Dec 31, 2011

Happy NYE!! Nails, Outfit and my New Years Resolution.

Happy New Year/New Year’s Eve Beauties!!!

I know some of you are already in 2012 and some of you (like me) are still counting down.

Just wanted to show you my outfit for tonight and my NYE nails :)



I’m wearing this gorgeous little black dress that I got in Australia somewhere… I don’t remember exactly where, but the brand is ‘Aqua’.

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My statement piece is this beautiful necklace that was a gift from my mama. I’ll probably just wear small silver studs with it, so as not to detract from the focus on the necklace.

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The grey platform pumps are from Wet Seal.

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Since my outfit is simple, I decided to go a little more festive with the mani!

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The base is Zoya Kimmy, except the ring finger which is Zoya Jules. Over Kimmy I layered China Glaze Fairy Dust except the ring finger, where I layered with Milani Gems.

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My nails are so short at the moment!! I was stressed for a couple of days and ended up biting one of my nails off, so I had to cut the other to even them out :(

I’m still not 100% sure what we’re doing, but I’m sure we’ll find something fun.

This past year has gone so quickly! There have been a lot of good times,some #foreveralone times and so many exciting things have happened. I found myself feeling restless and a little unsatisfied with life at times, but as the year wraps up I know I have so much to be grateful for.

That’s why my New Year’s Resolution will be to fully appreciate what I have; my amazing family and friends, my health, a roof over my head, food to eat and the little luxuries like makeup & clothes…. and of course, the lovely people who take the time to read my blog!

I'll be taking a lot of pictures tonight and will soon be posting another Photo Diary entry, with my Xmas and NYE makeup, as well as a LOT more :)

I hope you all have/had a wonderful New Year’s!! What is your resolution?

Ishah xx

Dec 23, 2011

Ombre/Gradient 'Velvet Glimmer' Lips

I wanted to try a simple, yet extra special look for a special occasion and I am stuck on a look I saw in a video by Michelle Phan. It’s called ‘Velvet Glimmer’ lips and it just looks SOOOO pretty I had to try it myself. It's an ombre/gradient look, using lipstick and a gold eyeshadow. It's SUPER easy to do, you basically just apply your lipstick, then gently pat gold eyeshadow in the center of your lips, working it slightly outwards to give it a gradient look.

I decided if I’m going to do a bold lip, I’ll tone it down with the eyes and just use a couple of lighter gold shades.




For the eyes:
Firstly, lined my lower lashline with NYX Slim Eye Pencil in Velvet
Then I put a little Urban Decay Loose Pigment in Yeyo on the inner corners
I used Urban Decay Eyeshadow Chopper on the outer half of the lid
I then used Urban Decay Eyeshadow Maui Wowie on the inner half of the lid and blended it into Chopper
Lastly, I used a matte nude shadow from my Hello Kitty palette to blend into my crease and browbone and topped it off with two coats of Dolly Wink Long Mascara.
I'm also wearing my Geo BerryHolic Turquoise circle lenses! :)




For the lips:
I applied Eyeko Liptastik Glossy Lip Pen in Lip Lover all over my lips as a rich, velvety base
I then lightly patted Urban Decay Eyeshadow in Maui Wowie in the centre of my lips with an eyeshadow brush. You could just as easily use your finger, though.


The lips look best matte in my opinion, but if you wanted to, you could dab some gloss over them too. It's a subtle look, but gives you an extra pop and makes your lips look fuller.


I am totally loving this look, it’s bright and vibrant without being too over the top. Now I have to find an outfit to go with it!

Do you like this Ombre/Gradient look? Or do you prefer something more traditional/crazier?


Dec 21, 2011

Last minute gifts: my faves at Forever 21.

Hey Beauties! It’s almost Christmas!

I usually get all the big ticket items a month early, but 2 days before Christmas I always end up frantically looking for small last minute gifts. If you're like me and need some inspiration, here's a few things I picked up from Forever 21 for small gifts/stocking stuffers/hostess gifts that are easy and much nicer than boring bath sets.

Forever 21 has so many cute and inexpensive accessories that would be perfect for gifts. I picked up these furry earmuffs for $3 each.

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Aren’t they gorgeous??


This lovely necklace was $3.80

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These super cute earrings were only $1.50 each!

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I don't remember exactly how much this necklace was... but it was under $5. It's on their website anyway.

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Bow hair clips, $1.50 wtf.

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You could mix and match with these and come up with an awesome little fashion gift basket.



They also have a lot of really cute beauty products, like these pretty nail polishes (you might have seen them in my header!) and bronzer

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I haven't bought any yet, but their facial masks look really good and like they would smell fabulous. A few of those with some nail polish and a mini manicure set could make a great spa basket for a hostess gift.
 
