Tuesday, March 30, 2010
My Love & Hate Relationship With Lush Love Lettuce Fresh Face Mask
I love to try out new brands and products, especially one that is unique and one of a kind. This is why I have been fascinated by Lush products. Lush makes bath and body treats that you don't usually find at other retailers. This is also why I have been on a mission to try out all of Lush's fresh face masks. These lovelies are made with fresh ingredients and are truly what you need to pamper your face with. Well, let's start with the most popular one, Love Lettuce Fresh Face Mask ($7.95).
This is an effective exfoliating mask that creates smooth and radiant skin. It is easy to use and is probably one of the best exfoliating masks I've tried. However, if you have very sensitive skin, I would recommend to use a light hand with this because the crushed almond shells in the mask can be a bit abrasive.
One question I always get when I talk about this mask is, "Does it smell like lettuce or salad?". Unfortunately, it doesn't. It has a a very strong lavender scent that is very relaxing and comforting. I love it for its effective exfoliating purpose. I use it 1-2 times per week, and it is just a nice treat for my face after a long day of work. However, everything is fine until one week before the mask expires. I noticed that I still have half of the pot left, so in order to finish the pot before it goes sour, I would use it every other day for the last week. Thankfully, this did not irritate my skin. However, we all know that exfoliating at such frequent terms is simply not healthy.
Love Lettuce is a very decent mask as well as a wonderful exfoliator. But it is nothing special. Many of my other masks and exfoliators can achieve the same, if not better, results without the fear of fast approaching expiration date (usually 2 - 3 weeks). If you are new to the brand, I would definitely recommend this product, but I'm sure you would agree with me after trying it that it is defintiely not a repurchase material.
Pick It or Not ?
- Quality: 40 (out of 50)
- Packaging: 15 (out of 20)
- Price: 20 (out of 20)
- User Friendly: 5 (out of 5)
- Availability: 3 (out of 5)
Angela's Ultimate Pick: B
Breaking Beauty News : Shu Uemura Exits American Market
It is indeed another sad news for the beauty community. L'Oréal USA officially announced on Monday that it has decided to pull the luxury Japanese brand Shu Uemura out of the U.S. market. Shu Uemura will still maintain 80% of its markets in Asia, but due to the recession and a change of focus in L'Oréal's product division, all U.S. operations for Shu Uemura will be stopped. The move will not affect the brand's markets in other countries.
This will be a loss to the American cosmetic world. Shu Uemura is a very luxury brand with prices not very affordable to many. However, the brand does make some wonderful products. It is very sad to hear that after the brand pulls out of the U.S. market, the only way for American customers to purchase its products is through its website or import. Some of its products are cult favorites and hearing this news only makes us sad. Hopefully with the economy recovers soon, the brand can reenter the U.S. market one day. I will be waiting.
Monday, March 29, 2010
Monday Beauty Scoops : Makeup Is A Dangerous Habit But I Still Want The New OPI Collection For Sephora
Hello ladies. How is your weekend? Mine is not so good. I now officially consider makeup a dangerous habit in my life. Why? Because I got a traffic ticket on my way to MAC to pick up the Liberty of London collection. I guess the thought of seeing the blue birds in front of my eyes made my adrenaline pumped up a little bit too much. Well, nothing worth more than your life so please remember to drive safely.
- Celebrate Elizabeth Arden's 100th anniversary with its famous Eight Hour Cream ($29.50) in a new limited edition set.
- Discover Bobbi Brown's ritual for fresh, radiant, lit-from-within skin with the new Brighten Skincare collection that includes Brightening Hydrating Lotion ($50), Brightening Intensive Serum ($95), Brightening Moisture Cream ($70), Brightening SPF 50 UV Protective Face Base ($38), and Brightening Spot Treatment Corrector SPF 25 ($35).
- Then pair them with Bobbi's brand new Natural Finish SPF 15 Foundation ($45, 20 shades) to help you block humidity all day for a long lasting fresh look.
