End of the Month Lemmings, January

It's the end of the month!  Storms, power outages, generators taking out my finger (man, that hurt), and lots and lots of rain... yeah, I'm not too sorry to see this month go.

On to the lemmings!

1)  Maybelline Eye Studio Color Plush Silk Eyeshadow

 image from maybelline.com

I have heard a lot of people say that this is actually quite pigmented, not chalky, and lasts a decent amount of time.  I'm always up for a decent palette, since I have to travel a decent amount, and like to pack light, so this quad seems like it's right up my ally.  Also, since Maybelline is often on sale, I can get it for a decent price, and not worry myself to death when it's in my luggage, wondering if it smashed itself to bits.

2) Maybelline Eye Studio Lasting Drama Gel Eyeliner

image from maybelline.com

I want this one in plum really badly right now, after hearing some great things about it.  Like I stated before, Maybelline often goes on sale, and with an asking price of $10 to start, if you find a BOGO (buy one, get one) sale, you can get this for only $5.  That's a really good price for a gel eyeliner, especially in a shade that you aren't sure about yet.

3) YSL Ombre Duolumières Eye Shadow Duo in Heavenly Beige

image from sephora.com

I know I don't need more expensive eyeshadows, since I'm afraid to travel with them, but this duo (not pictured) is called "beige/ khaki brown with gold undertones."  I don't think I have a color that comes close to either of those shadows descriptions.  Too bad I traded in my Guerlain blush for a concealer (and another blush, hehe), or I would have gotten this.  The lemming started after I saw this FOTD, and made me look closely at the makeup I have for work.

4) A larger container for my stash.

Right now I'm using old shoe boxes, since those fit under the bed, and my house is ludicrously short of storage space.  Need to do some spring cleaning, so I might be able to find a new spot for my makeup and body/face care stuff, which would be great.  Probably just going to get something cheap from Target, since I don't care much about fancy, I just want functional.

5) e.l.f Brightening Eye Color in Butternut

image from eyelipsface.com

I have been wanting to try this one for a long time now, since it is the lord of cheap palettes that I can throw in my bag and go, but for some reason, every time I get to checkout, I throw it out of my cart (on drugstore.com).  Now that Target carries this line, I might actually purchase something from them, and test it out.  Here's hoping my dollar is well spent!

So that's it for me this month.  Any lemmings out there?

Orly Nailpolish: Green Apple

Man, it likes to mess with my pictures, hehe.

Price: $7.5 for .6fl oz, 18mL

What they say:
"Free of DBP, Formaldehyde, and Toluene"

What I say:
I got this on sale, and while it's an okay polish, I'm not sure I would buy from this brand again, unless I really liked a color. The brush is really small for my liking, but usable, so some of you might like it. The bottle is a good size, and the rubber on the top is a nice touch, since it makes is easier to handle.

Green Apple, itself, is a nice neon green color, but still very wearable. It goes on sheer in thin layers, so I had to apply 3 to get a good coverage. The worst thing about this polish was the streaking. The layers dried quickly enough, but in order to get all the streaks colored, I had to apply layers (which I had to do anyway for the coverage, so at least that worked out).

The wear: Higher than OPI, so pretty good. It started chipping on my more used fingers (like pointer) within a couple days, but many of my nails didn't really start chipping until the end of day 3, beginning of day 4. This is really good for me, since I am not ginger with my hands when they have polish on them.

Overall, this polish was okay, but unless I find this brand on sale, or a really unique color, I am not going to purchase more.

3/5

Hard Candy: Mr. Wrong

Price: $5

What they say:
"Just Nails with Ring

The focus is on color! Put the final touch on fingertips and toes with a top-quality formula. The long-lasting, chip-resistant polish ensure flawless results with each application, and is DBP, toluene and formaldehyde free."

What I say:
Mr. Wrong is a color that I saw online, and just had to buy.  Sparkly, shiney, kinda purple/black, it is a great color for layering, and for just wearing in general.  It applies sheer, though, so be prepared for layers, but it doesn't steak.  It dries quickly, as well, so it doesn't take forever to get your nails finished.

The wear: Pretty normal, a little higher than some.  Lasted a few days before chipping on me.

