Sunday, August 31, 2014

Of Tulle & Lace

I didn't think I would be attracted to anything with lace or tulle skirts anymore. However, while I was looking through blogs, and pinterest, I found myself wanting to get in touch with my girly side again.

There's just something fun, and playful about tulle skirts that I wouldn't mind adding one or two in my wardrobe.While wearing something with a bit of lace, would instantly make any outfit more feminine.

Are you a fan of tulle and lace?


As always, thanks for reading!










Saturday, August 30, 2014

A LHR with Waterproof Mascara

A LHR with Waterproof Mascara

I have a love/ hate relationship with mascara. One hand, it keeps my lashes curled, and I don't end up with panda eyes. (Which make would me look like I had less sleep than I really did). While on the other, it is such a pain in the butt to remove!

If I tried to use a liquid eye makeup remover, it would take me forever to take all of it off. Should I be 
a bit lazy and only use face wipes, I have to deal with it stinging my eyes for a bit.

It was tempting to stick with regular mascaras until I thought of trying a cold cream. I first tried the original formula from ponds, and was pleased with how easily the mascara came off. Unfortunately the strong floral scent gave me a headache. Luckily, they also make cucumber scent that’s easy on the nose, and actually smells light and fresh.

I've heard good things about cleansing balms, and I’m looking forward to getting my hands on The Body Shop’s Chamomile cleansing balm. I hope it will work out for me, since it would be easier to travel with without having to worry about it making a mess in my toiletries bag.

Have the same issues with waterproof mascara? What do you use to take it off?



As always, thanks for reading!




Monday, August 25, 2014

w.o.e (what on earth)

While I love buying lipstick from drugstores, there’s one particular brand that I avoid whenever I get the urge to get a new one. Which brand? Well, that would be Milani.

Don’t get me wrong, I like their other products, but there’s just something about the scent that I just can’t tolerate. It’s a shame, because they have a wonderful color selection, and go on smoothly. But the watermelon, and rancid(?) scent is very off putting. (I’m not quite sure if rancid is the right word to describe the smell, but it is pretty foul to say the least).

The first, and only one I bought was Red Label.  My allergies was acting up on me, and I couldn't smell anything properly for a while. (Even though I was taking allergy medicine). When I was finally able to breathe, and smell things properly again, I was shocked to at how..odd the lipstick smelled. Thinking that I might have just bought a bad tube, I went online to do a bit of research, and realized that this is really how their lipsticks smelled. Not willing to deal with the scent, I just chucked it in the waste basket, wishing I never bought it.  I would have cleaned it, and passed it on to a friend or family member, but I wouldn't have felt right about giving away something that smells terrible. 





This is also the main reason why I couldn't get myself to add a few of the lipsticks from this line on my Save or Splurge list. I just can’t recommend their lipsticks to anyone, especially when there are some people who are really sensitive to scented products. Not that there aren't other brands out there that don’t have a strong scent, but I haven’t smelled one that makes me gag a bit whenever I smell it.

Have you had a similar experience with their lipstick, or other products/brands?



As always, thanks for reading!

Friday, August 22, 2014

My Ideal Eye Shadow | MAC (1)

After making one for Makeup Geek, I thought I'd make one for MAC too (though I have a feeling this wont be the only one I'd want to have).

While there are some dupes for the ones I picked, I would still be willing to splurge on them. Guess I just have a weakness for these kinds of colors (& a weakness for MAC)..lol!

  Colors by row:
- Nylon, Naked, Motif, Naked Lunch, One to Watch
- Red brick, Brown Script, Coppering,Girlie, Mauvless
- Soba, Folie, Handwritten, Shadowy Lady

Do you have any mac shadows? Which ones do you have?


As always, thanks for reading!

Wednesday, August 20, 2014

My Ideal Eye Shadow Palette | Makeup Geek

If I were to make my own palette using Makeup Geek shadows, I would want it to have these colors. 

I hope her shadows (& other products) will be available in stores one day, since it would be fun to see, and swatch the shades in person, instead of just relying on pictures or videos.

These are colors would get a lot of love from me.

Ice Queen, Vanilla Bean, Beaches and Cream / Barcelona Beach, Hipster, Latte / Purely Naked, Frappe, Crème Brulee 
Coco Bear, Mocha, Corrupt / Moondust, Taupe Notch, Burlesque / Yellow Brick Road, Lemon Drop, Peach Smoothie
Chickadee, Mango Tango, Mermaid, Envy

I didn't realize how much I gravitate towards warm colors until I did this..lol! 

Which Makeup Geek shadows do you have (/would like to have)?


As always, thanks for reading!






Wednesday, August 6, 2014

Yes. No. Maybe : Mayebelline The Nudes Palette

When I first saw this palette at cvs, I was immediately drawn to it since I love using these kinds of colors. However, since I didn't read, or watch any reviews on it, I figured I should do that first before I purchase it.

Boy, am I glad I did. While it may not seem like a pricey item, it is in a way since it's from the drugstore. Considering it can cost up to $10, there should only be one or two duds, but that doesn't seem to be the case. 

A majority of the swatches I've seen from bloggers and youtubers said that the shadows took too long, or was tricky to blend properly. While I don't mind taking my time to blend my shadows, I don't want to have to take too long to do it because of its poor formula/ quality.  

