Monday, September 10, 2012

All About Them Lashes: Rapid Lash and Wet N Wild Lash Serum.

Today's post is going to be all about lashes. I have two products to share with you gals today and I think both have significantly worked wonders for me. First, I want to start off by saying that my lashes are quite sparse and short and atypical of most Asians. I didn't really jump onto the lash boosting bandwagon until Groupon (My referral link here) had a deal for Rapid Lash at half off. After some research, I decided that $25 wouldn't be much of a loss if it didn't work out. I

Rapid Lash is a lash treatment that's supposed to enhance and boost your lashes to make it look fuller, longer and healthier. In a lot of instances, your lashes will actually grow. The key ingredient in it are the bioengineered peptides that are essentially the amino acids (proteins) that nourish the lashes. There is also hyaluaric acid, biotin and other goodies in it that promotes lash growth.

Rapid Lash

They claim that it takes about 4 weeks or so to see results. I saw results in 2 or so weeks... I've never done anything to my lashes aside from wearing or not wearing mascara s but it was really effective for me. Once you stop using Rapid Lash, the results last for about 2 months, according to their claims.

The application was really easy. It  looks like your simple eyeliner but the serum is clear and does not dry or cake on top of the lash roots. I didn't experience any stinging or tingling but they do warn on their site that some people have reported a tingling sensation. You just swipe it over your lashes at night only and only  one application per night is needed. No more than that. One tube lasts 2-3 months. I only applied on the top lashes. There were days I forgot so I applied it on the following night before bed.

Here are some before and after photos.


Tuesday, September 4, 2012

FOTD with Canmake Nudy Glow Lip Gloss

Hello my lovely friends!

How was your weekend? I flew home to see my family for Labor Day and it was a nice quick vacay before starting work again. Going back home is like a whole different world. When I come back to the Bay Area, I'm constantly thinking what a world of a difference it is in LA. Do you ever get those feelings? 

Anyway, I've been obsessed with the Nudy Glow lip glosses from Canmake since last year when I saw them at a Japanese supermarket. I love the pretty look of nude lips with a slight pink glow. It's so classy and sophisticated for any day of the week and I think it makes a person look youthful, and carefree ;) See prior review here.

This is the shade 01 - Rose Macaron 



no lip product on - taken under dim lighting

one coat of nudy glow lip gloss



Isn't it a lovely milky pink? It's my favorite MMBB gloss. It feels really nice on my lips, and lasts about 2-3 hours. One coat completely changes my lip color! That's pretty pigmented, right? o_o

Here's the rest of the makeup I used:

MUFE Face & Body in #20 (reviewed briefly here
Milani HD concealer - This concealer is actually quite good! I'm surprised I don't use more often. It brightens dull areas and has a nice dewy finish.


Guerlain blusher in Rose Du Primps - Such a elegant quad! I love the soft colors. They are subtle and give a nice sculpted glow. 



Anastasia Beauty Express Brow Kit (see review here) - I pretty much use the brow kit daily. I feel the shades are so accurate. The powder is consistency is just right - less pigmented than an eye shadow but subtle enough to make my eyebrows look fuller in the most natural way.


Side note: I've been using Rapid Lash on my lashes! They've made a big difference. I have to show you guys before and after pics and a full review! 



And that concludes it! That's pretty much a look that I like to do whenever. The point of this was supposed to be centered on the pretty pink lip gloss, which I think is still dominant in the overall look :)

Do you gals use any products from Canmake or any other drugstore Japanese cosmetics? And in price to quality, how do you think it compare to drugstore makeup from the US? 

Thursday, August 30, 2012

Sinful Colors nail color in Georgio

Inspired by my current obsession with True Blood...


I went to my local Walgreen's after work and picked up Georgio - a gorgeous burgundy red.





It was a spontaneous buy, but it was only $1.99 ;) I was aiming to pick up Essie's new Recessionista from their Fall collection but it wasn't there... but Georgio was misplaced just below the Essie section.

I'm looking forward to many manicures with this.




 

Friday, August 24, 2012

Review: Philosophy's Hope is not Enough Facial Firming Serum

Serums are an integral part of a skincare routine, whether it's used for hydration, anti-aging or a bit of everything. I was lucky enough to get a deluxe sample of Philosophy's When Hope is Not Enough a few months ago during one of my shopping rounds. I was able to use the sample for about 1 month in the evenings.


Since using it, I've noticed a subtle difference in my skin, both in elasticity and texture. The serum claims to revitalize a dull complexion, reduce reduce wrinkles and lines, and hydrates and brightens skin. Since the serum is so antioxidant rich, it also works to treat damage caused by environmental stressors like UV damage, chapped skin, etc. 

Of course I love the packaging. The dropper makes me feel scientific and brainy. I dispensed about a nickel sized amount each time and pat it on my face before applying anything else.


The texture is watery, and absorbs very quickly into skin. Too quickly, in fact, that my skin felt dry just minutes after. There is no filmy feeling, no sticky feeling. It feels essentially just like water. 

Before/After (one month)

Before/After (1 month)


With sunscreen, concealer and a bit of powder

These are the results after 1 month of continuous use. What I like about this serum is that there are a lot of extracts and skin loving ingredients. I like how it lightened some of my spots and soothed my skin significantly. 

What I disliked about the product was the smell. It had a very bitter medicinal lab smell. Not even an earthy herbal smell which I would have liked but the bitter was quite potent. I didn't enjoy that part.

While it's not a miracle product (nothing is!), it's a nice serum. My skin looks firmer, more even and softer. This is a product I would repurchase because Philosophy products have always exceeded my expectations. I noticed changes within weeks and I'm happy to say that this product delivers good results! 

It retails for $40 for a 1 oz bottle. 



I've always loved Philosophy skin care. Their inspirational sayings on each of their products are always uplifting and human. I'm currently using their Hope in a Jar moisturizer. I'll def review that when the time comes. 

Are you a Philosophy fan? What's your favorite product? 

Saturday, August 18, 2012

Sally Hansen Nails and Cuticle Hand Creme + Giveaway winner!

I love collecting hand creams, especially small, travel sized ones. Some of my favorites are the L'occitane ones, Crabtree & Evelyn, Lollia. I have to say that I collect them out of pure fondness for the packaging.

I recently tried a new hand cream I got from the Influencer's June summer Vox Box. While the packaging is not charming, the formulation of the hand cream is really nice.


This cream has a very smooth, almost a primer-like feel to it. Incidentally, that is because one of the first ingredients present is dimethicone - a type of silicone oil made to feel slippery and smooth. 

I like that the hand cream is nearly invisible once you wear it because it seems like it sinks into the skin right away. They claim that moisture is locked in for 24 hrs, using shea butter to soften the cuticles and nails. 

I found that it works beautifully before and after a manicure. It instantly made my hands feel moisturized without the greasy feel or any heaviness.


The cream smells like a orange creamsicle! Quite literally. Tropical and delightful and none too strong a smell. 

The packaging, however, is okay. Not too ideal because loose caps are not cool to lose. 


Overall, this cream has a lasting impression on my hands and has made them feel very nurtured before and after a manicure. I wore it to sleep the last couple of days and my hands felt extra smooth in the morning. I do like this cream but it wasn't a stand out for me. I don't think I'll repurchase because I have a personal interest in collecting creams with prettier packaging. 

Revlon nail lacquer in Midnight Affair


Readers, what are your preferences for hand creams? Any favorites? ^_________^


And the winner for the DLE lip glosses is...........


Congrats!