The Elusive Zulu is Coming BACK!!!

While I was procrastinating doing my stats take home midterm,  Nars tweeted that they are bringing back the cult followed Nars Zulu  nail polish!

 

This image is from Kaboodle.com

That's right people. Start saving up because Zulu will be back in Fall 2010.  I am still undecided as to weather I will purchase it.  I am not really  among the die hard green lovers and it is pretty dark.  Either way, this is still awesome news as zulu can go for a large sum on ebay.

Borba Orbital Eye Rujuvenator

Since my last 2 posts were kind of negative, I decided to end todays reviewing binge on a more positive note.  I would like to start this post with the fact that I am only 20 and do not have any lines or wrinkles, thankfully, at this point in my life.  I am all about prevention and always apply SPF. 

On the wisdom of my almost 80 year old grandmother, who likes only about 60, I bought an eye cream from TJMaxx, Borba orbital eye rejuvenator.  I got it for about $8, but, being that it is TJMaxx, there is no guaruntees that it will always be there. 

This image is from Borba.com. 

I have been using this for about a month.  The product claims to treat fine lines, wrinkles, dark circles, and puffiness.  I cannot speak to fine lines and wrinkles.  I do like how it works for puffiness.  I dont get very dark circles but I think it works alright for the darkness that I do have.  I think the texture is thick, but I do not mind that.  It seems to sink in just fine.  It moisturizes amazingly, which is what I mainly wanted it for.  The only thing I wish it had that it doesn't is spf, but this is fine because it allows me to use it at night too.

Disclaimer:  I bought this product

Dior Diorskin Skin Perfecting Hydrating Concealer

In case I haven't mentioned yet, I have psoriasis.  I will not take time to explain it.  If you do not know what it is, there are plenty of places online that can explain it probably better than me.  I do have some patches on my face which I like to cover with concealer.  The current concealer I am using, Vincent Longo Creme concealer, just kind of accentuated the flakiness.  When I saw that Dior had a new hydrating concealer, of course, I had to try it.

This is the part in the story where I begin my rant of sephora customer service.  When I asked the sales associate to color match me for that concealer, she tried to tell me that that wasn't the concealer for me, without even asking me anything about myself.  Wow, I wasnt aware that SA's could tell everything about you just from one look! I must get this training.  After I explained to her why i wanted it, she proceeded to ask the Dior rep who happened to be in store that day, the reason I came on that day, if she thought it would be good to me.  Of course the Dior rep said it would be fine and I finally got color matched to shade 002.  It was an alright match in september.  After this, she tried to just walk away when the Dior rep suggested she try a new powder on me.  Reluctantly, she applied it to a very small portion of my face which was not enough for me to tell if I like it so I asked for a sample.  After that, she basically ran away.  Gee, thanks for the help.  Did I smell bad or something? I'm pretty sure I went right after I had had a shower.  Anyways, I ended up purchasing the concealer.

 

 This picture is from Nordstrom.com

This also comes in Ivory 001, Honey 003, and Mocha 004, not nearly enough shades if you ask me.  The texture is nice for a liquid concealer.  It covers quite nicely.  However, after a little bit, it wouldnt blend well and it was pretty orangey.  The price wasn't awful at $28 USD.  

In the end, I returned it to Sephora.  

In other news, there was an 8.8 earthquake in Chile.  My prayers go out to them as well as the people expecting the tsunamis as a result of this.  

Disclaimer:  This product was bought by me, from Sephora. 

Dior HydrAction Skin Tint spf 20

I have always been a tinted moisturizer girl.  I have had acne for pretty much the entire time I have been wearing makeup, but I have never been from the mindset that thinks that a person should cake on makeup simply in the name of coverage.  I think a girl should let her natural skin show through a bit.  When I ran out of my last tube of Aveda tinted moisturizer, which a found a bit too thick, I decided to try something new...since thats what i'm all about.  "OOO, new shiney makeup thingy!"  Enter Dior HydrAction Skin Tint.  I bought this in January, so the sales associate happened to convince me to buy the lightest shade, Porcelain.

