13 Mayıs 2012 Pazar

Autism Awareness Mani

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I'd like to share with you a special mani I did a few weeks ago in honor of autism awareness month.  It was entered in a contest on my friend Jessica's blog Luv My Lacquer which was judged yesterday, which is why I couldn't share it before now.  I never expected to win and I did not, but a very beautiful mani did, which you can see if you click the link above.  It was really my honor to make this small gesture for such a worthy cause and I was very happy to do it.  Here it is:

I wrote down all of the colors I used when I first did the mani but, alas, I have lost that scrap of paper (along with most of my mind but that, kittens, is another story).  I am fairly certain that the colors were all Zoyas and Sally Hansens though, for what it's worth.  This was one of those times (though, honestly, there are many) that I was THRILLED to be crazy for blue as these polishes certainly came in handy.  If I ever find that lost scrap or regain the use of my feeble brain, I will definitely update this post with that information.  I just wanted to make sure I shared it with you before autism awareness month passed us by for another year.  Of course, it's a cause we should keep dear to our hearts all year round.  Thanks for looking!

xoxo,
K

Mental Health Awareness Month 2012

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I'm not sure whether or not I've ever mentioned it on this blog before but I suffer from clinical depression.  Though I was formally diagnosed at age 18, it is something that has plagued me my entire life.  It baffles me how, in 2012, there is still such a stigma attached to mental illness and I hope that this admission, in some small way, eases the burden so many face when dealing with their own mental disorders.  There should be no shame, no fear, but sadly, for many, this is still not the case.  It took me many years to come to terms with what is a constant problem in my life, something that I will never be cured from, something that haunts me every day of my life but it is something one CAN live with.  Some days are easier than others, that's for sure, and some days I really wonder if I can keep on keeping on, as they say, but I do, somehow.  That is why mental health awareness month holds such significance for me, personally.  Many of my friends and family members suffer from their own mental illnesses, to varying degrees, and it is for them, and for myself, that I share this pedi with you.
This is two coats of Nubar Reclaim, my favorite polish, in the bright sunlight, where it truly shines.
Green is the color of mental health awareness and I will try to feature some green manis this month as well.  However, I decided to start with a pedi as I find that they last much longer and I'm hoping to maintain green toenails, in some way, shape or form, all month long.  
I'll close this by saying that I really truly hope that if any of you reading this suffer from a mental illness yourselves that you have someone to share with, be that a spouse, partner, sibling, parent, friend, teacher, therapist - anyone who cares about you and can be a supportive listener.  Do not be ashamed to ask for help.  We are all worthy of at least that much.  
xoxo,K

Press Release - China Glaze Summer Neons

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Heat UpYour Summer with China Glaze®’s Newest Sizzling Collection
Los Angeles, CA – (May 2012):  The sun has nothing onyou this summer!  Rival its brightnessand heat with China Glaze® Summer 2012 collection, Summer Neons.  Featuring 12new sizzling shades perfect for surf, sand and nightlife, the all new hot huesin China Glaze® Summer Neons include:·        PinkPlumeria: Light pink with gold shimmer·        Underthe Boardwalk: Fluorescent raspberry·        SplishSplash: Bright sky blue shimmer·        Love’sA Beach: Sizzling hot pink·        Hang-TenToes: Bubblegum neon with iridescent purple shimmer·        BeachCruise-r: Glimmering fuchsia grape·        OrangeYou Hot?: Bright orange with attention-grabbing goldglimmer·        Surfin’For Boys: Glistening bright coral·        FlirtyTankini: Shimmery strawberry smoothie pink·        Ridethe Waves: Dark ocean blue·        I’mWith the Lifeguard: Glimmering lime green·        Sun-Kissed:Hot highlighter yellow
Alsoavailable 8-piece box collection featuring Under The Boardwalk, Ride The Waves,I’m With The Lifeguard, Sun-Kissed, Orange You Hot?, Surfin’ For Boys, FlirtyTankini and Pink Plumeria.China Glaze® SummerNeons will be available as open stock colors and 12-piece counterdisplay.  Individual polishes retail for$7 MSRP and the 8-piece box set retails for $56.  China Glaze® Summer Neons will be available at fine salons and beauty supplystores nationwide in June 2012.
China Glaze is free ofDBP, toluene, and added formaldehyde. China Glaze nail lacquers are availablethrough salons and professional beauty supply stores nationwide. For moreinformation, visit: www.chinaglaze.com or follow China Glaze on Facebook andTwitter: http://twitter.com/ChinaGlaze
China Glaze is a divisionof American International Industries.
AboutAmerican International IndustriesFor nearly 40 years, AII has been the leadingmanufacturer and worldwide distributor of innovative, quality beauty and skincare products for men and women.  Our product lines include Ardell,Andrea, Body Drench, Bye Bye Blemish, Checi, China Glaze, Clean + Easy,Clubman/Pinaud, Duo, European Secrets, EzFlow, Fright Night, Gena, GiGi, GypsyLash, IBD, Jeris-Lustray, No Tweeze/Micro Tweeze, 'N Rage, Prolinc, RAW, Seche,SuperNail, Surgi-Care, Waterworks, Winning Nails, Woltra, Woody’s, andYouthair. For more information, visit our website: www.aiibeauty.com. I'm really looking forward to seeing these! What can I say, I went through some of my most formative years in the 80s so the return of neon sounds like a lot of fun to me!

Arbonne - Skin Goodies

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My friend, Jen, recently asked me if I would like to try out some samples of products from a company called Arbonne.  I was not in the least familiar with this company but I'm always game to try something new.  She sent me several samples and I chose to try a few and share my thoughts with all of you.  First off, let me give you a little information about the company.  This is a direct quote from the accompanying Arbonne literature:
"Arbonne is a highly regarded, premium brand with a Swiss heritage.  The products are healthy, botanically based and inspired by nature."
Sounds good, right?  So far, I've tried two products, the Smoothing Facial Cleanser and the Regenerating Toner.  Here's a pic:
I really loved the cleanser.  You only need to use a TINY amount and it lathers up so nicely.  I splashed water on my face, applied a small amount of cleanser to my hands and rubbed it on my face.  It has a very pleasant citrus-y sort of scent.  As someone who's facial cleansing routine normally consists of, well, NOTHING, this made my skin feel great, really smooth and clean.  I noticed some shininess on my nose after cleansing but when I touched that skin, it was not oily or greasy feeling.  I do have oily skin in my t-zone so this, to me, meant the cleanser had done its job.  I followed up with the Regenerating Toner.  I applied a small amount of toner to a cotton ball and rubbed it gently over my face.  It felt like it was tightening up my skin which is exactly what it's intended to do.  
These are just sample sizes and therefore I cannot comment on the long-term effects of these products but for the three times I've used them, I have been nothing but pleased with the results.
If you would like more information about Arbonne you may click HERE and if you have any questions or wish to place an order directly with Jen, you may e-mail her HERE.  
Please note, these products were sent from one friend to another for my personal use and enjoyment.  It was my choice to review them for you.  They were not sent for that specific purpose.  I am just sharing my personal experiences and opinions on these products for informational purposes.  

Wet n Wild - Ocean Grotto

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Since this is Mental Health Awareness month and its official color is green, I've decided to try to feature some of my untried green polishes this month.  This one was a birthday gift from a friend, gasp, about one year ago today.  It is Wet n Wild's Ocean Grotto from their limited edition Mermaid's Cove collection.  This collection, like all WnW limited edition collections, was impossible to find in my part of Florida.  Sadly, no stores near me choose to carry these collections and it's really a shame as they are so pretty.  I'm so glad my friend was kind enough to send some to me.  Anyway, on to the pics:
Three coats, outdoors, no flash.  (Please forgive my funky cuticles.)
Three coats, indoors, with flash.
I really LOVE this color!  It has a gorgeous green-yellow foil-y finish and went about three days without a single chip.  It does take a bit of work for opacity.  As you can probably see, there was still a bit of vnl and a few bald patches even after THREE coats.  Still, it's a great polish and I'm looking forward to trying it again layered over some sort of underwear.  (I'm thinking white or black, maybe.)  I am super-excited to have it in my stash.  I just wish my local stores would start ordering these collections. 

Painted Falsies!

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So I did some more experimenting with white complexions and my SugarPill palettes!
And tried to paint on some lashes on the lid, and it got quite cool! Notice the glossyness of the liner. Even though it's waterproof (and I'm not the biggest fan of that), I think it's one of my favorite liners. This is Precision Ink Abyss from Illamasqua.
I also learned how good it is to paint some of the eyeliner on the lashes before putting on the falsies so there's no way the real ones are visible.

Lady Bethezda wondered about our favorite liners in the search of the perfect one, and I'd say Abyss would be mine for the moment. I asked Phlox and her vote goes for Perversion 24/7 Waterproof Liquid Eyeliner from Urban Decay. Does not crack, but lasts for ages which could be considered both as plus and a minus!

Experimenting products:
Complexion - Rich Liquid Foundation 100 by Illamasqua, powdered with pressed eyeshadow Tako by SugarPill
Primer - NYX JEP in Milk
Shadows - SugarPill Palettes Burning Heart & Sweetheart. Black eyeshadow from the Original Palette by Sleek
Eyepencil - NYX JEP in Milk
Eyeliner - Precision Ink Abyss from Illamasqua
False Lashes - Girls With Attitude Eye Impact Lashes Madame Butterfly
Eyebrow - Black eyeshadow from the Original Palette from Sleek

Enjoy!
Azure

Bordeaux Fiery Eyes

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One of my favorite reddish eyeshadow is Bordeaux from Mad Mineral. It's such a cool colour and the shade really varies depending on what you're matching together with it.
What's your favorite red eyeshadow! I'm always looking after new ones!!

Any make up plans for Easter?

Products used:
Primer - NYX JEP in Cashmere
Shadows - Mad Minerals Multi Use Mineral Colors in Bordeaux & Wedding, Sleek Circus Palette, Sugarpill Eyeshadow in Tako, Illamasqua Powder Eye Shadow in Lestat
Eye pencil- NYX Slim Eye Pencil in BlackEyeliner - NYX Super Fat Eye MarkerMascara - Givenchy Phenomen'Eyes MascaraEyebrow - Illamasqua Powder Eye Shadow in Lestat mixed with Wolf
Enjoy!Phlox

Lumi-nous eyes!

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I did a quite easy look today, blending pink and blue together. It's kind of a lack-of-inspiration look, and when those times hit, this is what I often end up with.I find blue an easy colour to work with.And I tried adding a blue mascara as well, and it's so funny that it's only visible in some angles.And of course, I couldn't resist using my favorite pigment: Puzzle Cube from Shiro Cosmetics. It sparkles in the most colourful ways: blue, orange, pink, gold silver.... and more!

Products for the day:
Primer - High Tech Lighter Moondust from MUS
Shadows - SugarPill Loose Eyeshadow in Magentric, Decora, Magpie, Starling & Lumi. Puzzle Cube from The Legends Collection by Shiro Cosmetics.
Eyepencil - Snowflake by MUS
Mascara - The Masquara in Raven, & Volume Mascara in Lewd both from Illamasqua
Eyebrows - Le Crayon Eyekohl Bronze by Lancome

Over and out!
Azure

NYX Matte Lipstick Alabama

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Okay, so nowadays I seem to be all focused on lips! Endlessly vibrant lipcolours is all I look for at the moment.
Think I might prepare for summer, when it's so much more nicer to have strong lips than eyes.
I have found one of my so far favorite red, one of the darker actually, which I really like! This is Alabama Matte Lipstick from NYX! Super-fab, right!?
It comes out so much lighter in picture than IRL but you can see the swatch here.
I have used it a few times already, but trust me there will be more. And oh I got a very good idea with using this and a gloss filled with hologram glitter!
Yiha!
I want to do it now!!

Over and out!
Azure

Sour Apple Eyes

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Ok, this is not one of my best creations but I really liked the color combination so I decided to show it to you anyways! But when you fails you learn, right?!

Products used:
Primer - Illamasqua Fat Pencil in PerverseShadows - Sugarpill Eyeshadow in Flamepoint & Tako, Mad Minerals Multi Use Mineral Colors in Trust Fund & Sour Apple, Sleek Circus Palette & Oh So Special, Illamasqua Powder Eye Shadow in LestatEye pencil - NYX JEP in CucumberEyeliner - NYX Super Fat Eye MarkerMascara - Givenchy Phenomen'Eyes MascaraEyebrow - Illamasqua Fine Pencil in Eerie
Enjoy!
Phlox

Time for Sunset!

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I have neglected my dear Sunset palette for some time now, and when the mood was all in for red I just had to reach for it!I ended up with some rusty tones, and a more deeper red close to the lashes!And as well used my brow pencil is, I tried it on the waterline and it worked quite well. Originally I think it is an eye pencil, though I use it for my brows!But some times a little rule breaking is good!
Products in motionPrimer - Illamasqua Fat Pencils is Perverse & WilfulShadows - The Sunset Palette by Sleek, Eyedust Goldglow from MUS & The Legends Collection In Puzzle Cube by Shiro CosmeticsEyepencil - Le Crayon Eyekohl Bronze from LancomeMascara - Slim Brush Mascara from EyekoEyebrows - Lancome Le Crayon Eyekohl in Bronze
Enjoy!Azure

Carrot Head Lips!

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So I just suddenly felt the urge to try out the glitter from LIT Cosmetic on my lips just to try something new! I started with Illamasquas lipstick Sangers just to get a full coverage red hue to work with. 


 Then I added the Carrot Head from LIT in size 2. I used the Clearly Liquid Glitter Base to attached the glitter with and I used it with a cotton swab and gently rolled it over. Don't use too much at a time, it's better to apply a second layer if one wants more glitter!

 



I think it turned out to be pretty great. It last for a very long time even if one has to eat or drink something. Only disadvantage is that the lips feels very dry but I guess if it's just for the day one probably could stand it!
Have you ever tried glitter lips?
Enjoy!Phlox

Eyeliner Angle Tutorial

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Okay so there's a lot of ways to paint eyeliner, but we got a request from Kaki at GlitterObsession to show a proper angle of the eyeliner.But please note that this is not the only angle to do your eyeliner. Depending on the result you can angle it in any direction.A Cleopatra look for example goes out way much straighter from the corner of the eye, or if you want a super energetic look (like the german mom in Charlie and The Chocolate Factory) it flicks up in the much abnormal way.But this is a good ordinary eyeliner.Okay, let's hit it!

I started with brows, and simple shadows to make the eyeliner stand out more.
I've used Urban Decay Primer Potion in Sin with Puzzle Cube from Shiro Cosmetics on top of that.

To show you the angle in this case, I took my tweezer and angled it based on my waterline. This is the benchmark to go from.

The eyeliner in use is Precision Ink in Abyss from Illamasqua.Start with just one line to make sure to follow your angle from the waterline. I need to adjust mine. 

So I painted a bit more under the line to get a proper angle.

Depending on how thick or long the eyeliner should be is up to you, but I chose to go a bit thick today. I like my eyeliner really thin the closer to the tear duct I get, but of course that's optional and sometimes depending on the shape of the eye.

I think I settle with this for today. Notice that I have shaped it up and made the flick more wing-like.

Fill in the whole area and then you'll see if there's any necessary touch up you must do.

If not, apply your mascara (The Masquara Raven from Illamasqua is on me). Sometimes the thing with eyeliner is that it looks so much sharper and not appealing at all before mascara. And after applying it, the whole look gets much more softer, so if you're unsure of how it all is going to look, wait with removing anything until the mascara is on. 


Finished result!Here you'll see the shape of it when I'm looking down!



Sum up of products:
Primer - Urban Decay Primer Potion in Sin
Shadows - The Legends Collection in Puzzle Cube from Shiro Cosmetics
Eyepencil - Snowflake from MUS
Eyeliner - Precision Ink Abyss by Illamasqua
Mascara - The Masquara In Raven from Illamasqua
Brows - Le Crayon Eyekohl Bronze from Lancome

Did anything make sense? Or do you have another point of view when it comes to the angle? Please let us know!
Otherwise I hope you'd find this useful!

Over and out!
Azure