Manicure Monday: Christmas 2014

Happy Monday before Christmas everyone!! D-3 until the final countdown, but who's counting. Haha. I hope y'all had a great weekend! Did y'all get a chance to check out my skincare posts all weekend long? It's never too late, a warm mask for a chilly day, a DIY mud mask or even a simple almond scrub to cleanse the pores. Chem em out and pamper yourselves over the holiday break.

Speaking of Christmas literally being around the corner and given that today is Monday, today's manicure will be Christmas inspired! Many of the designs were done last year but I really adored em so I created them again this year. If you are interested in the Christmas 2013 manicure, please just click the link, provided for your convenience. :D

So let's get started! Below are the cutesy manicures for this year. Pick and choose your favorite and let me know which ones you will be trying out yourself or just simply love. :)

Today's Make Up: Halloween

HAPPY HALLOWEEN EVERYONE!!!! Or to those who find "Halloween" offensive, Happy Dressing Up and Get Free Candies Day? Whatever the case may be, whether you're going to a party, going out trick or treating, taking someone out trick or treating or even passing out candies, please, please, please BE CAREFUL. There's just so many things that can go wrong, so please remember to stay safe!

I will not be attending any parties this year, as I feel like I'm getting quite old for that now. I will be taking my kiddie cousins out trick or treating. They are beyond ecstatic that I will be taking them instead of their parents. LOL.

But annnnnnny whoooo, although I am not going as anything, I still wish to carry out the Halloween spirit. Today's makeup includes a whole lot of orange, because ya know, Halloween and orange and black goes hand in hand like Oreo and milk. 

FACE
Sonia Kashuk Concealer Palette in Hidden Agenda
Skin79 Super+ BB Triple Functions
Covergirl Outlast Stay Fabulous 3-in-1 Foundation in Buff Beige
Revlon Nearly Naked Pressed Powder in Fair
NYC Smooth Skin Bronzer in Sunny
Wet N Wild Color Icon Bronzer in Reserve Your Cabana
Jane Cosmetics Multi-Colored Cheek Powder in Peach Bouquet

EYES
Urban Decay Primer Potion
Wet N Wild Color Icon Eyeshadow Trio in Sun-Set To See
Wet N Wild Mega Liner Liquid Eyeliner in Black 
Wet N Wild Idol Eyes Creme Shadow Pencil in Pixie
Maybelline The Mega Plush Volume Express Mascara

LIPS
Peri Pera Peri's Tint Water in Orange Juice
Maybelline Baby Lips in Coral Crush

Since I will be outside all night, I will need my face product to be long lasting and sweat proof. I don't know how Fall is going for y'all elsewhere, but here in brick oven Arizona, we are still seeing mid-80s, dipping to mid-70s at night. There will be slight wind tonight, but nonetheless, it will be one long, sweaty night. Thus why I mixed a bit of BB Cream with my foundation to get the best of both worlds; that IS possible guys. I do not need full coverage so the BB Cream would have been enough, but the foundation is to help the BB last a bit longer and make it sweat proof. 

To stick with the orange theme, I used a peach blush lightly on my cheeks. Then I went ahead and contoured and highlight as usual. I did say that I will sweat a lot, so I stayed away from any face products with shimmer in it. The bronzer, highlight and blush I used are all matte.

On the eyes, I used the Sun-Set To See Trio paired with thick winged liner. I didn't want too much orange to seem overwhelming so I balanced it out by applying a beige shadow to my lower lash line.

As for the lips, I first applied Orange Juice then topped it off with Coral Crush. I will not have to bring neither products for reapplications.

Today's makeup is very low maintenance. The last thing I need to worry about is my makeup when I'll have like 10 kids I need to closely keep my eyes on. I am ready for this. Hair up in a high pony tail and braided, comfy clothes and shoes. Everything is good to go. :P

Just in case y'all forgot what I am sporting on the nails for today, here is a quick reminder. Halloween Spooks!