- Hydratint SPF 15 ($20, 8 shades) by Laura Mercier is a colorful way to upgrade your lip balm this spring.
- SEPHORA by OPI's latest assortment of the Modern Followers collection ($9, 6 shades) is inspired by simple, dramatic blossoms like the elegant Calla Lily, exotic orchid, and vibrant iris.
- Anna Sui embraces perfection by giving you the new Protective Base Makeup series, which includes Protective Foundation Primer L (SPF 38 PA++), Protective Fluid Foundation L (SPF 20 PA++, 8 shades), Whitening Mask, and Protective Powder Foundation L (SPF 28 PA++, 7 shades).
- The 4 new Jurlique Skincare Intro Sets ($40) are perfect for raveling.
Deals Buzz- Aveda: Enter Code "EMAIL30" for free shipping on order $40 or more.
- Origins: Enter Code "freeship3" for free shipping on any order through 4/30.
- Elizabeth Arden: Free red hot tote with fragrance order $35 or more through 3/31.
- Urban Decay: The Apocalyptic Nail Kit is now $18 (Origninally $26).
- Philosophy: Select products are 40% off until 3/31.
Thursday, March 25, 2010
Rock The VOTE : Lauren Conrad Side Braid
The weather is definitely warming up because I actually sweated a bit when I was running around the town earlier today (meaning getting my MAC Liberty of London stuff). Finally, spring is approaching us. If you have been following fashion trends for the upcoming season, you would notice that many of them are re-promotions from some of the old trends from last year. And what can represent the classy spring beauty better than the famous side braid by Lauren Conrad (aka LC).
Her famous side braid starts as a traditional French braid and then becomes a regular braid that is pinned back to her ear. You can layer the braid on top of other hair or hide it under. Then you have it, a simple yet beautiful style.
Tuesday, March 23, 2010
Tarina Tarantino Pearl Glow Primer Is In The Wrong Makeup Category ?
You don't have to be a trend hunter to notice that almost every celebrity is launching their own line of merchandises. Be it perfumes, clothing, or toys, if you can name it, someone is making it. I guess product endorsements are not growing money fast enough. Engraving your own name is the way to go. Tarina Tarantino, the famous accessory designer who is known for her use of bright colors and unconventional draft, released her own cosmetic collection exclusively at Sephora in January. Since this big announcement, I have been waiting to get my hands on these pretty babes. So finally a few weeks ago, I took home the Pearl Glow Primer ($32).
This new beauty collection is every girl's dream comes true with the pink and adorable packaging. The primer comes in a glass bottle with a pink cap. Very cute, yet elegant and beautiful. I love to showcase this on my vanity.
Instead of calling this a primer, I think this product is more appropriate as an illuminator. When used by itself, it creates the most beautiful and glowy shine to the skin. Not overwhelmed with glitters, it gives you a brightened and polished finish. I love using this on top of my nose and cheek bones to give my face more texture. However, once you apply another product on top of the primer, the shine will be completely covered. As a result, the primer becomes kind of pointless. Since this is a primer, it is supposed to be applied under other products. I love the idea of a combination of primer and illuminator. Unfortunately, the idea is not practical.
I then tried mixing this with my foundation, and it also gives a very beautiful finish. So, I have concluded that you shouldn't use this as a primer because you will be disappointed. But, try this alone or with your foundation. You may be surprised.
Pick It or Not ?
- Quality: 40 (out of 50)
- Packaging: 20 (out of 20)
- Price: 19 (out of 20)
- User Friendly: 5 (out of 5)
- Availability: 4 (out of 5)
Angela's Ultimate Pick: B +
Monday, March 22, 2010
Monday Beauty Scoops : I Love Multi Purpose Products
Good morning ladies. I had a super fun yet busy weekend. I've been running around the whole day on Sunday because it was my sister's studio's annual showcase. My sister is a principle in the studio, and she is the lead this year for the showcase so there is a lot to be done. Thankfully, it went really well. It was super crutch busy time so I'm glad it is over now. Well, are you ready for another round of beauty scoops?
read more "Monday Beauty Scoops : I Love Multi Purpose Products"
- Givenchy Hydra Sparkling Magic Lip & Cheek Balm ($30) is part lip care, part makeup.
