Target Beauty Bag

How many of signed up to receive a Target Beauty Bag? I never even heard of Target's Beauty Bag but a fellow beauty blogger put the word out so I couldn't resist signing up for something especially if it meant receiving FREE SAMPLES!

I almost forgot about the beauty bag because I signed up for one some time in August and I just barely got it today. I know others received theirs sooner than I did but I'm pretty sure with so many others knowing about it, I could only imagine the process it took to send them all out. It's not much but my favorites were the beauty bag (of course!) and the coupon book!

BEAUTY BAG CONTENTS:

□ Tresemme Naturals Nourishing Moisture Shampoo and Conditioner with aloe vera and avocado

□ John Frieda Fully Body Shampoo and Conditioner with $2.00 off coupon

□ Garnier Fructis Fortifying Shampoo and Conditioner with Acerola Berry Antioxidant

□ L'Oreal Skin Expertise Youth Code Day/Night Cream

□ Pond's Wet Cleansing Towelettes Evening Soothe with Chamomile & White Tea

□ $20 worth of coupons for beauty, skin, and hair products

VIDEO: Haul & Bloopers

(recorded July 26, 2011) I made this video at my boyfriend's house out of pure enjoyment. We were going out that night and I decided to do a haul video from my trip to LA since I had all my things there. It's a pretty random haul that's why I wasn't being all that serious to begin with. But at the same time I was kind of shy filming in front of my boyfriend, hence the bloopers! Like I said this video was made just for fun. I also mention that I don't like doing haul videos very much but I just chose to do one anyway.

Bloopers start around 5:30

ASOS Quilted Lock Across Cross Body Bag

I ordered this cross body bag not too long from ASOS as a birthday present for myself. Believe it or not it cost me only $25 with free shipping! It was an amazing deal and I was really happy I found it. But I'm gonna go a little off track because I feel like it should be mentioned. I thought my package wasn't going to arrive! Their tracking information was inaccurate most of the time and as I check back on it now, it still says it's in transit. The tracking information hardly changed and I was afraid it had gotten lost because it was in Nevada in transit to its "destination". I thought it was so strange being that I'm all the way in California! So it caught me by surprise when I got it in the mail because I didn't expect it. So just look out for something like that if you do decide to order from their site. Anyway, it's here in one piece so that's all that matters to me!

I've been searching for a cross body bag with the woven chain on the strap for a decent price. This bag is great because you can dress it up or dress it down. It looks good with a black dress if you head out but it goes great even with a pair of jeans. It's great for running errands because you're pretty much handsfree but you still have all your necessary items close by you. You don't have to stick your phone or wallet in your pockets anymore, or even rummage inside your big purse just to find something. And that happens to me a lot! The gold-finish clasp makes it especially easy to get in and out of it and the length is just right for me.

This bag is surprisingly very roomy, too! There's so much space that I could fit my iPhone, keys, wallet, digital camera, blot powder, lippies and MORE all inside it. Overall, the quality feels very sturdy although it is faux leather. It's still well worth it for me! :)

Thank my boyfriend for his stolen shots of the bag haha :p

NYX Haul: Round Lipsticks & Blush

This is the first time in a really long time that I've done a haul post! :P

NYX Cosmetics recently had their 12th anniversary sale (or should I say fail?) I didn't get a chance to purchase anything during that particular sale because of the many issues I heard about their website being down. Instead, I took advantage of their 50% off including free shipping sale that they had. I don't have that many NYX products just because I haven't come around to actually trying them. They're easily obtainable where I live so I figured there was no rush for me to go out there and buy everything. But I couldn't pass up on the sale! I only have a few eyeshadows, jumbo eyeshadow pencils, lipglosses and lipsticks from them. I decided to stock up on more lipsticks and blushes since I consider those more of the popular items from their cosmetics line.

Swatches will be posted next!

Did you purchase anything from the NYX sale?