Please have a safe and fun night everyone! Do take care. <3 Now go, go.

Thank you for visiting and thanks for reading. Please do come back soon. :)

Manicure Monday: Halloween Spooks

BOO! How are y'all doing this fine Fall day? I'm sure you guys don't need a reminder, but Friday is Halloween! :P Yet another reason to look forward to the weekend this week. Whether you're attending a party taking the little ones out trick-or-treating or going trick-or-treating yourself, let's all get into the Halloween spirit!!

This week's manicure is all things Halloween inspired. I had all of these ideas in my head prior to doing my nails but I ended up settling for these five. I ended up not liking one or two of the designs but what the hay, might as well show it to y'all and I can always change 'em before Halloween on Friday.

THUMB - TOMBSTONE WITH R.I.P

I am actually pretty proud of myself with this design. Although I started having second thoughts when I added the grass at the bottom. I dunno, would it have looked better without the grass?

I applied one thick coat of the gray onto my nails and allowed it to dry completely before I used a toothpick to write out R.I.P and did the little cracks and chips.

With a medium sized dotting tool, I started doing vertical lines at the tip of my nail to imitate grass. First with a green then with a lighter green.

INDEX (POINTER) FINGER - JACK-O'-LANTERN

A rather sad attempt of a jack-o'-lantern but nonetheless a jack-o'-lantern. This is one of the designs I didn't like in the end. It seemed better when I brainstormed it in my head. LOL.

I first applied two thin coat of bright orange nail color to my nail, allowing time to dry in between coats. Then I used a toothpick to draw out and fill in triangles for the eyes with black nail color. I continued with the nose and mouth. Lastly, after the black was completely dried, I dotted a bright yellow color to the eyes and mouth to give it a "glow".

If I were to change this design sometime down the week, I'll probably change it to a candy corn or something. What do you guys think? Yay or nay?

MIDDLE FINGER - CUTE FRANKENSTEIN

My cutie Frankenstein, Frankie. Hahaha. He has to be my favorite out of the bunch.

I applied two thin coats of green to the nail and allowed it to dry. I then applied black nail color  about half way down my nail as hair. With a medium dotting tool, I used it to dot two medium sized dots and a smaller dotting tool to dot smaller black dots within the white for eyeballs.

With a toothpick, I dipped it in black and drew a long horizontal line and three small vertical lines for a stitch mouth.

RING FINGER - CUTE GHOST

I really, really like my ghost! Even though I did not plan for my ghost being cutesy at all, it just happened that way. LOL.

To be sure, I applied two thick coat of white nail color. Since I did thick coats, I waited extra long for the color to dry before applying another coat. It is very important that you allow the white color to completely dry before dotting on the black.

When the white coats are all dried, I used a large dotting tool for the eyes and mouth. I could have stopped there but I wanted to add some dimension to my ghost so I used a dark grayish silver to dot tiny dots in the black dots.

I used a Q-Tip, dipped it in nail polish remover and started removing little chunks at the tip of my nail to create the flowy bottom of the ghost.

PINKY - SPIDER WEB

Again, this is the other design I am not too fond of in the end. I originally had something else; I had a dark sky with gray clouds and a bright yellow moon peeking through but I ended up removing it. Then I wanted to do a mummy, which did not work out either. So this spider web was my last resort... Ehh.. Not really feeling it. I think I might end up changing this one, and if I did, I'll do an eyeball or attempt a mummy again.

I applied two thin coat of black nail color and allowed it to dry before moving on. Be sure that it is absolutely dry otherwise the black will swirl with the white and mess up your spider web.

With a toothpick, I drew three lines starting at the corner. Then I did half circles perpendicular to the lines I did earlier to create the web.

I really hope you all enjoyed this fun post because I surely had a fantastic, albeit kinda stressed time creating these looks. I will for sure update y'all if I do end up changing anything from now til Friday. You can count on that!

