August 30, 2010

Gotta Have It - My Beauty Addiction: Lip Goodies Review

On my page here (look to the left) you'll see a link underneath my avatar and short bio description that says "Get the Makeup".
If you check out that page, you'll notice it's my list of companies I've purchased and/or received makeup from listed so you can find the same cosmetics I use to create my looks for pictures and video tutorials. What's so great? Well... It's easy for you to find what I personally use... And they're all conveniently located on one page. Yay for brains! I do have them from time to time!

Tonight I can't help but blog about this new addiction of mine thanks to Sherrie at My Beauty Addiction. Yes that's right- the name indeed does fit her company perfectly- and I'm a self professed, totally in love, will never share my product with a friend, gotta have more of her stuff addict. Well.... Ok. I'll share the eye shadows if I happen to be creating a look and playing with your eyes for pictures.

I'm warning you right now though... Don't even think about touching my lip balms! Granted, Sherrie warned me that I'd have this sort of reaction. Me, being a lotions and potions kind of girl, thought sure- I'd like to have more lip gloss because... Well... I love having moisturized lips. Problem is, in order to keep them that way- I use Bacitracin Ointment at night. That just won't do- especially if I was indeed with a boy and he wanted to give me a kiss before bed... It would leave a really disgusting taste on his mouth. And mine. I'm very careful to not lick my lips when I have it on. But- as for its healing properties- you can't go wrong!

Until... Today! Uh, technically very early in the wee hours of the morning. Since I picked up Foiling Serum and Shadow-Poxy, there was a special running in MBA's store that scored me a free Lil' Apricot Lip Butter! So me being a lip balm freak, it had me positively excited- and I totally would have waited out by the mailbox for my package to arrive. Unfortunately, since I was out of town for the weekend- I wasn't able to just wait by the box. Sooo... I thought about how I'd probably be getting my package at the beginning of this week... I was certain it would arrive either today, or tomorrow. I was completely surprised when at 2am (when we finally got home very early this morning) Dad woke me up and tossed the package into my lap. Score! My package arrived on Saturday!

Get it here!!
Even though I was absolutely exhausted, and my back was badly bothering me from spending the past 3 days riding in my truck a total of at least 14 hours... Then sleeping two nights on a regular, not memory foam, mattress that has left me in kinks ever since... I tore my package open and there my goodies were. It brightened me up, even though I was semi-conscious and still half asleep. Right away I realized I not only had the said freebie, but there was a sample of another lip concoction too! However, I  unwrapped and smoothed on my Apricot balm and instantly, soft silky lips were on my face. 2 minutes later, I was out like a light until I crawled out of bed at 11 this morning. I never sleep that late- and I feel guilty for doing so... But... I needed the rest. And... My lips were still soft and moisturized. I'm only used to them being this soft when using Bacitracin... So I'm thrilled that I got this little freebie! 5 out of 5 stars for the Lil' Apricot Lip Butter!! The balm has a very light scent, and literally just glides on effortlessly. It doesn't have any flavor that I noticed, and the fact that it's all natural was a huge plus for me. It's 100% Apricot Butter with a little Candelila Wax added just to firm it up a bit so it can be used in a tube applicator- a la picture.

As for the other little item in my package of goodies... I received a sample size of Skin Rituals: Advanced Lip Butter in a Sheer Pink (I think! That's what I think it is, since it appears to match what's on my monitor)

Get it here!!

Now this isn't just any lip tint. Oh no, my friends, it's much much more. It's very similar to the Apricot Lip Butter, but this is a lip plumper as well. It tingles a slight bit when first put on, and with a hint of color it's perfect to use with a bit of lip liner or alone. I have noticed my lips feel a bit plumper, but to be honest... I have a pretty good pout as it is. Nothing like Angje Jolie of course, but I'm pretty happy with the mouth my parents gave me.