 

This image is from Nordstrom.com.  

Now, being that my skin changes about 2 shades between summer and winter, this shade actually matched me.  However, I prefer my tinted moisturizer to give me a little extra color.  Being a tint, you can go a little darker without pulling orange granted that you blend it down your neck a bit.  

Well, now to get to the point of this little story.  I ended up exchanging this.  Why, you may ask.  It didnt really blend well into my skin.  It went on patchy.  It did give me a nice glow but it just didnt look natural.  I have found a nice foundation recently.  I decided I could just mix that with a little moisturizer to make my own tinted moisturizer.  

This moisturizer also comes in natural, golden, and bronze.  

Maybe one day I will find a tint i like.  Well, I did like chanels but the lightest shade was just too dark for me.  Any recommendations?  

Disclaimer: This product was a gift to me from my mother...well she bought it for me because I needed it :P  It is from Nordstroms

Ooo, hello pretty!

 

I was perusing the Nordstroms beauty section, looking for new stuff, when I happened upon this.  I actually do not own ANY Bobby Brown.  Hmmm, this may have to change.  Although I do hate lip products in my palettes.  Thank goodness for that.  There are also two more new palettes for summer.  This one is Aquamarine.  The two others are Bonfire and Orchid.  

 

This one is Bonfire. 

 

This one is Orchid.  

Images courtesy of Nordstrom.com

Droll Mondays

 

Blegh.  Mondays are the bane of my existence.  It definitely doesn't help that I have to wake up at 6:30am and take four fairly boring classes back to back.  I am also quite missing my Sea World pass that I had last year.  I want to go see the sea lions again!  I decided to do a little Monday post about life. 

1. Mood: sickly.  I took an extra 2 hour nap because I felt like crapola when I got back.  I havent eaten much of anything because the thought of food makes me nauseous. 

2. Music: I'm currently listening to Let Love In by the Goo Goo Dolls.  Hey, I grew up in the 90s and thus cannot be criticized for my questionable music choices.   

3. Favorite Beauty Product of the Moment: Still Giorgio armani eyes to kill mascara.  It is making me really sad that the 3 months on this mascara sample are about up and, being it the end of the month, I am quite low on moolah.  Hopefully this week goes by fast and I don't notice the fact that I cannot spend any more money until March.  

4. Wishing for: A job(which I actually have time for this semester), all the drama with where I'm living next year to be over, MORE MONEY!!, my doggies which I will get to see in 2 weeks :D, warmer weather

5. Grateful for: Mothers and boyfriends who listen to me complain about all my annoyances and problems, spring coming soon, rain(yes I know us californians need it...even if i'm not particularly a fan), really comfy beds

6. Eating: well not really much of anything at the moment since I have no appetite, but yesterday I made steamed artichokes, baked mac and cheese, and caramel apples.  

7. Drinking: Jasmine tea...love :) 

  

Snow!!

Well, to those of you who haven't figured this out yet, I live in California.  Therefore, I have not been snowed in for the past several weeks.  In fact, I have not seen snow without driving several hours...ever.  I was supposed to go to bear today to snowboard and I was completely stoked.  But, sadly, california decided to snow and now I cannot go because I do not have snow tires.  So, I sit here, staring at this lovely picture of snow.

 

This picture was taken the one time it took me 8 HOURS!!! to get to bear mountain.  It was snowy and we had chains, but its socal and no one here can drive in weather(this is not meant to be offensive, please do not get offended if you are from socal).  We did turn around because my darling boyfriend and his best friend have season passes and wanted to get in just one run...needless to say us girls were just a tad annoyed. 

How to Pose For a Group Shot

I think these little guys perfectly show how to pose for a group shot

 

  

These meerkats from the San Diego Zoo were just hanging out like this.  It was like they knew that people were taking pictures of them.  What perfect celebrities.  