I love Forever 21, because they have such a huge selection of accessories and cosmetics that are under $5. Getting gifts there is a definite Christmas Moneysaver and we all know we could stand to cut down a little on our holiday spending. And let’s face it… I’m cheap. I have of a lot of people I want to buy gifts for and I’m not rich :’( the less money I spend the better.

Have you done all your Christmas shopping yet? I think I’m done… actually I think I bought too much stuff for myself =_=

Ishah xx

Dec 19, 2011

For Days Mousa Sheet Mask - not super attractive, but super effective.

I actually picked up this mask as a sample at a Japanese festival in Torrance. They were giving out other things like key rings and stationary, but you know I had to grab the sheet mask!

I had never heard of the brand For Days before, apparently they just recently launched in the US and they specialise in nucleic acid nutrition. I'm not sure if they are currently in any stores or where they are selling the products, but you can contact them on their website.



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[Serum Mask]
8 sheets, 0.85fl.oz/sheet
Member's price...$135 without tax
Retail price...$160 without tax

This serum-soaked mask enhances skin tone and elasticity. With a double-layered eye flap, it gives advanced care for the most delicate eye area. Use 2-3 times a week for special care.


DAMN that is one pricey sheet mask. I don't think I could afford to buy this on a regular basis.




Be prepared for some really super ugly pictures of me with the sheet mask on……………… ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
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Dec 17, 2011

Photo Diary I: My birthday and some new purchases!

 
So 8 days ago it was my 26th birthday! Gosh, time flies... I can't believe I'm already in the downward slide towards 30.... Ok, so 30 is nowhere near old, but sometimes I wish I'd just stay 21 forever.

I celebrated on the Saturday and decided to play into the Asian stereotype and do Karaoke! I looooove karaoke, I could go with one other person, stone cold sober and sing for hours. We went to Plush Karaoke Lounge in Irvine, which doesn't have an ultra huge selection and is a little pricey but the rooms are very nice and it's close. We were there for 3 hours and honestly, it wasn't enough time. I could've sang for 5 hours straight. I should probably mention that it was my husband’s birthday as well… yes, we have the same birthday albeit he is 5 years older. He never wants to do it big and celebrate much though, so I have to just make about MEEEEEE! Yes, that is my excuse :p


Here is the past week's photo diary, including some bday pics and some new purchases!

Dec 13, 2011

Eyeko Liptastik Glossy Lip Pen & FOTD

Hello my Beauties!

I've heard a lot about Eyeko from numerous beauty bloggers, but as they're a UK brand it's very hard to find in the US. I decided to follow them on Facebook in hopes of them posting a good promotion that would justify me paying the $7 shipping fee (yes, I'm cheap). My cheapness paid off when they did a 50% off promo, and I indulged a bit and bought some products I'd had my eye on.
 
One of those was the Liptastik Glossy Lip Pen that, (fortunately for me), was on special 3 for 2 ^_^ UNfortunately, they are discontinued since I guess Eyeko decided to focus on eye products only. I'm not sure if they plan to reintroduce other products, but I hope they do because I love their lip and nail products especially. The shipping was relatively fast for international, about a week and a half, and it came as registered post.


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The three shades are:

 Hot Lips                         Lip Lover                         Loudmouth
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The flash gives it a bit of an orange tinge on the edge of the swatch, but that’s definitely not evident in real life. Hot Lips is a bright pinkish/violet, Lip Lover is a warm flame red, almost bordering on orange, and Loudmouth is a gorgeous hot pink.


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The lipstick itself looks quite well made and is a twist tube so there is no wasting product by having to sharpen it. Liptastik glides onto the lips very smoothly and is VERY richly pigmented. For being a 'glossy' lip pen, I found it actually had a velvety matte finish which I LOVE. It's very creamy and moisturising though and if I want it glossy I just put a similar shade of lipgloss over it. It lasts a long time and stains your lips somewhat, so I usually just top up the gloss over it to refresh the colour. I actually wiped the swatches with a makeup wipe and it took a lot of rubbing to get them off.. even then there was a light, but visible stain.

I really love all the shades, they are all gorgeously bright and vivid. My favourite is probably Loudmouth.

 
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FOTD:
Missha Perfect Cover BB Cream #31
Avon Smooth Minerals Blush Duo in Warm Beauty
Dolly Wink Long Mascara
Eyeko Graffiti Eyeliner Pen in Jet Black
ELF Treat & Tame eyebrow gel in Medium
Eyeko Liptastik in Loudmouth
 
 
A few #vanity phone pics…
 
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Hot Lips



Although the Liptastik lip pens are no longer being sold on the Eyeko website, you can still purchase all three shades from Cherry Culture along with quite a few of the other discontinued Eyeko products. Have you tried any Eyeko products? Do you have any faves? I want to try their Big Eyes mascara!