The ingredients list taken from MBA's Etsy Shop:
"Pure Apricot Butter, Candellia Wax, Mica, Titanium Dioxide, Iron Oxides, Isohexadecane (and) BIS-PEG/PPG-14/14 Dimethicone (and) Ethylene/Propylene/Styrene Copolymer (and) Butylene/Ethylene/Styrene Copolymer (and) Cyclopentasiloxane (and) Sodium Hyaluronate (and) Xanthan Gum (and) Tripeptide-1. May contain micas, titanium dioxide, iron oxide, zinc oxide, ultramarines, carmine.

Hilurlip™ redefines, plumps and minimizes fine vertical lines of the lips. Small particles of Sodium Hyaluronate are processed to enhance penetration and efficacy, producing a long-term volume boosting effect on the lips and an anti-aging action on the thin tissue. It also acts against the effects of outside pollution.

Hilurlip™ is a new way of vehiculization of Hyaluronic acid. The small particles of Hyaluronan contained in Hilurlip™ swell when they are in contact with skin water, producing a long-term boosting effect on the lips.

Hilurlip™ also contains the tripeptide GHK, a well-known RCS scavenger, which protects the lips against the harmful effects of sun exposure. GHK is able to inhibit glycation therefore preventing the loss of collagen elasticity, and to protect skin cells from photodamage."

So... While that's a lot of information to take in, I have to admit I'm also addicted to this lip treatment too. It's only been 10 hours, and I'm never giving it up. I'm not as picky when it comes to my lips and using all natural ingredients on them. So... I don't feel the least bit guilty about keeping this product on all day. I happily applied the gloss only three times today... Three! Once in the morning, in the afternoon after I had a cup of tea, and just a little while ago after dinner! My lips feel like absolute silk- and I couldn't be happier! While I'm not a fan of using products with names I cannot pronounce names of, I'm sure this lip ointment plumper had a lot less chemicals than bigger commercial brands. So no, I do not feel guilty. Oh no I don't. Seriously!

Now I only need a tester to give me a quick kiss and find out his opinion. I think that will have to be put on hold for a while... I've kissed a lot of frogs, and none have been a prince. Not up to kissing any more toads at the moment! The good news is that this lip treatment gets 5 out of 5 stars for being so fabulous!

Hence the question now is... Why aren't you raiding her shop?!

I Want - DuWop Lip Venom

The name is intriguing, is it not? I spotted this little beauty about a year ago- and while I've not yet made the purchase, it will be among my collection. Soon.

Now I can picture my Mom rolling her eyes and going "That figures, you're always into that vampire crap..." and I've gotta laugh. She's right. I've always liked vampires. From glimpses of movies I saw when I was a kid, to getting my hands on and reading Anne Rice's "Vampire Chronicles" novels (not all yet), to Buffy the Vampire Slayer, and now being an avid True Blood fan and lusting over Alexander Skarsgard... Yeah. I like vampires. My plans of dressing up as one for Halloween this year have come to a screeching halt- having braces on teeth kind of make it difficult to get those sexy fangs on. Maybe I'll go as a teeny-bopper cheerleader, or math geek. Wait- I am a computer geek after all. By next Halloween I could potentially have the braces off, and a brand new straight, sexy smile in place! And THEN I could be a vampire... We'll see... Ok back to earth!

Picture from Sephora

It may come as no surprise that I'd want this DuWop Twilight Lip Venom. I've heard many, many good reviews about this lip stain- and I'm wondering if any of you out there have it... Let me know! As soon as I'm able... This is being added to my ever expanding collection of cosmetics... Remember, I use mineral makeup except for eyeliner, mascara, and some lip products!

I think I want this so badly because:
a) It's half red, half white- needs to be shaken apparently to signify the mixing of human and vampire blood.
b) I heart anything red- it immediately puts me into a better mood.
c) Anything that can make my kisser soft and leave a hint of color, I want!
d) Venom is part of it's name. It's almost like a "kiss of death", without of course, being literal!
e) Red. Is. Sexy.

Of course, they have more than this deep red stain... The new one is DuWop Twilight Blush Lip Venom and a strikingly opposite sister to Twilight Venom. Pink, demure, and innocent- I think this shade is perfect for luring that unsuspecting human closer to your sexy pout. I think both will need to make it to my makeup box. Why? Some days I feel crimson and sexy... And others, I feel pink and sexy.