Eyes to Kill

 

image from obscurehorror.com

This is what I think of everytime I apply Giorgio Armani's eyes to kill mascara.  I got a sample of this mascara in black with an armani friends and family order I placed last November.  When I first tried it, the heavens opened up and angels started singing.  Well, not really but it is good.  

photo courtesy of Giorgioarmanibeauty-usa.com

This mascara lengthens, it separates, it even kind of thickens! When I wear this, I get asked if i'm wearing false eyelashes.  Its that good.  The only down fall is the price, and yes, it is quite a downfall.  This baby costs a whopping $30!!!  I may pay it though.  I really really like it.  It doesnt even smudge under my eyes. 

Disclaimer:  I received a sample of this with my order from giorgioarmanibeauty-usa.com

Parisienne

Doesn't everyone wish somewhere that they were a little more french? Well maybe my dad doesn't, he kind of hates the french... but hes a dude so he doesnt count :P
Anyways, I have been in love with YSL's scent Parisienne since I first smelled it in one of those fold out things in a magazine.  I would rub it all over my wrists and smell it all day..ahhh.  Well, my boyfriend decided to be awesome and got me the big bottle of Parisienne for Valentines day. For the record, that is 3oz. of beautifully smelling perfume.

 

This photo is courtesy of yslbeautyus.com

The bottle is gorgeous and elegant with light purple fluid.  

From YSLbeautyus.com:

PARISIENNE, the fragrance of ultra femininity, ultra sensuality. A grand floral with a woody structure, luminous even in its mystery.

Its notes are blackberry, damask rose, and sandlewood.  I am quite suprised that I like it so much considering I am usually not a huge fan of rose but heck, its that good.

Disclaimer: this was a gift, from my bf, as stated above

Palm Desert?

This last weekend I went to visit my grandma out in the desert hoping to escape the rain.  Well, it rained there too. Yay.  When I was leaving, I noticed that there was alot of snow on the mountains which looked a little out of place considering the surrounding area is desert. Anyways, I thought I would take some pictures to share.

 

  

  

 

valentines day nails day 4

I took a picture of this mani after it was about 3 days old so there is some tip wear.  Please excuse that. 

 

I'm not going to take the time to name all the colors used for the hearts.  And for the record, I was trying to make candy heart.  Obviously that didnt work out to well for me there as my art skills are seriously lacking.  Surprisingly, my right hand looked better than my left hand...i'm right handed.  

 

The base color used for this is Wet N Wild white cream.  I am not very pleased with this.  It was only a dollar so I know I shouldnt expect much.  It was streaky and generally hard to work with.  I had to apply 3 coats to get it to the opacity you see here.  Does anyone have any recommendations for a not streaky white cream? Please share if you do.  

One of these days I will get around to photographing my general nail care routine.  Maybe someday soon.

Disclaimer: I purchased everything shown here...well my mom might have bought the hiliter :P

Valentines day nails day 3

 

This is a mani from last year also.  The base is Misa Hot People Like You.  I absolutely love this polish.  I've worn it about 5 times! Yes, I know that this doesn't sound like very many times to most of you but its quite a bit for someone with over 150 nail polishes.  Man that sounds like a big number...and i just gave away a bunch.  Well anyways, Misa has one of my favorite formulas.  It applies like a dream, so smooth and never streaky.  You cant tell from the picture(which sucks..i'm sorry)  but it is a neon.   Its such a gorgeous hot pink.  The stripe is Zoya Trixie.  I only have 3 Zoyas but i really like the ones I have.  The formula is really nice.  These polishes are Big3free which means they have less chemicals, which I like.  Trixie is a metallic silver.  Its super opaque, you could probably get away with 1 coat!

Well here is another not so great picture for your viewing pleasure. 

Disclaimer: I bought all this stuff with my own money

Valentines day nails day 2

This is actually quite an old picture. Its from last valentines day. 

 

I was channeling the valentines day candy corns.  The whitish color is Essie ballet slippers, which I swapped away because it was soo streaky.   The pink is OPI elephantastic pink which is such a gorgeous midtoned pink cream.  OPI colors seem to always be winners for me.  The red is Essie E! live from the red carpet which I reviewed in my first valentines day nails post. 