I had to get this at Walmart, which is now the new distributor of Hard Candy, a brand that used to be available in Sephora.  Now, some of you might like Walmart, but I don't like it very much.  My family all has good Walmarts near them; friendly staff, clean shelves, no crazies.  I have a creeper.  Dirty shelves, merchandise just laying there opened and used, unfriendly staff, and crazies that like to follow people around.  *Shudders*  The reason I brought this up is because, despite all this, I make the trek into Walmart, and got this polish.  Now that I have it, would I do it again?  No, not really.  While it is a nice color, and applies nicely, I don't think it is really unique enough.  Still, I was already in Walmart, so I was going to buy it (dang-nabbit!).

3.5/5 Good color and polish for its price

Innersense I Create Quiet Calm Curl Control

Price: $22 for 8.5fl oz.

What they say:
"Calm your curls and get frizz under control. Certified organic shea butter and orange oil combine to moisturize, define and intensify curls and waves. Organic wheatgrass and natural proteins smooth the cuticle, improve elasticity and enhance curl strength. Sunflower seed extract protects hair color. Use on wet or dry hair to control frizz and maintain curl formation all day. Leaves hair naturally soft and manageable.
The natural orange blossom fragrance is lightweight and provides a refreshing experience. Enjoy!"

What I say:
This was recommended to me by my mom's hair person, after he cut my hair and saw how damaged, frizzy, and dry it was (ha!).  Using only a little (a nickle size) amount after hair is towel dried, but still damp, you work it into your hair, not putting it on your roots.  For me, I put it on the bottom 2/3 of my hair.

This, so far, is wonderful.  I have tried other non-frizz products before, from companies ranging from Sunsilk to Bumble and Bumble, and this is the first that not only helps cut down on my frizz, but also doesn't weigh my hair down.  It works almost like a combination of a very weak controller and a nice, not too strong leave-in conditioner.

The texture is like a thicker conditioner, but lighter.  More like a body lotion, I would say, but when rubbing your hands together, it becomes more liquidy.  I haven't had problems with it clumping into one spot on my hair, but I'm careful to try and distribute it evenly by pressing all over really lightly until it's on my hair, and then combing it through with my fingers, so I cannot say if it is all the product, if it's my application technique, or a combination thereof.

The curling aspect... Well, it supposedly helps with curl formation, but I really don't see that.  My hair likes to do waves all on its own, so if it does help people, it doesn't help me.  On the other hand, it doesn't weigh down my waves, but does help keep the frizz away longer, so it might be doing something /shrug.

The smell is heavenly.  It really does smell like orange blossom, and I love it.  The smell dissipates really quickly, for those who don't like fragrance, but I, for once, actually wish it stayed longer!

This is an expensive product, in my opinion, and I probably wouldn't have tried it if my mom didn't buy it for me as a present (so, yes, I did get it for free).  After seeing how little I need to use, and how much a bottle holds, though, I will probably repurchase with my own money when this bottle runs out, assuming it still works as well for me in the future as it does for me now.

5/5  Best leave in conditioner/frizz controller I've ever used.

20 Questions

I wasn't tagged, but I'm bored waiting for news at the moment, hehe.  Stole this list from buymelipgloss ^_^.

1. Things you cannot leave the house without: keys, cell phone, wallet

2. Favorite brand of makeup: NYX, Dior, Giorgio Armani

3. Favorite clothing store: Eddie Bauer (they carry talls), J.Jill (Same reason)

4. Favorite flower: Roses

5. Favorite perfume: Burberry London, Black Pheonix Alchemy Labs Blood

6. Heels or flats: Both!

7. Do you make good grades: Yes

8. Favorite colors: teal and blue

9. Do you drink energy drinks: Not really.  Don't like the taste.

10. Do you drink juice: Whenever I have it, but only a glass a day.

11. Do you like swimming: Nope.

12. Do you eat fries with a fork? Depends on if I'm able to wash my hands afterwards.  If the answer is no, then form it is.

13. Favorite moisturizer: Face - Neutrogena Night Cream stuffs, Body - Avalon Peppermint Lotion

14. Do you want to get married later on in life: I'm already married

15. Do you get mad easily: Depends on what I'm getting mad about.

16. Are you into ghost hunting: Hehe, yeah, because it's funny.

17. Any phobias: I can't think of any.

18. Do you bite your nails: Only when a nail breaks to the point it hurts, and I'm saving my poor hands.

19. Have you ever had a near death experience: ... Don't know, so I'm guessing not.

20. Do you drink coffee: Nope, don't like the taste.  I can handle bitter, coffee just tastes bad to me.

Yay, a post!  Hehe.

Update

I'm sorry that this is not a beauty/random update, as I normally do, but I wanted to update at all, and tell you why.  My uncle was diagnosed with cancer for the third time late last year, with hopes that if it didn't metastasize further by early this year (earlier this week, in fact), they would be able to go ahead and do surgery to remove half his liver, where the tumors were located.  Earlier this week, when they went to do the surgery, the initial glance (before they made the incision larger, thank goodness) showed that the liver was in poor condition, inflamed, and if they did do surgery, he would most likely not fully recover.  The surgery was called off.  Right now we're waiting for him to recover from just the incision that they did initially, and then we will begin looking at alternative options of treatment.  Most options available to people are not options for him, given all the forms of treatment he has done in the past.

I'm not looking for sympathy, but do ask for your understanding during these times if I cannot update, given the real life problems that are happening right now.  To those of you out there that have been in similar situations, I feel for you, and hope you got through them, or are going through them, safely, and with as much happiness as can be had at times like these.

Thank you again,
--kaoru

Best of 2009

So another year's done (at least, on my calender), and it is time to look back at the best of 2009.  Some of these I still have to review, hehe.  On with the show!

1) Best Foundation:  Max Factor Pan-Stik
I might have skin that doesn't like mineral oil, but this foundation does not irritate, cause breakouts, or other nasty things to my face.  It also is extremely pigmented, so a little goes a really long way.  Too bad Max Factor is pulling from these shores, but I already stocked up on a small supply of this foundation, so I should be good for at least a year.  Let's see if this year can find me a better/new one to take its place ^_^.

2) Best Eyeshadow:  Urban Decay
Urban Decay has a great color selection, good pigmentation, and lovely palettes.  I don't like how they don't make a good eyeliner (kinda lumpy, and doesn't make a nice line for me), but I can forgive that for the other good points.  If I were to change anything, besides the eyeliner thing, I would make the packaging nicer; the palettes are nice enough, but the singles that I have all have packaging that breaks way too easily, and I don't even travel with them.

3) Best Eyeshadow Primer:  Urban Decay Primer Potion
I only say that because it works the best for me, but actually I don't like it that much.  The packaging sucks, the primer balls up if I accidentally put too much on, it doesn't work well with my concealer, and I really don't notice it keeping my eyeshadow fresher for that much longer.  Still on the hunt for better in general, but in the meantime, this is the best that I have tried.

4) Best Blush: NYX
I find these to be as pigmented as NARS, as finely milled, and a fraction of the price.  I have heard some people say that they are a little powdery, or chalky, but the colors I have do not suffer from that, so it might be a batch or color problem.  The amount that you get is very generous, and the pigmentation makes it last even longer.

5) Best Lipstick: MAC
While NYX has the better color selection, most of their lipsticks are a little shiny for my liking.  MAC, on the other hand, has the range from shiny to matte, and from pigmented to sheer.  While I'm not the biggest fan of the price, they are still worth it, and I continue to buy from them.  My biggest concern is that many of their colors are limited edition, so if you find something, unless you bought a backup right when it came out, you might never see your favorite again.

6) Best Lipgloss: Dior Addict Ultra Gloss Reflect
Expensive, but lovely.  I don't like how sheer these are, but everything else about them I love.  They are shiny, but not over the top, non-sticky, don't have a strong flavor or scent, and the packaging is just lovely.  I hope they come out with more colors that aren't just pink soon, because I really want to see how this formula works with something like, say, a deep red (not the sheer red that they have).

7) Best Eyeliner: Urban Decay 24/7
I'm still testing the MUFE ones, but am still a fan of these.  I have eyes that don't like eyeliner, so waterproof is the way to go for me.  It helps Urban Decay's case that they have a decent selection of colors.  Other companies, including drugstore ones, are making more eyeliners that are supposed to be competitors to this favorite, but the prices are still similar, so who knows how popular the other brands will get.