Photo from Sephora

So if any of you have reviews for either of these particular products- feel free to leave me some love and comments on what you like, or don't, about this lip stain.
And Alexander, if you happen to be reading this... How bout a cup of coffee? I promise I won't bite!
(hahahaha)

August 24, 2010

Tips & Tricks - Deodorant

Yes, the same stuff you (hopefully) put under your arms each morning to keep you from getting sweaty and stinky. I know, I know- what's my point, right? Well... There are a few other uses for this wonderful stuff, believe it or not. One was a surprise I got from my sister when we attended a wedding last month. I can't believe I never thought of it before!


Now before I get to tricks, I have to announce a disclaimer:
These cheats work best if you have an "invisible solid" deodorant. You don't like those white smudges on your clothing- you sure won't want them elsewhere, right? So while I greatly respect if you reserve the right to use regular white deodorant, it's just better for the clothes (and an audience should you jump with your hands high up in the air!) if you use the amazing disappearing kind. Alright then- let's get started.


Personally, I use Dove deodorant- invisible solid, of course. I find that my sensitive skin really likes their formula, and it doesn't leave me irritated or over-scented with their perfume. (I use a lot of their scents-  Fresh and Powder are my two favorites). Like you needed to know- but hey, I'm assuming some ladies out there have the same problem. My middle sister, I believe, uses Secret- and while I will agree the product works wonderfully, I've always found them much too perfumed for me. I feel like I'm a walking bottle of cologne when I wear Secret, so I've been an avid fan of Dove for about the last 10 years. And since I'm also a big Bath & Body Works fan, I usually have a bottle or two of their scents stashed in my purse for a spritz of sexy while I'm on the go. Maybe I have an overdeveloped sense of smell- but anytime I've worn Secret and put on a spray or two of perfume, I can smell both scents, and a lot of the time it's not very sexy at all.


While the invisible solid stick is supposed to be just that- invisible and solid- sometimes you'll slip on a blouse or dress too quickly after applying... And there it is. The dreaded white lines of anti-pit-smell bar. Oh no! I've done this on many an occasion- and you do need about 1-2 minutes for the deodorant to dry after application. Honestly- who has the time!? Things to do, places to go, people to meet, work, etc. Who has time for a minute or two!? And now more time wasted in trying to clean it off your clothes. Great. Well- there is a way that doesn't include using a wet paper or cotton towel which tends to leave lint pills and a giant, obvious spot where the offender once tried to break loose. This is one sense of free advertising that isn't wanted. So, grab a pair of old pantyhose- preferably already worn and waiting to be laundered, or an old pair you keep around for... I don't know what. (I keep my torn ones to wear under jeans/slacks in the wintertime- keeps me warmer!) Pull your blouse/dress taut, and vigorously scrub those wanna-be tailgaters right on out. Taa-daa!

Photo from: WFU

I've heard around that some people put deodorant on their hands, palms to be exact, to stop them from sweating too much. I have to admit, I've never tried this, nor do I have particularly sweaty hands. Only a little bit needs to be used- and from what I hear, it's great if you're not looking to accidentally shake hands with someone and worrying if they felt how clammy and wet yours is.
 
Photo from TheGalactica
And thanks to C, the smart cookie who came up with this one... Well, let's just say it's mighty creative! I don't know about you girls, but I'm a bit on the curvy side. The women in my family all are... Having big hips also means we don't exactly have skinny thighs. Yes, mine touch. I'm not afraid to admit it. As you can probably guess, my sister has a similar problem- which is how she came up with putting a swipe or two of deodorant where your thighs touch. Seriously! When I walk with a skirt or dress on, and no nylons, after a while I start to get a bit chaffed. Not badly, but enough to be an aggravation. According to my sister, the deodorant keeps things dry down there between your legs (makes sense, right!) and prevents the rash. Sheer genius!

There you have it- a few tips! Have more? Feel free to post below!

August 16, 2010

Product Review - GCD Spa Goodies

Since I'm on an Autumn kick, inspired by a rainy, cool day today... I want to share with you a company that I was introduced to through a friend of mine. Welcome to a divine, luxurious, nearly sinful line of body indulgence you'll never share with anyone else. What I mean is you'll be raving to your friends how wonderful these lotions, lip balms, and bath products are... And telling them to order their own.