Blushes: Mauve, Terra Cotta, Red, Mocha, Pinched

Round Lipsticks: Marrakesh Pink, Femme, Orange Soda, Tea Rose, Circe, Thalia

Revlon Super Lustrous Lipgloss - Photos, Swatches and Review

These lipglosses are also a big hit in the beauty buzz. I hear a lot of ladies talking about it and I thought I'd give these a try. I can honestly say that I really like these lipglosses.

At first glance I knew I wouldn't have stopped and looked at these lipglosses if nobody had mentioned how good they were. I'm honestly glad I did! These three shades were the only ones available so I can't really compare them to the other shades. I checked online at the different colors and I'm glad I ended up with these choices.

AVAILABLE AT: Most drugstores. I bought mine at CVS

PRICE: $8 USD (BOGO 50% sale at CVS and Walgreens right now)
SIZE: 0.2 FL. Oz/5.9 mL

VALUE FOR PRICE: 5/5

EASE OF USE: 5/5

PACKAGING: 5/5

MEETS EXPECTATIONS: 5/5

OVERALL USE: 5/5

PROS:
→ Non-sticky
→ Feels moisturizing
→ No strong scent
→ Inexpensive
→ Does not dry my lips
→ Decent pigmentation (depends what color)
→ Decent lasting wear
→  Cream finish (Lilac Pastelle looks like it has a tiny bit of shimmer but it's not obvious)

CONS:
→ The taste. It tastes like I accidently sprayed body spray in my mouth. I'm a little over exaggerating because the taste is there but it's not a very strong taste. But I don't usually have that problem with other lipglosses. It could just be me.

OVERALL:
→ I'm very pleased with my purchase. I feel like I could carry all of them in my makeup bag and never feel like I'm missing a shade to wear during the day (maybe except a nude). I'm definitely gonna keep these in my makeup bag because I don't think I could ever go wrong with these shades no matter what look I'm wearing on my eyes. These colors are perfect for the summertime. Because they're not sticky, it won't feel like you're wearing heavy goop on your lips. I would say of the three shades, my favorite is definitely Coral Reef.

Coral Reef/Lilac Pastelle/Pink Pop

Coral Reef/Pink Pop/Lilac Pastelle

Lilac Pastelle

Pink Pop

Coral Reef

Lilac Pastelle

Pink Pop

Coral Reef

WOULD I RECOMMEND THIS PRODUCT? Yes

WOULD I PURCHASE AGAIN? Yes

DISCLAIMER: The products reviewed on this blog are based on the opinions and experiences of the author. This product was purchased by the author and in no way was this review influenced by the company of the product.

MAC To The Beach Collection: Marine Life High-Light Powder Photos

I just got this today. I did purchase other items from the collection but this is obviously the biggest hype that's going on in the beauty buzz. I haven't swatched it yet. I'll probably swatch it tomorrow because I already have a full face of makeup on and I don't want my grubby hands all up in it and removing the golden shimmer sheen that's on top of the seahorse. (Not that my hands are grubby).

I went in to one MAC Counter inside a Macy's and they were completely sold out already. So I had drive all the way down to South SD to cop this. They already had it on hold for me but they didn't need to because they had a whole stock of these. So if you're in the SD area and you're out of luck, try Otay Ranch, inside Macy's. (:

Anyway, this is just for your viewing pleasure. I know, kind of lame. Sorry! Did you get anything from this collection?

Marine Life High-Light Powder ($26.00)

Sally & Empire Beauty

I found a great beauty supply store in the SD area, I'm sure you San Diegans are aware of this store already but I just barely got around to discovering it myself. It's called Empire Beauty Supply and it's a chain beauty supply store across San Diego county. It's like your average beauty supply store except they have a ton of sales! A lot of their products are buy one get one for 50% off. This includes nail polishes such as China Glaze, OPI, Orly, Essie, and whatever else is there. And I know a lot of you go to Sally Beauty to purchase your OPI or China Glaze nail polishes. Nothing wrong with that but wouldn't you rather buy one and get another one for half off?! Now I've been to two Empire Beauty Supply stores and one of them did not sell any China Glaze nail polishes... yet! This was the one in Rancho San Diego so don't go there if you plan on purchasing China Glaze, I swear I'm saving you all the trouble! Instead, I went to the one in Grossmont Center and they do carry China Glaze and everything else.

