It began bringing back memories of traveling and how beautiful the islands were.  From Hawaii to Guam to the Philippines.  Cherish the memories you have.

When things don't go as planned but still come out AWESOME!

Originally I wanted to do a look of a bunch of neons on one nail, but then I realized I had executed it wrong.  So basically said "Bump it," and continued going on in a different direction.  I still love how this neon gradient splatter came out.  I always loved a neon base with black nail polish splatter over it.  Just gives that OH feeling!
Before I go on about this, here is a tutorial of how to do them.

They came out wonderful, despite things not going as planned.  But that happens and you just got to make the best of it.

Nails! Waking up to the sunrise!

So last week I was inspired to do sunrise nails.  I have done them before but I always mixed it up with different looks for each nail.  This time I decided I wanted to keep it all the same just to try something different.  Sadly I didn't keep these on that long.  Life of a nail lover!  

I always loved sunrises and sunsets, because they never get old to gaze out.  Just for that little moment I feel relaxed.

My Birchbox for August 2012

The August Birchbox was focused on beauty supply for heading back to school.  That will hopefully help you all "semester" long.

Call us nerdy, but we still get nostalgic about the start of a new school year, with its promise of a fresh start…and of course the excuse to stock up on fresh supplies. That’s why we’re so excited to bring you this month’s Beauty School Birchbox, with samples and content that will help prepare you for the coming season. - Mollie (editor at Birchbox)

Before I go on about this box I would like to discuss a matter upon Birchbox.  Remember that it's a hit or miss situation where they portray the choices of goodies they make on your profile.  If you received a box of items that you do not want, simply adjust your profile picks.

There are questions that they will ask you, and you simply have to choose which one complies with your liking.  Remember to press CTRL if it is more than one (if allowed to do so).  Ever since I got my first box I did not like and adjusted my profile choices, I ended up receiving boxes that I was pleased with.  But remember there will be times where you will receive an item or two that you're not fond of.  Remember its a chance, and they are just trying to open your eyes up to new ideas.  Once you start receiving a box that you really enjoy keep your profile as is.  May help for those having issues with the box.

Thursday's Look: Date Night

Thanks to my friend Emily (you could visit her blog here) for helping me decide which eyeshadow I was going to pick for my look.  I wanted something that had matched my shirt.  I wasn't sure which way I was going to do it.  I had three looks in my head, but we both agreed the teal and orange would look nice.

The top that I am wearing was my birthday gift from my mom.  I haven't worn it at all, to my surprise I had actually forgotten about it.  It was hiding inside my closet behind some jackets.

Review: KKCenterHk - N.Nail: Stamping plate SPPMB76, Stamp and Scrape kit, Black Bow Decoration,

Today I am introducing you to several items I had received from KKcenterHK.  They carry various items from wigs to makeup; nail decals to eyelashes.  And not to mention they also carry fashion items: scarves, bracelet, belts, etc.

I received three items and was excited upon getting them.

• N.NAIL Stamping Image Stamp Template Plate SPPMB76
• N.NAIL 5 Pieces Black Bow Design Nail Art Decorations
• N.NAIL Scraper And Stamp Set [JR1055]

Nail Polish: Wet 'n' Wild - Bite the Bullet

I was looking at my pictures and I realized I have some shots of things that I have never posted yet.  I saw the picture and was instantly missing my long nails.  They are currently growing out but I have been cutting it since some of them had been damaged badly.  I trimmed it down a bit more just to get rid of the damaged tips.

I don't even remember when I bought this polish, but I know it was awhile ago haha.
Wet n Wild's Megalast Bite the Bullet, was one of those shades that I wasn't sure if I wanted it or not.

Review: Aveeno Ultra-Calming Makeup Remover Wipes

Thanks to Klout I was able to try out Aveeno Active Naturals Ultra-Calming Makeup Removing Wipes.  Aveeno is a great product to use if you have sensitive skin.  I have been using their products ever since my son was born, due to his eczema prone skin. Not to mention hubs and I have slightly sensitive skin.  So some of the Aveeno products could be found around the house.

Discovering that they have developed a makeup remover wipe, I was intrigued by it and wanted to try it.  Once again thanks to Klout for allowing it to happen.

Uh-Oh! FiS on Sinful Colors and New York Colors

So before everyone starts doing a bitchy fit over the product, please understand we are all entitled in our own opinions.  Despite the controversy, IN WHICH Revlon has apologized for and is currently working with the bloggers it had occurred to, I still like the nail polish.  Though it upsets me they did so, I am glad they are resolving the issue.
Sinful Colors is just a nicely priced product that goes for $1.99.  So when it's on sale for just $0.99, I have to grab some!  With that said...
I also included  the two New York Color nail polishes I picked up when Rite-Aid was having the sale of 40% off all New York Color products.

Every thing is listed left to right:
New York Color Expert Last Nail Polish:

• Green Means Go
• Flash of Pink

Sinful Colors:

• Happy Ending
• Vacation Time
• Lavender
• Ocean Side
• Clementine
• Slate
• Rain Storm
• Citrine
• Timbleberry

So there is my little haul of polishes over the weekend.  I had to buy Happy Ending again since that was the bottle that had broke awhile back.

Did you pick up any polishes during Walgreens' 99cents Sinful Colors sale?  What is your favorite color from them?