- The innovative T3 Featherweight Luxe ($250) dries hair in half the time of conventional dryers and provides the ultimate in frizz-fighting.
- Create your own Smashbox kit (33) by mix and match 3 of your favorite products. Limited time web offer ends 3/22. Smashbox Iconic Eyes ($47) & Luscious Lips Kit ($25) is also exclusively available at Ulta.
- The new Elizabeth Arden Violet Eyes Elizabeth Taylor Fragrance ($52) is feminine, captivating, intriguing and sophisticated.
- Add a touch of blush with the new Laura Mercier New Second Skin Cheek Colours ($24).
- Want good but inexpensive makeup brushes? The new Coastal Scents Pro Black Kabuki Brush ($11.95) is made from first quality goat hair.
- How about some sparkle? Check out the new Sigma Heart Shaped Mirror ($25).
- DEALS ALERT! Receive a free full size sparkling lip gloss with any Too Faced purchase over $35.
- Registrants for Physician’s Formula on Facebook will receive an instant BOGO coupon and have their chance at great savings from Target. purchase!
- Select items at The Body Shop is Buy 1 Get 1 50% Off, which includes the new Sweet Lemon Body Butter ($20).
- Enjoy a complimentary blush ($23) with any $50 Shu Uemura purchase. Code: FACE
- Editor's Closet is having some awesome sales.
- Print the following offer and stop by Sephora inside JCPenney for your free Too Faced Lash Injection Pinpoint Mascara.
Thursday, March 18, 2010
Rock The VOTE : Kristen Stewart At The Runaways L.A. Premiere
Before the Twilight beauty returns as Bella Swan in The Twilight Saga: Eclipse later this year, Kristen Stewart (aka K.Stew) ditched her on screen lover Robert Pattinson for a role in the movie The Runaways, which is a biographical film based on the legendary all girl rock band in the 70s. Kristen plays Joan Jett, along with Dakota Fanning as Cherie Currie. At the L.A. Premiere of the movie, Kristen exchanged her usually boyish and edgy fashion for a beautiful pink dress from the Doo.Ri Spring 2010 collection.
She went with a very soft and natural look. It really made her eye color pop and is a perfect match for her strong face. I think many of us would also appreciate her cute dress rather than her usually style. The bright pink color compliments her pale skin very well. Overall, I have to say that Kristen pulled this one nicely.
Tuesday, March 16, 2010
Make Up For Ever HD Microfinish Blush : A Winner For Celebrity Status
When it comes to cosmetics, Make Up For Ever sure makes some cult favorites. Its acclaimed HD Invisible Cover Foundation ($40) is famous and popular in the industry. Now, the makeup innovator introduces a new member to its HD family - the HD Microfinish Blush ($25), which creates a soft-focus effect for a radiant complexion on and off the camera.
More about the product : The HD blush is formulated from pigments which were specifically selected for a perfect application. Thanks to its unique second-skin texture which can be blended endlessly, the HD blush guarantees a radiant and glowing complexion, which providing a totally natural result.
I purchased #6 Quickie, which is described as a salmon pink color. As many others have complained, the small size of the bottle did disappoint me at first, but I soon learned that as cliche as it sounds, a little truly goes a very long way. One pump is probably more than enough for several uses.
If you are a fan of the HD foundation, you will not be disappointed with this blush. It glides on smoothly and applies very similar to cream blushes. But, it is much easier to blend than cream blushes do, and it absorbs right into the skin, leaving a very soft and even finish. It feels super light and moisturizing. Even after a long day, it doesn't cake or fade away. I usually apply this with my fingers by first dotting them on my cheeks and then blend them out. I've also tried this with my MAC 187 Duo Fibre Brush ($42). Both ways gives you that natural and beautiful look. As you can probably tell, my praise for this blush can go days without stopping.