Jack-O-Lantern

The first taste of Emily's GCD Spa Line had me at first taste... Of lip balm that is. The hand lotion followed soon after, and I've been addicted ever since. I was given a little gift set last Autumn, in the form of Jack-O-Lantern. A little sweet, a little spice, and almost a hint of gingerbread.

The lip balm goes on smooth, and moisturizes for hours. It's not too sweet, as some balms can tend to be, but rather just leaves a hint of the tasty spiced pumpkin when you slide your tongue across your lips. Yum! GCD Spa's lip balms are formulated with all natural ingredients: "almond oil, coconut oil, beeswax, avocado oil, cocoa butter, shea butter, Vitamin E, essential oils and/or other flavorings and colorings."

Look At All Those Balms!

I also have the Raspberry Lip Balm- and it's my favorite summertime accent. These balms are wonderful to blend with lipstick, or mineral powder to give you a sheer, moisturized pout.

The soft, luxurious Body Lotion is one you won't soon forget.
From GCD's Lotion Description: "This light, paraben-free formula contains sunflower oil, soybean oil, and oils from palm and coconut for a non-greasy feel. It also contains aloe vera, shea butter, and green tea extract to smooth and moisturize, alleviating that dry appearance."

Body Lotions


A little bit goes a long way- and I just can't get enough of the soft, silky feeling all over my body. I especially have a rough time with my hands- they almost always seem chafed or way too dry. So between using my J&J Baby Lotion, when I need more moisturizers... These are the lotions I turn to.
What I especially love about the entire GCD Spa Line is that they're totally customizable. Need a Mother's Day gift in a hurry? A friend gets engaged? Valentine's Day scents for your darling? How about party gifts for an engagement party?? Well you're in luck- because Emily's line has it ALL!! Want a certain scent? How about a special message on the packaging? Personalized Tags to adorn the little bagged gift sets? She's got it!

Take a look below for some more delicious samples!



A Lovely Gift Set
I have, and adore, the Apricot Freesia body lotion. It's light, refreshing, and not overly scented.

The Petite Spa Gift Tub
Lavender is such a relaxing scent when you need to unwind after a stressful day. It also helps promote sleep.


"Perfect Pear" Wedding Favors



So what are you waiting for?!?! There must be plenty of things over there you'll find to indulge your senses.





**All opinions are my own and offered strictly as my personal review of this company.

DIY - Easy Sugar Scrub for Face and Body

I don't know about you gals, but I'm always looking for natural, homeopathic ways to take care of my skin. Before discovering mineral makeup over the last year, I admit- I used a lot of the big brand commercial name cosmetics. My problem has always been that my skin is so super-sensitive that no matter how often or little I used the makeup, my skin would always break out or become red and irritated. That would, inevitably, lead to me applying and layering more and more makeup on my face. Looking back on some pictures- I look like a mannequin. Seriously! It's not that I don't appreciate those store-front dolls that always grace us with the latest, and sometimes not so greatest, in the season's fashions... But... I'm not all about looking like one of those plastic dolls either.

Photo by Andres Rueda
Hence it led me to seek out some DIY facial remedies. I still swear by Witch Hazel for relieving redness and being a natural toner for my face- especially through a (now rare) breakout bout. But as we all know, sometimes we want a little more.... As in super soft, supple and touchable skin. Irresistible.

To exfoliate and bring out some of that softness, what you need can easily be found in your kitchen. Citrus fruits and essential oils are also readily found. What are we creating?