Thank you for visiting and thanks a bunches for reading. Please do come back soon! :)

October iPsy Bag: Beauty Candy

Hello, hello my Autumn ray of sunshines. LOL. Hope you're all doing well this Hump Day. I know, yet another Wednesday already. The weeks should fly by this quickly next month... Just sayin'.

It is that time of month again, when my monthly iPsy bag comes in the mail in the pretty, shiny pink package. This month, the theme is Beauty Candy. I received five products and the makeup bag couldn't get anymore cuter than this. If you can't tell, the bag is quilted, shiny and turquoise; I mean, what is there not to love? Haha.

City Color Be Matte Lipstick in Cappuccino

This is just another Be Matte Lipstick to add to my collection of others Be Matte Lipsticks I previously ordered from City Color a while ago. Fortunately I did not already own this shade or this lipstick would have been a waste. I don't really wear nudes, especially dark nudes like this shade because it doesn't complement my skin tone. I might be able to work something out with this, we'll see. 

I really don't want to say much regarding the formulas and pigmentation because that will be saved for my update post, which should be up within a month or so.

Figs & Rouge Nourishing & Soothing Hand Cream in Rose Berry with Shea Butter

I am not too crazy about hand creams, but might as well make the most of it. I keep receiving hand creams in my bag although I'd rather receive another product instead. I really shouldn't complain though because I do through these little tubes and bottles in my bag or my makeup bag for convenient travels.

Something about the packaging of this hand cream makes it a joy to look at. It's so colorful and interesting. Maybe it's a UK thing. Lol. Good thing this hand cream comes with a foil seal because I do not plan on opening this anytime soon. I have way too many hand creams opened at the moment and I really should use 'em up before I open another.

Rose Berry with Shea Butter though... I hope it smells as amazing as it sounds.

Jesse's Girl Mineralized Baked Powder Eyeshadow in Plum Frost

I fell in love with this eyeshadow as soon as I saw it. The marbleizing of the plum and silver was too beautiful to look at.  The plum shade will be perfect for Fall and Winter. I will have to mess around with this shadow a bit, possibly use it dry and wet and a combination of both to see what looks I can come up with.

With baked eyesahdow, some brands like Milani and Hard Candy mastered the technique, other brands, not so much. I really hope this Plum Frost will not be a disappointment because it is too dry or too flaky. I would hate to hate an eyeshadow, especially one this gorgeous. 

Kiss iEnvy by Kiss Premium 100% Human Hair Eyelashes in Diva 01

I don't wear falsies regularly, but thank goodness these came a few days before my friend's wedding on Saturday. What better occasion than a wedding where I am a bridesmaid to test these bad boys out! I mean, the falsies I received was called Diva! What better way to spice up a nude smoky than a pair of diva-licious lashes?!

It came with its own glue but I used my Revlon ones instead. It was super comfortable on my eyes. It lasted and looked awesome from the moment I applied it to the end of the night when I went to remove it. That's it for now, the rest later on the update post.

Skyn Iceland Mini Glacial Cleansing Cloths with White Willow Bark & Cucumber Extract

Although I have found the perfect combination to remove my makeup, as a beauty enthusiast, I am always welcoming of trying new products. Cleansing cloths are one of the few items I am very willingly to experiment on. I have not opened the package yet because I am still finishing up the wipes I am currently using, I have a few left. I don't want to dry out cloths by opening them right now when I can wait for another couple of days.

From just feeling the outside though, I can tell these cloths are very wet. Hopefully wet means hydrating. I look for anything with cucumber extract because it just makes the experience that much better with the cool, soothing sensation.

And that wraps up this month's bag. Not the best bag I've received but certainly not the most disappointing.

Please take care and stay warm and cozy as the weather turns cooler because being sick is not glamorous. :P As always, thank you for visiting and thanks for reading. Please come back soon! :)

Fall/Winter 2014-2015 Beauty Trends: Make Up, Nails And Hair

Happy second day of Fall everyone! Without further adieu, I present you with the Fall/Winter 2014-2015 Beauty Trends!