HD (high definition) makeups were originally designed for celebrities working on screen or with photographs because HD products contain light reflectors that give you that flawless look on camera. So, the true test for this product came when I took a picture of myself with the blush on, and I was blown away. The blush looks so natural and perfect on me because of its soft-focus effect. It looked like I just ran a mile and was blushing naturally. I deem this the best looking blush on me.
Pick It or Not ?
- Quality: 50 (out of 50)
- Packaging: 20 (out of 20)
- Price: 20 (out of 20)
- User Friendly: 5 (out of 5)
- Availability: 5 (out of 5)
Angela's Ultimate Pick: A +
Monday, March 15, 2010
Monday Beauty Scoops : Lush Lets You Get Ready For Easter Early
- Nothing says springtime like eggs and bunnies! Give the bunny a break and fill up your basket with the limited edition Lush Easter treats ($3.95 ~ $24.95). Still have some empty spots in the basket? Pick up the new Dorothy Bubble Bar ($5.95) or the Ickle Baby Bot Bath Bomb ($3.95).
- CRABTREE & EVELYN seems to be having many sales lately. I wonder if the new Heritage Soap Collection ($7) will go on sale, too?
- Summer is approaching, and this only means one thing - sun. For those who want to stay light, Shu Uemura White Recovery Pure Vitamin C Intense Brightening Serum ($95) will keep you tan free.
- Design your own runway ready look with the new and limited edition Laura Mercier Zen Face Palette ($60).
- Stila One Step Makeup ($44) saves your money, time, and face.
- Clinique gives its winner product a makeover. Meet the new and upgraded Even Better Clinical Dark Spot Corrector ($49.50), gives you visible reduction in dark spots, age spots, and traces of acne past in 12 weeks.
- Smashbox took one of its most popular core products and made it even better with the Brow Tech Trios ($24), along with 3 new pro tools - Precision Concealer Brush #5 ($20), Face & Cheek Brush #2 ($48), and Tapered Shadow Brush #7 ($24).
Wednesday, March 10, 2010
Blog Sale (Updated 3/10/10)
- 1st come 1st serve. Paypal only. Comment with your paypal and item(s) you want.
- Shipping to within U.S. is $5 flat. If you only buy 1-2 things and they are really light, then I can lower the shipping a bit. If there are something really big or heavy then shipping could be more but I will let you know. International shipping varies so please check with me. If you need additional services such as insurance, please also let me know.
- I will pack as best as I can, but I am not responsible for damaged or lost stuff. No returns or exchange.
If you have any questions, please comment below or e-mail me sparklemidori09@gmail.co
Hourglass Prodigy Hydrating Lip Gloss : A Juicy Lips Must Have
If there is ever a natural disaster around here, I got my neighborhood covered because no one needs to worry about dry and plain lips. Thanks to my large collection of lipsticks and lipglosses. I admit that I have an addiction for lip gloss, and it gets worse because I am a sucker for cute packaging, so this is why I recently bought the Hourglass Prodigy Hydrating Lip Gloss ($26) in the color Eden.
I adore its sleek and unique packaging. It is the perfect size to toss in your clutch and would make you the center of spotlight when you pull it out of your purse. The design is also made to easily fit into your palms. Its slim body can be slipped into any pockets, making it easy to carry around. The applicator is a bit hard to get an even layer of color onto my lips. I would suggest using a lip brush or your fingers.
Its parabens free and sulfates free formula is enriched with Vitamin E so your lips will never be dry with this gloss. The moisturizing texture is non-tacky and easy to apply. It is not as sticky as most lip glosses are and lasts all day long. What I especially love about this lip gloss is that it doesn't even feel like a regular gloss on my lips. It is more like a hydrating balm that is sheer but gives enough pigmentation. It is water resistant but can be easily removed. I simply can not say enough good things about this. Plus, Eden is a very beautiful peachy color.
I really can't find any flaws with this product, but I do have one complaint - the price. I understand that this is not a drugstore brand, and that the packaging may cause a little bit more than traditional ones but $26 for a gloss still seems a big mark up to me.
Pick It or Not ?
- Quality: 48 (out of 50)
- Packaging: 15 (out of 20)
- Price: 15 (out of 20)
- User Friendly: 5 (out of 5)
- Availability: 5 (out of 5)
Angela's Ultimate Pick: B +
Monday, March 08, 2010
Monday Beauty Scoops : Tarina Tarantino Is Crossing Into Cosmetics
- Want to discover a youthful foundation that are not just for the teens? Check out Origins Youthtopia™ SPF 15 Skin firming foundation with Rhodiola ($26.50).
- Achieve a fresh, smooth, and flawless skin with Tarte Smooth Operator Oil-Free Tinted Moisturizer with SPF 20 ($36) in its new packaging.
- Your favorite Cuddler at Bath and Body Work just got a different look with the newly packaged Moonlight Path Collection ($5 ~ $29.50).
- Stila Stay All Day Waterproof Liquid Eye Liner ($20) goes on smoothly without skipping, smudging, or pulling, and lasts all day. Would be perfect to pair up with the famous Kitten eyeshadow ($18).
- Accessory diva Tarina Tarantino just got a new name - makeup designer. The fashion stylists launched her own cosmetic line ($17 ~ $69) exclusively at Sephora with her own style and a sparkling twist.
- Clueless with color? Don't worry because Bobbi Brown will make you a pro in 5 mins with its new Color Stripe Collection ($20 ~ $60). Hurry up girls because part of the collection is limited edition.
- Need a perfectly pigmented gloss with a brilliant shine for that flawless look? Check out Laura Mercier Limited Edition Lip Glacé ($22) in 3 new shades, Discrete, Meringue, and Pink Diamond.
- Smashbox introduces the Halo Hydrating Perfecting Bronzer ($39) exclusively at Nordstrom. This revolutionary formula imparts a gorgeous sun-kissed glow while dramatically minimizing the signs of aging.
- You can easily be an astonishing princess with the new MAC Too Fabulous Collection ($13 ~ $23).
- Philosophy The Color of Grace Collections ($17.50 ~ $37.50) embraces your inner girl with all things pink and beautiful.
- Boscia gives you its new Restorative Night Treatment ($48) that delivers high levels of intense moisture overnight to help diminish the appearance of aging skin while protecting against future environmental aggresors.
Saturday, March 06, 2010
Space Girl Bath Bomb Gives You The Best Value From Lush
What I like about ordering from Lush UK, other than the faster shipping and lower prices, is that there are certain UK exclusive products that are not available here in America. Space Girl Bath Bomb (£1.85) is a new bath ballistic that the Lush UK website launched last month. When I saw the oddly and Saturn shaped bath bomb, it immediately caught my attention. And when I read that it is scented with blackcurrant sweeties, along with a dust of glitters, I couldn't resist but bought one to see what the fuss is about.
Update : This is now available on Lush USA website and stores.
I definitely appreciate the silver and red glitters. They add a twist to the bath bomb and are fun to play with. The glitters are not overwhelming and quickly disappeared after the bath bomb dissolved in water. So, you don't have to worry about a glitzy chaos. I also love the sweet and fruit candy scent. This is one of the best fragrances from all Lush products. However, I am a bit disappointed because the enjoyable aura went away immediately after I dropped the bath bomb in my tub. When it completely dissolved, the scent was no where to be found. On top of this, I assumed it would turn my water into a beautiful lilac color, but that didn't happen. As you can see from my picture, it transformed the water into a very light blue (almost none) color.
Because my tub is quite big, I have to put in a whole bath bomb. If you have a smaller bath tub, half should be more than enough. With such a bargain price for each ballistic, this is probably one of the best values you can find from Lush. However, the quality isn't the best. The charming scent is pretty much all you will get.
Update : As usual, prices from North America Lush are more expensive than UK Lush.
Pick It or Not ?
- Quality: 20 (out of 50)
- Packaging: 20 (out of 20)
- Price: 20 (out of 20)
- User Friendly: 5 (out of 5)
- Availability: 5 (out of 5)
Angela's Ultimate Pick: B -
Thursday, March 04, 2010
Oscar Blandi Pronto Dry Shampoo : Instant Refresh For Dirty Hair
My mom is always super busy, so she has been on the look out for a good dry shampoo. When I saw that the Oscar Blandi Pronto Dry Shampoo ($11) was on sale at Sephora, I immediately grabbed one for her. Of course, I also sneaked in a few tries myself.
More about the product : Refresh, revive, and recharge hair and scalp without water. Pronto is perfect for use between washings, in a rush, or as a midday hair pick-me-up. This dry shampoo increases volume and removes dirt and build up in your root area in seconds. Natural rice, oat, and tapioca starches cleanse hair by absorbing excess oil, product, and grease and increase hair volume at the roots without weighing hair down. Tea tree oil helps treat the scalp and reduce the occurrence of dandruff, while the invigorating lemon verbena fragrance leaves hair smelling and feeling fresh.
Dry Shampoos are perfect for an easy clean up in between washes and are also perfect for a quick pick up. This is easy to use with the pointed tip applicator. You don't have to use a lot of product each time because a little goes a long way. It absorbs and eliminates oil instantly without drying out my hair. It doesn't feel heavy and refreshes and cleans my hair immediately. My mom also really loves it.
However, the scent is such a turn off for me. I am a lemon/orange smell girl, so I thought the lemon verbena scent would be perfect for me. Unfortunately, the strong fragrance is not very pleasant. What is even worse is that the scent lingers on the whole day.
The product also leaves a white cast on my hair. No matter how much I tried to brush the powder out and even after using my fingers to message my scalp, there is still white stuff on the hair. This may be better for people with lighter hair colors.
Thanks to my mom for being the hair model!
Pick It or Not ?
- Quality: 30 (out of 50)
- Packaging: 20 (out of 20)
- Price: 20 (out of 20)
- User Friendly: 5 (out of 5)
- Availability: 5 (out of 5)
Angela's Ultimate Pick: B -
Wednesday, March 03, 2010
Skin MD Shielding Lotion Blog Giveaway Winner Announcement
I want to thank everyone who entered my Skin MD Shielding Lotion Blog Giveaway. You are all winners to me, but unfortunately, only one lucky lady was picked this time. I went through all the qualified entries and then used random.org website to select the winner, which is #5. anonymous winner, congratulations. You are the winner for this giveaway. Please reply to my notification e-mail with your full name and mailing address.
Monday, March 01, 2010
Lush Squeaky Green Solid Shampoo : I Want Squeaky Clean Hair
Many of you know that I am a Lush junkie. Lush is a company that specializes in natural and handmade cosmetics such as soaps and bath products. My exposure to the brand has not been long, but I have been fascinated by its products. I have always wanted to try out their Solid shampoo (aka shampoo bar), but never really had the chance until recently when I received a generous sample of the Squeaky Green Solid Shampoo ($7.95) with my online order.
The product contains an extremely strong scent that is actually a bit noxious to my nose. It literally smells like deodorant mixed with laundry detergent, which is not very pleasant to me. I would love to have my closet smells like this but definitely not my hair. It was a bit wary about this at first, but the heavy fragrance quickly dissolved in the shower.
It lathers very well and is really refreshing for my oily hair. It is great at removing residues and oil and allows me to wash my hair less frequently. Each full size bar lasts between 60 – 80 washes, which is a good value considering the price tag. Unfortunately, this could be a bit harsh for dry and sensitive hair. If this is too strong of a daily use for you, try this as an occasional deep cleansing treatment. Your hair will thank you for making it smooth and shiny. But please be careful with it because the bar is quite fragile and easy to break apart. The little noodles can stuck in your hair and in the tub.
Pick It or Not ?
- Quality: 45 (out of 50)
- Packaging: 15 (out of 20)
- Price: 20 (out of 20)
- User Friendly: 3 (out of 5)
- Availability: 5 (out of 5)
Angela's Ultimate Pick: B
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