Ishah xx

Nov 13, 2011

Missha Perfect Cover BB Cream No. 27 Review & comparison: No. 23 ‘Natural Beige’, No. 27 ‘Honey Beige’ & No. 31 ‘Golden Beige’

 Ok, it’s LOOOONG overdue, but I finally got around to doing a comparison of these three shades.

I have previously reviewed Missha Perfect Cover BB Cream No. 23 ‘Natural Beige’ and No. 31 ‘Golden Beige’ and was excited to see they introduced a shade in between, No. 27 ‘Honey Beige’.

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There was definitely a huge gap between the cooler toned No. 23 and the very warm toned No. 31 and i think No. 27 is a perfect balance between the two. I tend to be warm toned, so although I had previously used No. 23 in Winter when my skin tone was a bit lighter, it was still too cool and had a bit of a greyish cast that was noticeable on my skin. No. 27 is a perfect lighter shade for me in the cooler months.

Left: No. 23                          Middle: No. 27                           Right: No.31
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Partially blended in, still creamy
Left: No. 23                          Middle: No. 27                           Right: No.31
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More blended, dry to the touch
Left: No. 23                          Middle: No. 27                           Right: No.31
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The difference in tone and shade are apparent, No.23 is for much lighter, cooler toned skin. No. 27 is definitely ‘honey’ in colour, whereas No. 31 looks almost orangey next to it.

As for texture, coverage and finish, No.27 is just like the others I have previously reviewed :) I will be using No. 27 in the cooler months and No. 31 in Summer when I have a bit of a tan. No. 23 I think I’ll send to my sister who is lighter than me and a bit more cool-toned.



Check out my other posts on Missha Perfect Cover BB Cream.

I hope this helps anyone who is looking at buying one of these shades!

Missha is a great BB Cream brand and they are constantly having promotions. Recently I got a free full sized BB Cream for the launch of their new site, just for being an email subscriber! They usually post their promos on Facebook and Twitter, but I think being an email subscriber to their website is probably the best way to find out about specials and discounts. At the moment they are offering a e-giftcard with all purchases of $40 or more, $20 off for VIP members and $15 off for existing and new members. I have not been asked by the company to promote them, I just truly love the brand! :)

Ishah xx

Nov 7, 2011

Holiday Gift Hitlist! What women REALLY want.

Ok, when I say women what I really mean is me. What I really want. But these are some pretty awesome products that I’m betting you will want too! :)


My husband is completely sports obsessed. He’s bought me Dodgers and Lakers items galore, and I have no objection to this as long as they’re cute. The one thing he hasn’t bought me yet is any NFL merchandise (his team is the Steelers).

Luckily for him, NFL have released a whole bunch of new merchandise and accessories for the 2011 season, and there are some really cute items that would make a great gift! This long sleeve that I’m wearing is an NFL x Victoria’s Secret Pink collaboration and would be a perfect pj/lounging top as it’s super comfy.


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They have a LOT, a WHOOOLE LOOOT, of clothing and accessories available, from jerseys, tees and fluffy boots to watches, nail polish and leopard print handbags.. Here are a few of my faves.


Cuce Shoes New York Jets Supporter Boots – $134.99


KE Specialties Pittsburgh Steelers Team Colors Nail Polish - Set of 2 – $14.99



Pittsburgh Steelers Women's Victory Play T-Shirt –$23.99


Check out NFLshop.com for these and lots more.

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You may have seen my review on Red Carpet Manicure at-home gel system.

This would be a perfect gift for someone who enjoys a long lasting manicure, but doesn’t want to spend a lot of money going to the salon all the time.




The Starter kits go from $59.99


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No Holiday season would be complete without makeup (or so I tell myself).

Urban Decay is one of my favourite makeup brands, and their sets are always gorgeous and great value.
Look at the beautiful butterfly detailing on this one!

Book Of Shadows IV – $64


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I love everything Hello Kitty, and these brush sets are absolutely to die for!!


Graffiti 5-Piece Brush Set (Original Price $49) – $25


Original Hello Kitty Brush Set – $49

Glittercute Collection Made With Swarovski Elements – $495 (Hey, a girl can dream right?)


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Well that’s what’s on my Christmas list (and also birthday list… since my birthday is in December!), what’s on yours?

Ishah xx

Disclosure: A product/products in this post were sent for review consideration by PR representative of the company. This in no way influences my opinion of the product.

Nov 5, 2011

My fave Winter products!

Well, Winter is steadily approaching and my skin is steadily getting drier. It’s around this time that I will usually switch to more pampering products in order to keep my skin soft, smooth and hydrated. These are a few of my faves.



When it’s cold I absolutely love a hot bath.. Like a STEAMING hot bath, with lots of bubbles and stuff like bath salts/bath bombs/bath oil… anything that smells good and is relaxing.

Calgon has been making bath products for the past 50 years and recently launched a brand new website TakeMeAway.com. These are two of their products that I tried and loved.