So I didn't purchase much at Empire but I figure I might as well show you my haul anyway. I purchased China Glaze "Frostbite" for only $2.50 ( this was on sale for half off ) and I also purchased the Essie Matte About You nail polish for less than $10. Sally's was also having a sale with Seche Vite Base and Top Coat. Basically you get free top coat with a purchase of a base coat. And I love Seche Vite Top Coat. Definitely my favorite by far. I also needed nail polish remover so I bought Beauty Secrets acetone and a nail file by Soft Touch. That's all for now. I'm thinking of doing a look later today so stay tuned. (:

They have these coupons available at Sally's.

Expires 3/31/10

Clarisonic Haul

I went to Sephora and I finally bought myself a Clarisonic skin cleansing system. I purchased the Mia which is a travel friendly version of the original Clarisonic except the Mia has an international charger that works worldwide. I think the Mia is perfect for me since I'm going to the Philippines next month. I also chose the limited edition Mia which comes with a travel bag and an additional brush head.

I've only used my Clarisonic once and I must say that after I was finished using this, I felt really refreshed and it felt like I was just given a facial. To be honest, I almost felt like I wanted to go to sleep after I used this because it felt really relaxing.

I'm not sure if I'll be doing a product review for this. I think there are more than enough reviews on this product online but we'll see. All I really have to say that's bad about this product is its price. The Clarisonic Mia runs for about $145 and the regular for about $200. It's really pricey most especially for me but I've been wanting this product for quite some time now so it was a must-have on my list.

Questions for my readers:

1. Clarisonic users, how do you like this system so far? Any pros? cons?

2. For those who don't have one, would you consider purchasing one?

VIDEO: CCO Haul

Check out my personal blog to see other pictures from my trip and don't forget to follow me! Click Here

Last weekend I went to Indio with my family and we made a stop at Desert Hills Premium Outlet in Cabazon. I mainly wanted to go shopping for clothes but I couldn't leave without buying anything from CCO.

Compared to the CCO in San Diego, I liked that this one had a wide selection of eye shadows and blushes. I saw a lot from Limited Edition collections like Hello Kitty, Heatherette, Fafi, etc. But I didn't end up getting anything from any of those collections.

Anyway, I didn't spend too much money on makeup but I just decided to do a haul video since I haven't done one before. I also mention in the video that a lot of these products that I purchased are part of MAC's permanent line so bare with me while I catch up on things that have already been around!

 

J. Lynne Cosmetics

Thank you to those who were kind enough to ask questions on my previous post. Feel free to ask more questions if you have any. I'll be sure to do a separate post to answer them. (:

If you remember a while back I did a product review/testimonial/look using J.Lynne Cosmetics. I was contacted by J.Lynne to do another product review as well as a before and after look. Since I know combining all of these into one post would be really long, I decided to do a 2 or 3 part post.

This first post is gonna show you the overall products that I received as well as the description of these products. Within the next couple of posts I will do swatches and a review and lastly, I will do a before and after look using J.Lynne. So stay tuned for the upcoming reviews & look! (:

**Descriptions about each product can be found on their website at http://www.jlynne.com


DESCRIPTION: J.Lynne mineral blushes offer a touch of soft, pure color that will help every woman enhance her own true, natural beauty! Created with soft, silky, all-natural minerals and pigments, our loose powder mineral blush colors range from soft and subtle to lush and rich -- and all may be applied lighter or deeper depending on your skintone.


DESCRIPTION: The soft, illuminating, air-brushed look of pure beauty ... That's what our Mineral Glow powders will bring to your skin! Imagine the warm glow of candlelight, and how it seems to make your skin look softer, smoother, and lit with a natural, youthful glow. Our loose mineral powders create that same look of warmth, using pure mica pigments to lend a soft color to your skin. Use these silky powders on your face, neck, and decolleté ... Try them as sheer eyeshadows or blushes ... The results are positively glowing!