It’s a shame they didn't use the same formula they used for their EYESTUDIO quad in Nude Romance (which is sadly a limited edition). If they did, then this palette would be worth the hype. While the shadows are a bit shimmery, they don’t look tacky on the eyes, and they blend very easily, with little effort.  

While it’s nice that, a drugstore brand came out with a palette like this, I’d rather save my money and get something else.

Do you own this palette? What do you think of it?


As always, thanks for reading!

Tuesday, August 5, 2014

Splurge Worthy


Lancôme® Grandiôse 


Considering the amount of great mascaras you can find in drugstores these days, I haven't been interested in getting a high-end one in years. However, this little beauty might just be worth splurging on. 

I saw this in action when I watched a video (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o6WwoqjUaY8), and was intrigued with the shape of the wand, because it reminded me of a swan's neck. After a bit of research, I discovered that the wand is designed this way so that you can coat your lashes with ease without worry about the wand, and brush touching the other parts of your face. I don't know about you, but I sometimes end up having the brush, or wand touch the sides of my face when I'm in a rush, so I can see this being something I’d constantly use. 

The way her lashes looked after she used it, is another reason why I would want to get this little gem. Her lashes looked fuller, and a bit longer, which is something I look for in a mascara. 

That and,should you be a fan of gorgeous packaging, this would be a lovely addition to your repertoire.

Is there a splurge worthy mascara you would want to get?


As always, thanks for reading! 

Sunday, August 3, 2014

Keep Calm and Blend


                                            

I was going through my fb, and laughed when I saw this post. Whenever I see someone who didn't blend their eyeshadow (or blush, bronzer, etc) enough. It makes me wish I can take a blending brush, and blend it out for them.

It doesn't always matter if the products you're using are high-end or not, what matters are the skills, & tools you use to apply them.


As always, thanks for reading!



Photo from Kandee Johnson's fb post

Saturday, August 2, 2014

Lime & Coconut Tart






I had the strangest craving for something sweet that had lime and coconut in it. After looking through my fridge, and cupboards, I ended up making this tart.

It's a simple recipe, and comes together pretty quickly.

Ingredients:

Crust

  • Preheat oven to 375 F.
  • 1 c all purpose flour
  • 4 T melted butter
  • 1/4 t salt
  • 1/3 c sugar
  • 1/2 T of lime zest

Filling

  • 2 eggs, beaten
  • 1/3 c of melted browned butter
  • 1 t vanilla extract
  • 1/2 t or 1 t of coconut extract
    • It depends on how strong you want the coconut flavor to be.
  • pinch of salt
  • 1/2 c sugar
  • the rest of the lime zest
  • 1/4 c or 1/3 cup of lime juice, strained
Method:

 Crust
  1. Combine ingredients in a bowl, mix with a fork till the mixture's well combined.
  2. Press the dough in a tart pan, then dock it with a fork.
  3. Bake for about 5-7 minutes, then set aside.
  4. Lower the heat to 370 F.

Filling
  1. Combine the ingredients in the order listed. 
  2. Pour into tart pan. And bake for about 10 minutes, or until the center slightly jiggles when you move it.

This would taste even better with some coconut sorbet, or gelato.


As always, thanks for reading!


What's for Lunch/ Dinner? : Filipino Chicken Adobo

Filipino Chicken Adobo

Got a craving for chicken adobo? Then try this recipe!  It’s really easy, and you can eat it with garlic fried rice, or with some toast the next day.

Ingredients:
-          6 chicken thighs
-          5 peeled, and crushed garlic cloves
-          1-3 dried bay leaves
-          1/2 or teaspoon peppercorns
-          2 teaspoons of sugar
o   This is optional, but I find that adding a bit of sugar helps balance out the flavors better.
-          1/4 cup + 1 tablespoon of soy sauce
o   I recommend using the brand Silver Swan. It’s more flavorful than kikoman, and it’s not as salty either (in my opinion).
-          ¼ white vinegar
o   You can also use apple cider vinegar, or balsamic vinegar.
-          1+ 1/3 cup water 
-          Salt and pepper for seasoning chicken

Method:
1.       Rinse, and dry the thighs, then season them with pepper.
2.       Combine the wet ingredients, and sugar in a bowl, and set aside.
3.       Drizzle a pan with some oil, and heat it over medium high heat. Add the bay leaves, garlic, and peppercorns. Once the garlic is brown, take them out, and add the chicken.
4.       Once the thighs are browned on both sides, add the wet ingredients, and garlic, and raise the heat. Do not stir the pan until the contents boil, or the vinegar wont cook properly.
5.       When the mixture is boiling, turn the heat to lowest setting, and simmer for about an hour and thirty minutes.
6.       If the chicken isn't tender yet, and there isn't much sauce left, then add half a cup or so of water mixed with ½  a tablespoon of soy sauce, 2 teaspoons of vinegar, and a pinch of sugar. Raise the heat till it boils, then lower the heat once more, & let it simmer. 
7.       Taste, and add more seasoning if needed.
8.       Serve with steamed rice, or bread (I recommend eating it with pandesal or Hawaiian bread).