I have composed a list of trends most popular on the catwalk for Fashion Week. So y'all know what time it is. Time to tuck away those Spring/Summer makeup and pull forward the Fall/Winter makeups like berries and wine or red.

I am loving some of the trends this season and will most definitely put them to great use. The bare face trend is just gonna give me reasons to be lazy. LOL. I also love the pink an lilac eyes. Them lashes and full brows, just wow! My least favorite would have to be the glittery brown lips.. Yeah, not my style and I don't see myself sporting it any time soon.

Please let me know down below which trends you're most excited for? Or least. Let's chat! :)

MAKE UP TRENDS

1. Full Brows

2. Jewel-Tone Eyes & Red Lips

3. Smoky Brown/Smoky Eyes

4. Pink & Lilac

5. Silver/Metallic Eyes

6. Lashes/Exaggerated Wing Liner/Define Eyeliner

7. Quirky Colors

8. Berry Lips

9. Glittery Brown Lips

10. Bare/Natural Faced & Flawless Glow

NAIL TRENDS

1. Nudes/Sheer

2. Red

3. Gray

4. Metallic

5. Half Moon Manicure

6. Glittery & Shimmery

HAIR TRENDS

1. Low Ponytails & Chic Ponytails

2. Bangs

3. Side Split (Side Swept)

4. Braids

5. Wet Hair Look

6. French Twist/Buns/Knots

7. Straight VS. Curly

8. Chic & '60 Inspired

Disclaimer: Most pictures used are from fashionisers.com.

Manicure Monday: First Day Of Fall

Happy first day of Fall everyone! Time to revamp the decorations around the house and change up the beauty trends. Time to switch over to berry, wine lips and jewel-toned nails. Time to bring out the scarves and boots. Can anyone else smell the delicious scent of Pumpkin Spice in the air? It is definitely Autumn.

I seized the opportunity to do a Fall inspired manicure. What a coincidence that the first day of fall happened on a Monday when I usually change up my manicure? Although I love pastels and bright fun shades on my nails, I am more than ready to switch up the colors. Of course, I am also the type of person who hardly follows the trend. I'll probably end up rocking a pastel shade in the middle of Winter if I feel the need to. But since today is the first day of fall and I'm kinda bored with Spring/Summer colors, I thought I'd tone it done a little.

As mentioned, today's manicure is Fall inspired. I used colors closely related to Fall such as brown, red, orange and yellow. I did not pre-plan any of this and just kinda winged it as I went. It turned out better than I thought. :P

Wet N Wild Mega Last Salon Nail Color in Wet Cement

Sephora by OPI Nail Color in IM Beauty
Sinful Colors Nail Color in Clementine
NYC Long Wearing Nail Enamel in Big Apple Red

Sally Hansen Diamond Strength Diamond Shine Base & Top Coat

I did two thin coat of Wet Cement. I really have no complaints about Wet N Wild Mega Last's formulas. I absolutely love their wide brush, makes the application so, so much easier!

After the "Wet Cement" is completely dried., haha, I used different size of dotting tools to create the dots along my nails. If you do not own any dotting tools, you can easily use toothpicks or bobby pins to create the dots. Easy as that.

Hope y'all enjoyed this simple Fall inspired manicure. I had fun creating it. Now let your creativity run wild!

Thank you for visiting and thanks for reading. Please come back soon. I am almost 90% sure the Fall/Winter 2014 Beauty Trends will be up tomorrow. :)

September iPsy Bag: Street Style

Hi guys! Another month, another iPsy bag. With the arrival of this bag, I am officially behind on two months' update. I apologize, it's been a crazy couple of months. I will try to get back into the game ASAP. Please bear with me and I really appreciate your patience. Thank you!!