8) Best Mascara: L'Oreal Double Extend Beauty Tubes Lash Extension Effect Mascara
I know some people hate this stuff, but I find it to work really well if you have the time to apply it the right way.  For those days that you have time to apply your makeup, the primer and mascara combination works well, give a nice effect, and washes off really easily (just remember that this only comes off with warm water, not makeup remover).  I'm still on the lookout for a good everyday mascara, so look for more reviews.


9) Best Fragrance: Burberry London for Men
Yep, still loving this scent.  Something about it just keeps making me come back for more.  This year I'm planning on branching out a little more, though, so look out for possible fragrance reviews (I know that they are a personal thing, but some fragrances are more universally good or bad).

10) Best Makeup Remover: shu uemera Cleansing Oil
Still the best for me, and still the most convenient for travel.  Non-greasy when removed properly, takes off even waterproof mascara like it was nothing, and helps clear our your pores at the same time.  This is a trooper, and I hope to never be without it (and by the looks of how long a bottle takes to go though, I don't think that will be a problem).  I still need to try the NYX equivalent, to see if that can take the place of this HG for me.

11) Best Lotion: L'Occitane Hand Cream
I found this relatively late this year, but fell in love with it quickly.  It absorbs quickly, doesn't leave a greasy feel on my hands, doesn't mess with my eczema, and the scents don't linger/smell so badly that I get a headache.  Too bad they cost an arm to get any of them.  They might last a long time, but unless they are on sale, the price makes them a little too steep for an all the time lotion.

Wow, that's a long post, and a long list.  I didn't even go though everything, just the things that I use all the time.  I hope you all had a great 2009, and are looking forward to 2010 ^_^.

End of the Month Lemmings, December

Hello all!  Sorry this is actually in January, but the Holidays are/were a hectic time, and my brother's birthday is right after, so I didn't have time to write (I'm sorry!).

So let's get this show on the road! ^_^

1) Guerlain 'Cherry Blossom Blush Éclat' Compact

image from nordstrom.com

This I actually already bought, but am lemming its arrival.  Yes, you heard me right, Nordstrom.com actually got this online earlier this week, even though it is not supposed to come out until the middle of January.  The original reasons for the lemming are these: a) I love cherry blossoms/sakura, b) I love the design, c) After seeing swatches of this online, I fell in love with the color (the overspray goes away, but underneath is pink and peach, both colors that go well with my skin).  It might be expensive, but I had to have it, so this was a self Holiday gift.

2) Chanel Rogue Allure Laque

image from nordstrom.com

Yet another expensive item.  I want this in Dragon, which also happens to be the popular shade... I swear, I wasn't trying to follow a trend.  I have heard a lot of people talk about the wear on these being exquisite, and as someone who hates to reapply, I thought I should get one.  Red does look good on me (even my husband likes it on me, though he doesn't like admitting it, since he hates makeup), so Dragon was my choice.  This actually got bumped for the above Guerlain blush, so while I'm sad that I didn't get it, I'm okay.

3) Fyrinnae Inks Liquid Eyeliner in Make-up Sex

image from fyrinnae.com

Make-up Sex is described as "Black-based teal hue (or is is green? Hard to tell) which changes from pink to purple to blue to green."  Teal?  Oh yeah.  I love teal.  Fryinnae says that "These eyeliners are water-resistant, smudgeable while wet, and long-lasting. They were designed for use on the waterline, and may not work well used as a conventional liquid eyeliner."  Okay, I'm sold, a teal that isn't a pencil for my waterline.

4) Shiseido Tsubaki Shining Shampoo and Conditioner

image from shiseido.co.jp

I have dry, thin strand, but a lot of it, hair.  Tsubaki is the Japanese word for Camellia oil, a traditional oil used for both skincare and haircare, and one of the oils that can make a high-lathering soup.  Camellia oil is also the closest oil to human skin oil, so it absorbs quickly, instead of just sitting there on top of your skin/hair.  I think my hair would enjoy this.

5) Stila Smudge Pot Collection

image from sephora.com

I'm sure all of you have heard of this one, and probably own it yourself, but that doesn't stop the lemming, oh no it doesn't.  So far my gel liner collection consists of two; a black (I think, I haven't used it, and it was a gift), and a deep chocolate mauve with slight shimmer.  Both of them are from Bobbi Brown, so it would be nice to have a different brand to try.  The kitten one is a nice addition, since it can also double as a eyeshadow.

So what are you lemmings ^_^?