DESCRIPTION: From soft to vivid, smoky to deep -- our Satin Pearls Mineral Eyeshadows encompass a wide range of shades and tones, created to compliment your eyes with true, lasting, and lustrous color! With their soft, smooth texture and beautifully luminous finish, these colors are as luxurious as satin, with the true luster of a pearl.



DESCRIPTION: J.Lynne mineral eyeliner colors are mysterious, bold, and always dramatic! Our mineral eyeliners will frame your eyes with smouldering colors designed to bring out the true intensity of your gaze. Whether you're a "Charmer" or a "Tigress", these deeply pigmented and dramatic eye makeup colors will define your eyes and leave your admirers breathless!


DESCRIPTION: The ultimate long-lasting, glossy-shine, all natural lip gloss is finally here! J.Lynne Cosmetics Gloss FX® Lip Glaze brings pizazz to your pout with lush, juicy colors that give your lips an incredible dose of shine, color, and moisture. Think your lips are in need of some special effects? Give 'em Gloss FX® and shine like a star!


DESCRIPTION: J.Lynne's smooth, light weight mineral foundation combines the benefits of a loose mineral powder with the full coverage of a liquid. But unlike traditional liquid and creme foundations, our mineral make-up foundation feels soft, silky, and breathable on your skin -- never heavy or mask-like. We formulate our mineral foundations with pure titanium dioxide and zinc oxide, which provide completely natural sun protection and excellent coverage for every skin type!



DESCRIPTION: What do you get when you combine the lush, lasting color of a lipstick with the moisture and feel of natural lip balm? J.Lynne Smooth Color Lip Cream! The perfect marriage of smoooooth, moisture-rich lip color in a convenient, lip balm style tube. Pure ingredients in a lush, organic lipstick base, with color and moisture that lasts, all naturally!
Please Note: Our Smooth Color Lip Creams are designed to beautifully enhance your natural lip color. Due to the all-natural formula and unique pigmentation that works with the warmth and color of your lips, shades may appear deeper in the tube than as shown in the color swatches. J.Lynne makes every attempt to photograph and describe each color accurately; however due to variances in monitor settings and visual perceptions, these colors may apply differently on your lips than they appear in the swatches. Because this is an all-natural product, it is susceptible to temperature changes, so be sure to allow the lip cream to come to room temperature before use.

Disclosure: In no way, shape, or form, is this blog accepting any form of payment for products received by companies. The products reviewed on this blog are based on the opinions and experiences of the author. The products in this review was provided by the company.

Target & CCO Haul

I have one more final left to go on Thursday. I have a final project due that day as well and I have yet to START on it. My professor assigned this project around March. Haha. I'm so bad. Anyway, I decided to go to CCO and Target today and I walked out with a little something I wasn't intended to buy. I wanted to go to CCO and buy some brushes but I guess the whole hype of beauty blogging and all these forums about MAC and what not, has gotten so mainstream that I'm assuming so many people go to CCO and they get to the goods before I can get my hands on them. Not to sound like a total biotch. But it sucks because when I don't want it, it's there in the store but when I come to finally buy it, they're completely sold out. It makes me sad. And the next closest CCO is about 45 minutes to an hour away. No thank you!

I had to drive further this time to go to Target because the one near my house is jacked up! They never have the stuff I'm looking for and it's a mess in there. I was also there to see if they still had the PiXi cosmetics 75% off sale but I guess not since they restocked and everything was full price. So I had to pass on that.

Anyway here is my recent CCO & Target haul:

MAC Blush in "Spaced Out" (Neo Sci-Fi collection) and "Feeling"

MAC brush roll ($36)

Sonia Kashuk "small eyeshadow brush" and "large crease brush"

Sonia Kashuk blending sponge