I actually really liked this mani up until the point where I showed my boyfriend who promptly said "those dont look like candy corns at all...they are upside down." Gee...thanks.  Thats what I get for asking a guy about my nailpolish.  In fact the only polish he has ever said that he liked was a blue duochrome claires which is quite ironic considering he claims to only like reds and pinks.  

If you are doing any valentines inspired manicures, please share in the comments! 

Disclaimer: I bought all this stuff with my own money

Ciao Becca!

I don't know if you heard but softsurroundings.com is/was(not sure what is left) having a sale on various makeup brands including Becca and Paul and Joe.  I have always heard such good things about Becca so I decided to place a small order.  My initial order included the pressed shimmer powder in princess, cheek and lip stain in watermelon, something I had been wanting for a while, and calypso bronzer.  I got an order confirmation email and then 2 days later received 2 emails saying that both princess and watermelon were out of stock.  They offered $10 off coupons but i was still quite upset.  Why would you send me a confirmation email if the items are oos??  Well anyways, I preceeded to use up the coupons buy making 2 orders, doeskin demi matte eyeshadow and chinchilla demi matte eyeshadow.

Here are the boxes they came in.  I dont have pictures of chinchilla yet because i just got it. Pictures will be coming soon.

 

This is Calypso bronzer.  It is quite dark with subtle shimmer which I like alot.  I am acne prone and excessive shimmer just highlights whatever breakouts I have at that moment.  The texture is nice and it isnt muddy or orange on me.  However, I do think it is a little bit dark for me as my skin tone stands right now.  I am pretty pale from winter but I imagine that it will work well for me in the summer as my skin color changes quite a bit with the seasons. 

This little puff came with the bronzer.  I think its rather useless.  I certainly do not apply bronzer with a puff.  I prefer a larger fluffy brush. 

This is demi matte eyeshadow in doeskin.  Its a nice nudish beige color.  It has subtle shimmer but its definitely not overpowering.  I would recommend this in conjunction with a frosty shadow to tone it down or on its own with brown liner for a job interview.  

Disclaimer: I bought all this with my own money

Valentines day nails day 1

Well, obviously I am a little upset over the turnout of todays festivities.  For those of you who haven't heard, the groundhog saw his shadow...6 more weeks of winter. 

On a happier note, it is less than 2 weeks away from valentines day. Or maybe thats a sadder note for some, sorry if you are one of those. To get into the spirit I decided to post some valentines inspired NOTDs(nails of the day). 

This is Essie E! live from the red carpet.  It is a beautiful red cream with a little bit of jelly quality to it.  This is 3 coats.  The polish was really smooth, top notch quality.  I also added a little heart sticker to the ring finger which i bought at sallys beauty supply. 

Do you plan on painting your nails something special for V-day?

Disclaimer: I bought everything mentioned in this with my own money...woo

Half Moon Mani

This is actually an old one.  I did it back in the summer when I was bored because I was off of school, didn't get the class I needed in summer school(stupid economy), and couldn't get a job(at which I repeat, stupid economy).
I decided to give this a try since they are "all the rage now".  The "moon" part is Color Club Coastal Creme.  I really love color club's polishes.  They are relatively cheap, very pigmented and really nice to apply.  I applied that color all over my nail and let it dry completely.  It is very important to let it dry completely because you use a french tip guide to make the shape and it will pull off polish if it isnt dry.  You apply a french tip guide so that the top part of the guide will be the end of the moon part of the nail.  I then applied Orly Monroe's Red.  This is a gorgeous pinky red, very retro as the name suggests.  Again, its also super pigmented and smooth to apply.  However, I do not find that this is constant with all Orlys.  Some are quite streaky.  Anyways, you let that color dry completely before removing the tip guide. That color must be completely dry and it will bleed into the other color as you can see happened to me :(
O well, I was still rather satisfied with the results as this was my first attempt at the half moon mani.

As tomorrow is groundhog day, I decided to share that I would very much like for the groundhog not to see his shadow...bring on spring!!  Do you want the groundhog to see his shadow or are you dying for spring like me? Let me know!

Disclaimer: I bought all of this with my own money..woo