This month's theme is called Street Style and comes with a stylish gray faux leather bag with metal studs along the top. Really, really cute. I'd be lying if I said I'm not disappointed with the products I received this month... In fact, I am very, very disappointed with what I got. I'd rather receive the lipstick or nail colors, but instead I got these...

Crown Brush Infinity Shadow/Crease Duet Brush

This brush is possibly the one and only product I am not disappointed in receiving. I am a brush hoarder; I love brushes. Good brushes will and can make your makeup application experience way more enjoyable. I own many, many sets and singles but I am always on the lookout for other great brushes. I've been trying to get my hands on the Sonia Kashuk limited edition brush set for sooo long to no avail. I think they're all gone by now and I will not be able to own them. :(

Any who, I've never heard of Crown Brush before, but I am always up for trying out new brands. Apparently this specific brush is from their Infinity collection. This brush is double sided, one shadow and the other crease. It has fiber bristles, super soft and dense. I really cannot wait to put this brush to good use... soon. ;)

Pacifica Natural Waterproof Eye Pencil in Gun Metal

I really do not need any more pencil eyeliners, especially one that isn't a twisty. I've never tried a Pacifica eyeliner before so this might not be too bad. This Gun Metal shade is gorgeous too. It's too light to be an eyeliner, but I guess I can use it as a highlight for contrast.. or something. I'll put it to good use.

I did swatch it on the back of my hand, it did seem to glide on with ease with pulling on my skin. I waited about a minute later before I rubbed it off, some came off but the majority was still there.

Cailyn Art Touch Tinted Lip Gloss in Love Affair

I received my first Cailyn product some months ago, it was also a lip product. I had mixed feelings regarding that tinted lip balm, so I kinda, well, I'm not quite sure how to feel about this tinted lip gloss. Y'all know I dislike wearing gloss. This shade seems like a shade I don't normally pick up if I had a choice, but that might not be too bad. Since fall is coming up, darker lips will be in.

From what I can tell, the lip gloss seems to be a tad jelly like, I am hoping it isn't too sticky. I wonder why it's called a tinted lip gloss though. I guess the intense berry shade will not show up as intense on the lips. As for the smell, nothing too bothersome. More on the details after I've tried it enough times to give y'all an update.

Mitchell and Peach Luxury Hand Cream in Floral No. 1

Oooh, Luxury Hand Cream. Haha, how fancy. The fact that it's from England makes it all the fancier. I haven't tried the hand cream yet, but it's really hard not to get a whiff of that smell. I feel...confused about it? Like it smells nice, but in a weird herbal way. Definitely not something I will pick up voluntarily. Don't get me wrong, it's not horrible either. You know what it is, it smells like something our dear sweet grandmother would smell like. Haha. I have no idea.. When I do wear it, I'll make sure to ask around for people's opinion.

Nourish Organic Moisturizing Cream Face Cleanser in Cucumber & Watercress

Cucumber, an ingredient in a skincare product, I'm not surprised, but watercress? I love eating watercress, but I had no idea they could be used for skincare. Huh, the more you know.

There was a seal on the tube so I was unable to catch what it smelt like. And it was pretty liquidy from sitting out in my mailbox all day, baking in the Arizona heat so if I were to take that seal off then and there, there would've been a mess.

I'm always on the look out for new skincare products that not only I can use, but also my brother and Mom can benefit from. We have different skin type, where as I am oily, my Mom dry with oily patch and my brother combo, oily.

Hopefully this product lives up to its name. I do believe it is nourishing, organic and moisturizing. So ya know, we'll give it a go and see.

I will try my hardest to do an update on this month's products for y'all. So sit tight and expect the update be up within the next few weeks.

If you're also a iPster and received these same products, which ones were you most excited for? Least excited for? Share your experience. :)

Thank you for visiting and thanks for reading all. Please come back soon. :)

________________________

SONG OF THE DAY/MOMENT

In Loving Memory of Ladies' Code EunB & RiSe

Rest in Peace Beautiful Ladies