Photo by kaibara87
Basic Sugar Scrub

1/2 cup White Sugar (you can use Raw Sugar for a coarser scrub, or mix a Tablespoon into the White Sugar)
Olive, Corn, or Sunflower Oil- just enough to dampen sugar
A few drops of essential oil in your favorite scent- e.g., Lavender, Vanilla, Lemon, Rose, Almond, etc.
OR Fresh Citrus Fruit Zest- Lemon, Lime, Orange, Kumquat

Mix all ingredients together in a bowl or Mason Jar, adding just enough of the Oil to make the mixture damp. Massage the mixture gently onto your face and/or body to exfoliate. Add a little of your favorite face cleanser/body wash, suds it up a bit, and then rinse off with lukewarm water. Pat your face/body dry with a soft towel. You should feel quite invigorated- and your skin should be exceptionally soft!
Personally, I like to keep the moisture in my face... And my own personal secret these years has been none other than Johnson & Johnson's Baby Lotion. You know, that lotion newborn babies are smothered in after they're bathed, that makes them smell so good and snuggable? Yes- that's what I use on my face, and body. Don't get me wrong- I have an extensive collection of Bath & Body Works lotions, potions, body washes, and lots of other things. They do work wonderfully, when I feel like slathering on some of their awesome body creams, or spritzing myself with one of their deliciously scented perfumes. But- I love my Baby Lotion. My face does too. Tried and tested- I've found it's the best one for my face, especially since making the switch from regular makeup to 100% mineral.

Photo by TaniaSaiz

While your at it with the facial scrub- you can also exfoliate your lips as well. Don't use the sugar scrub though- more often than not, the skin on your lips is too sensitive to have the abrasive sugar rubbed on. Instead, take a drop of Olive Oil and massage lightly into your lips. Once you've gone through and rinsed your face from the Scrub, take your toothbrush (or an older, softer one) and lightly "brush" your lips with the bristles. This will lightly exfoliate your pucker and remove any loose skin that may be hanging around. If you have extremely chapped lips (like mine get in winter), before bedtime apply a drop or two of Olive Oil to your lips before you sleep. When you wake in the morning, you should have a happy, supple mouth.

Sometimes, chafed lips happen and oh how painful! In this case, I get a bit more drastic, especially if the chafing goes past the lip lines, or into the corner of the mouth. *OUCH!* I apply a touch of Bacitracin Ointment to my lips, and typically after about two days- they're 100% healed up. Just remember- no smooching anyone with it on- it tastes absolutely horrible! A little missing out on some kissing is a small price to pay for a soft, healed pout!

August 15, 2010

Carnival Lights Delight - Video Tutorial!

My third video- and this one actually came out with color!
Heh, I figured out how to use the white-balance with the video setting *giggles*.

Enjoy!





Yes- I had a lot of blooper moments with this video- they'll all be compiled soon to make a funny one for your viewing pleasure. Of course, if there's any specific way you'd like to see makeup done- don't hesitate to make a suggestion!

I just need to remember from now on to not try and attempt to make a video in my room after 5pm.... The sun is too far past the house, and my room loses light rather quickly... Resulting in me turning a healthy peachy human color, to a blue undead blob.

August 6, 2010

Jane inspired look from New Moon - Video Tutorial

Updated 03/05/2011 & 03/06/2011


This is strictly my own personal opinion about the matter. All material uncovered was done through a public google internet search with a few different keyword entries.

Due to information uncovered and revealed about this company, I cannot in good conscience or good faith recommend anyone support this reportedly handmade, organic small business. If information had been disclosed prior to discovery by the shop owner herself, I would have no problem with continuing to purchase. Regretfully, the scope of the lie and how many different people it could have potentially affected and hurt leaves me no other choice than to say this is not an honest company to do business with.

For information as to why, you can read more below:


http://the-eyes-have-it-all.blogspot.com/2011/03/this-way-that-way-which-way-whats-going.html
http://the-eyes-have-it-all.blogspot.com/2011/03/long-tale-of-orglamix-organic-ending.html


Or click here for more links and topics. The information can be found just below the introduction paragraph on the page.

**********************************************************

I'm such a dork.
I kept the bloopers- I'll make a vid tonight, or perhaps wait until I've got a little more material....

Buuuut..... Look what worked today! I'm psyched!


Tell me what you think- I hope the video quality is better than the last one!
(please tell me if it isn't....)

Waaaaiiiiiiiit for it........

I have a surprise.
Yep. Sure do.

It shouldn't be much longer- I hope...

I'm anxious.

Hint: