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Saturday, November 26, 2016

Play! by Sephora: November

Woo getting something up before the month ends!!
*so much progress*

Anyhow, this month's theme was "Best in Glow," which i was super excited for, cuz doesn't that sound like highlighters?? it did to me.


it wasn't highlighters. BUT it was a fun box as it had all things i hadn't tried before, so that's always fun for me. I'm actually pretty familiar with all of these brands too, so it felt like a nice box to play with, and I've also been having a lot of fun going to these Play Dates at Sephora, so definitely going to keep that up as well.

also still obsessed with these little sheets. i don't think that's going to change.
So diving right in here, I'm going to start with the fragrance as i absolutely hated it.

Maison Margiela 'Replica' Lipstick On:
I like crisp, fruity, citrus, or woodsy scents, and this was more patchouli than anything else.  It's supposed to have notes of rice powder and evoke a femininity akin to that moment of putting lipstick on (hence, 'Lipstick On'), but it did not work for me at all. This is kind of a good thing since i've already been drawn in to buying more perfumes from Atelier thanks to these boxes, and while this one is supposed to have middle notes of orange blossom, that's still too much floral for my taste. I do however like this is a building fragrance, as the description on the sheet also talks about how layering this brand's 'fragrance filters' can give a whole different feel. but i'm almost too lazy to put on one perfume, let alone two. Also my coworker sprayed this on my desk, and it was awful- i had such a headache i never want to smell it again -_-
0/1

wearing the primer, eyeshadow stick, and lip gel, moisturizer underneath and mask the night before

Cover FX Illuminating Primer:
I like that this isn't a straight up sparkly primer like so many 'illuminating' ones are, and this also has a nice tint to it that I was fond of. This also felt decently moisturizing and liquidy than most primers i've used, making it really nice and smooth to put on and blend in. I didn't however feel like it really filled in my huge pores, which is basically my whole reason for wearing a primer, but it is extremely light and can be worn alone fora very natural 'inner-glow' look for when you don't want to wear makeup. Not really for me, but i can definitely see its perks and makes me want to explore this brand further.
0/2, just cuz this doesn't appeal to me personally.

Sephora Collection Ultra Shine Lip Gel in Pin Up Pink:
I'm really not a lipgloss kind of girl, but this wasn't bad. Sephora has a pretty solid in-house brand, so this really holds up. Being a gel and not a gloss, the color doesn't really collect in any one place, which is one of my biggest hangups about gloss, and the applicator is a very interesting shape that i wasn't upset about. I actually kind of even liked it. This also went really nice over one of my liquid lipstick topcoats, and gave a nice depth. i know this is supposed to have a plumping effect but i didn't really experience that. Overall though, I'm not certain I'd buy this, but it was fun to use and i'm not complaining.
edit: def getting one in the Black Friday sale....
1/3

Laura Mercier Caviar Stick Eye Colour in Rose Gold:
This is super subtle and easy to use, goes on easily and i really don't mind it as an eyeshadow base, or even alone for some subtle look. Plus I'm super pale anyway so this might show up brighter on darker skin. It is subtle enough to wear as highlighter, but maybe a little too bronzy for that to work on me as well, but i am interested in trying other colors for sure. It doesn't crease! so win.
2/4

Caudalie Vinosource Moisturizing Sorbet:
I've been really enjoying the eye cream from this brand a few boxes ago, so no problems trying something else from them. And i like the whole using strengths from wine, but I am kind of tired of getting a new moisturizer in every box. I really feel like at this point I've found what I like and what works for my skin, and you kind of don't need 100 different moisturizers at some point. It's very light however, dry, goes on easy, but definitely isn't heavy–it's somewhat structured, and a little goes a long way without feeling greasy at all. While I'm not stoked on getting another moisturizer, I really like this and don't mind it as a touch up for post-spot treatment dryness.
3/5

GlamGlow Thirstymud Hydrating Treatment:
I recently bought the GravityMud Firming Treatment so have been enjoying the brand quite a bit, but i also got this same mask as a free gift for buying said mask. So not super thrilled to see this, however it is pretty snazzy to get something that retails for $22 in the exact same size. I have pretty healthy skin, so no real need for a super moisturizing mask, but it's always good to moisturize after a shower, so this is like a post-shower mask instead of a pre-one (i like to use like clay masks beforehand and wash it off in the shower). This is an interesting mask, as it's pretty sheer and not super thick, but also tingles while on your skin, feeling almost like a pepperminty sensation. I still will stick to my GravityMud however as my skin concerns really aren't moisture-related.
3/6

I really appreciated trying new things with this box, and it's all decent branded items, so I'm still down to continue with this subscription. Just because some items aren't for me, doesn't mean they're not good products. I do wish these items were more full-size or closer to that, as this is almost like paying for the freebies you can get with orders, but this really isn't bad, and i'm also changing my settings to say i have oily skin, so hopefully I'll stop getting so many moisture-heavy products, so we'll see what happens!
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Thursday, November 17, 2016

LBCC 2016!


Omg so many cons, so much work, everything's been so hectic, it's been like an entire month since LBCC and i'm just getting around to this -_- I'll add punctuality to the list of things to work on. but now i have snazzy pix to add! so whatevs ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

This was my first round at Long Beach Comic Con, and it was such a fun experience, I wish it was longer! Got to see a ton of snazzy cosplayers, awesome new artists and writers, met Evil Ted Smith whose tutorials are the only reason I managed a breastplate, and got to do another super fun group cosplay.

Seriously, these group cosplays keep me in check, cuz when other people are involved, i feel like i can't let them down, so i actually get my ass in gear.

Ok, so it started out on sat morning bright and early trying to get our badges (which took an hour+), then checked out the convention floor a bit before heading over to the DC photo meet up, appropriately held on Batman Day.

Christina and I with Evil Ted
We had decided exactly 2 weeks before to get on this whole deal, and two weeks is decidedly little time to work on a cosplay, justsayin. So i feel like i'll work on aspects of mine a but more and lots of it didn't fit, but it came together enough for my happiness, and we all looked pretty good!

sunday
a whole lotta Blackmilk Clothing in one picture
Sugarpill eyeshadows, UD All Nighter Foundation

Anyhow, literally the only thing i cared about that day was the Firefly panel with Nathan Fillion, which 100% didn't happen as over 600 people were in line in front of us and the room was already at capacity, so while heartbroken, this gave us the chance to do the DC meet up, and there were so many of us! it was actually quite impressive.

All of these rad watermarked works of photographic art are by the fantastic @davidthestrange and you should 100% check out his website HERE.



My friend Christina (Exteenaw Cosplay) sewed this amazing Batgirl cosplay together AND made her cowl entirely from scratch, using craft foam and plastidip.



Momo created this awesome Huntress cosplay largely out of craft foam and various other items (like painted googly eyes and LEDs) and it turned out so amazing! She wasn't thrilled with the tape, but that just goes to show that really if you can image it, you can do it, even with tape.



Casey rocked this super sexy Black Canary she put together, so apparently I missed the whole Gotham universe plan... whoops. But dayam dat booty tho!


And my Wonder Woman was iffy at best, but I followed tutorials by EvilTedSmith who is actually one of the most impressive human beings, watched Gladzy Kei's quick Wonder Woman tutorial, and got some really great tips from Otaku and Fit to get the whole thing together. Definitely some super helpful people out there, so all around you can definitely build it if you put the effort in; it is just A LOT of effort. I honestly don't know how so many of these people accomplish so much.

I'm really looking forward to building more, now that foam isn't such a scary inaccessible thing to me anymore, and may start a cosplay Facebook page, as I'm working on some cool things with some rad people in the next few weeks! But just like wanting to get these posts up more consistently quicker, i doubt the facebook page will happen anytime soon.

goofballs

Friday, November 11, 2016

Eyeshadow TIme! Kyshadow Edition

Ok, so I know it's been forever since i went over all the eyeshadow palettes I own, so it's time to get back into the swing of things (since I've added a ton more to the collection). Starting with Kylie Cosmetics Kyshadow Bronze palette.


Looking at the packaging (so so small), the holographic aspects are fun, but this feels pretty cheap for how much it actually cost.



Also, this thing is Super scratched up, fresh out of the box! I feel like i have to keep it in the box or it'll get trashed with normal wear. There's also not even a mirror in it, so i'm still really surprised with the price tag. One thing that's nice though, the pans themselves are a decent size, and they're mostly matte, just one or two have subtle shimmer, which is again really nice for fall.

I've discussed my feelings on the Kardashian/Jenner clan before, but regardless of personal feelings toward Kylie herself, this is still a product that Really holds up (just like so many other things in her line). It was definitely a lot smaller than i anticipated, but the color payout is fantastic, the shades are smooth and buttery, and you truly don't need much pigment to get color. Plus, the blendability is incredible. I would look at this as having the pigmentation of the KVD shade and light quads, but the blendability of Melt. I really couldn't believe how pigmented and blendable the shades are, i'm still in awe, and the bronze colors are really flattering, even on my more pink hued skin, which usually isn't the case.

End of the day close up–my eyes have a bit of the heavy lids, but after a whole day of wear the colors are still really vibrant
You can start dark and blend out to light. have a subtle or dramatic look, and dude, it's just like The Perfect palette for fall. Every time i see something new from Kylie, I want to not buy it so hard, but then it's perfect and I have to.

So here are the colors, left to right, top to bottom:
Jasper, Quartz, Topaz, Goldstone, Citrine, Tiger Eye, Hematite, Bronze, Obsidian


I find myself using all the colors quite frequently, and i've been really diving into this palette, but it doesn't have much fallout and a little color is going a long way, so even though there are a lot of things about it that make the price tag seem a little ridiculous, the eyeshadow itself really truly does hold up.

I also paired it with the Kristen Kylie Liquid Lipstick to really go with that fall deal



I'm going to challenge myself to wear a different lipstick every day until I've worn them all because I have too many to not get decent use out of them, so starting here with Kristen, I may not do a whole post on the lips, but I'll be putting them up on Insta stories and try to incorporate into these eyeshadow posts.

And the full look:

stoked it's finally fall and I can start rocking the boots again! Since i went semi-bright with the lips and eyes, I did solid black outfit to go with. Bodysuit, skirt, and tights are all Blackmilk Clothing, boots are Sam Edelman. My roots give away how long it's been since my hair got did, but look at that color! my girl is the best, hit me up for her info.

Tuesday, November 8, 2016

Play! by Sephora: October Edition

i know i'm a little late in getting this post up (like every other one ever), but things have just been crazy. I was super busy getting everything ready for LACC (neé Comikaze) and then that weekend was insane, then Halloween immediately after, i just haven't had a moment to spare.

So here we are. Let's Play!


This box was really awesome for me for a couple reasons:
1) the theme was Lipstick and Chill
2) I had only tried ONE of all the items, and it was a product a really like in a color i haven't used, so still kind of new
3) I actually received 2 boxes.... literally don't know how that happened. They included some of the same items, but it was half and half, so still cool

first box (desk Halloween decor in back :D)

I learned from going to my second Play Date that there were actually Four (4) whole boxes this month, which is a bit above their usual 2 box count. crazy, but wow.
But this invites comparisons and i'll group the products based on their corresponding things (there's always a hair product, skin, perfume, treatment and 2 makeup items). My rating scale is going to be a little different, i'll just count the whole thing as one box, so this way it makes a little more sense (hopefully).
But let's get to it.

First off, Smashbox Always On Matte Liquid Lipstick:
first box info
Starting with an item in both boxes, this is the one product i already had tried, but in a different color, and it's actually one of my favorite liquid lipsticks (i talk about it in comparison to others HERE). The formula is super smooth, goes on so nice and opaque, and doesn't bleed. Plus, the wear is really even and it doesn't flake. It has a powdery finish and is definitely non-drying, so this is a great formula in general. I feel like the shades are universally flattering as well, which I def can't say about the other liquid lippy i would compare it to, Stila. Seriously, everyone looks great in their colors, so this was definitely a win for me. I recommend to everyone.
1/1

Esteé Edit Flash Photo Gloss:
(Both Boxes) I'm really not a gloss kind of girl in any way, so this isn't really up my alley. I like the concept, the whole making your teeth look whiter in pix, but it's not like i'm having my pic taken that often, so i feel like i don't really reap the benefits. I did try it though, and i don't feel like it necessarily made my teeth particularly whiter, and this is a typical thick gloss feel. it looks really cool in the tube with a bluish iridescent hue, and on it has a nice sheen, so this might be anise lipstick topper, it would just have to be applied with a brush as it's got the typical flocked applicator i'm not a big fan of. But overall, it's not a bad product and i'm glad i got to try it.
2/2

Farmacy Skin Dew Hydrating Essence Mist and Setting Spray:
(Both Boxes) This was another brand i'd been wanting to try and finally got an opportunity to! This spray smells great and really does feel hydrating. I don't feel like it set my makeup as well as like All Nighter setting spray, but the refreshing makeup bit was really nice, and it did feel hydrating. Plus i could see how this would be really good for after flights. The spray is quite strong, more like a stream than a mist, so this is why i feel like it's a good pre-makeup moisturizer or a refresher than a setting spray.
3/3

Madam CJ Walker Beauty Culture Scent & Shine Coconut Oil:
(Original Box) This is definitely a lightweight serum and doesn't separate your hair like a silicone based product would, but the scent is too strong for me. It's not a bad scent, but it is powerful and definitely conflicts with perfume. Also i feel like this is good for flyaways and strays, not all-over frizz. Might be nice for some people but really not for me.
3/4

surprise box

Christophe Robin Regenerating Mask:
(Extra Box) I'm not super down to try new hair things since mine are so awesome, but nevertheless I'll still give them a try. This one is interesting in that it's a super dense cream that actually goes a long way, but i Hate the scent. it's very old lady-esque, like a perfume my grandma would wear, and i just can't get behind it. But as far as actual use goes, it says to lather it, but i didn't really get much of a lather from it, just a slick normal conditioning feel. And upon rinsing it didn't exactly feel particularly soft, but after drying it my hair was frizz-free, felt soft and smooth, and not as damaged as it definitely is. But i doubt I'll use it as it wasn't any better than my normal stuff, and this smells so gross to me that i'm personally not a fan.
3/5

Drunk Elephant TLC Framboos Glycolic Night Serum:
(Original Box) This made my skin feel so nice in the morning, I'm definitely incorporating it into my skincare regimen. It's a type of acid peel, so definitely not intended for every day use, but it works super well and i love that it's designed to work on your neck and backs of hands too. A little definitely goes a long way as well, so even though it's a sizeable pricetag, it's actually a good deal. Also, i should mention i have pretty sensitive skin, and this didn't irritate in the least.
4/6

surprise box info

Erborian Bamboo Crème Frappée Skin Reviving Fresh Gel:
(Extra Box) This is really just a fancy name for a moisturizer that's supposed to be nice and light yet refreshing. I've actually been liking gel moisturizers more lately, and this one with its somewhat whipped texture is a really nice alternative. It could definitely be used in the morning as it's non-greasy, absorbs quickly, and really just makes your skin feel hydrated, not wet or slick, but also does a good job of hitting those dry spots. i've only used it a few times now but i'm definitely into it, and i could see it being great to close pores after a steam or hot face wash, or on a warm day.
5/7

Derek Lam 10 Crosby Silent St.:
(Original Box) This is the first fragrance i've gotten in a box that was actually offensive tome. I hated it so much, i really couldn't even put it on. this really isn't the worst thing ever, as i'm already sad I found two fragrances I can't live without from these boxes, so nbd hating this one. Musk is just so not my jam.
5/8

YSL Mon Paris:
(Extra Box) I loved this so much more than what i was supposed to get, but it still wouldn't be something i could wear. It's a lovely scent, but definitely strong, so i put the tester in my bag to have a nice lingering scent that's pleasant in doses. I'm still chalking this up as a win, since the scent is really lovely, just not for me to wear.
6/9

It's kind of funny that between 2 boxes, i actually liked 6 things (the number of items in one box).
As some more extra things, I went to the Play! Date at my local Sephora, and got to take home a couple more samples from the other boxes from this month. I also got to try a mascara from Blinc that was super neat, even though i didn't get to take one home, so i can talk about those too.

Blinc Mascara:
This is the 'Tube' type of mascara, where it's supposed to form a tube around your lashes, then not budge or smudge, but comes off with warm water- so you get the benefit of a waterproof mascara without the negatives. It also comes in a bunch of colors which is always a plus, and i really liked this actually. it didn't bug my lashes the way so many mascaras do, it really seems to 'dry' whereas i feel like most mascaras tend to feel somewhat gummy on.

Too Cool For School Egg Mellow Cream:
Another moisturizer in the mix, this one is a whipped texture that " works as a serum, priming moisturizer, eye cream, neck cream, and sleeping mask in one." I hadn't tried this brand before either, so it was nice to get a little tester out of it. So far I really enjoy it! It has a really smooth texture, is definitely hydrating, and doubles as a primer super well, filling in pores to create a smooth surface. Definitely more of a matte than dewy finish which really works for me. It's totally thick too, so i've been using this on my neck for sleeping as well.

Skin Inc. Pure Revival Peel:
This works almost exactly like the Cure exfoliator in my usual routine (which i go into more depth HERE), where it's a thin formula that gently rubs off your dead skin. This is an Extremely satisfying means of exfoliating, and also much gentler than a scrub, which can over activate your oil glands and cause more breakouts than the dead skin clogging your pores. I don't necessarily like one more than the other, but it is nice that i can read the language on the bottle so i can see what the ingredients are. but for me i think this comes down to price/accessibility than actually liking one formula over the other.