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The Moisturizing Shower Gel & Foam Bath in Tahitian Orchid is heavenly. I used it in my bath and it bubbled up into quite a lot of lovely, slightly scented foam that felt really moisturising. It’s infused with Vitamin E, Aloe and Shea Butter which left my skin feeling really nice and silky. The scent was gorgeous, on the website they say; ‘Delicate yet complex describes this fragrant festival of summer jasmine, mimosa and Tahitian Orchid. Melon and subtle hints of lemon enhance the intensity of the experience’… I could definitely smell the jasmine (since I have no idea what a Tahitian orchid smells like!), but it wasn’t overpoweringly strong. In fact I thought it could be a little stronger, but for people who are sensitive to fragrances, this would be perfect. I will be repurchasing :)

The Relaxing Bath Salts in English Garden however had a much stronger scent. It’s described as ‘A romantic bouquet of flowers that captures the essence of moonlit strolls in a lush, enchanted garden’. I almost wish the bath salts had been Tahitian Orchid as well, since English Garden reminded me a bit of my Grandmother’s old bath and lotion sets she always liked to get for Christmas. It wasn’t horrible, but it was a bit too sickly sweet for my tastes. They dissolved nicely in the hot water though and added oils and minerals to the water that soaked into my skin and left it with that kind of sheen you get from bath oils. I’m definitely going to be picking it up in a few different scents.



My hands get really dry in Winter, especially my cuticles, and I’m always looking for products that soften the cuticles without leaving them really oily and shiny.

Burt’s Bees is one of my favourite skincare brands. They make lovely natural, cruelty free products.

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The Lemon Butter Cuticle Cream is well known in the nail blogosphere. It’s rich and moisturising, but not as oily as most cuticle oils. It has a fresh lemony scent that isn’t too sharp or strong, and the creamy formula is great at softening my super dry cuticles. It has Sweet Almond Oil and Cocoa Seed Butter to moisturize and soften your cuticles while Vitamin E and Sunflower Oil nourish brittle nails. I’ve had it for a couple of months now and haven’t made so much as a small dent in the tub.




Lip balm is my absolute go-to product in Winter… or any time for that matter. I tend to have dry lips and find myself constantly reapplying lip balm throughout the day.

eos (evolution of smooth) lip balms and hand lotions are well known and loved among many beauty bloggers. Their lip balms are 95% organic, 100% natural, gluten, paraben and petrolatum free.

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I have two of their super cute smooth sphere lip balms, summer fruit and sweet mint. These are just SO CUTE, I love the shape and it fits perfectly in my hand. The shape also allows the lip balm to be applied easily and the formula is very smooth, creamy and moisturising. I am a lip balm fanatic and this is my new favourite. Both scents are lovely, and have a slightly sweet taste. I am also going to look for strawberry sorbet and honeysuckle honeydew.



Of course, I can’t forget body wash and lotion.. especially for my arms and legs. They get all dry and ashy if I don’t take good care of them (ewww.. not a good look) so it’s important for me to have good products that hydrate really well.

Nivea has always been a part of my life. It’s my mother’s favourite brand of moisturiser and when I think of her ‘mother’s smell’ it is always the smell of Nivea body lotion. She has always hounded me to ‘put some cream on’ after having a shower, so I grew up using Nivea and they have never let me down in terms of hydration.

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The new Hydra IQ Non-Stop 24hrs+ formula is wonderful, the Touch of Cashmere Cream Oil Body Wash is ultra rich and creamy, and leaves my skin feeling soooo super soft and silky. It does feel like there’s a bit of a film on it after I rinse off, but when I’ve dried off with a towel, it’s no longer there and my skin feels satiny. It also smells gorgeous, sort of jasminey (since again… no idea about orchid blossom scent.. I didn’t realise they had much of a scent).

The Express Hydration Freshening Gel has a lighter consistency to the regular body lotion, but it hydrates just as well, if not better. It has natural sea minerals so it absorbs into the skin quickly and doesn’t leave any greasy residue, but I only applied it once in the morning and my skin felt hydrated definitely til the next day. It smells similar to the old body lotion, which I love since it reminds me of my mother, but has a bit of a fresher, lighter scent. It has cooling mint extract which leaves your skin feeling cool and fresh.



What are your favourite products when the weather starts getting colder?

Ishah xx

Disclosure: A product/products in this post were sent for review consideration by PR representative of the company. This in no way influences my opinion of the product.

Oct 31, 2011

Halloween FOTD! School Girl Costume and Makeup.


Happy Halloween, Beauties! Finally got around to doing a costume post… Meant to do this over the weekend!

I wanted to do a cute gyaru influenced school girl costume.

Well if you have your old school uniform lying around, this could be a cute costume! I didn’t, but I got this one from Ebay (it’s a Party City one) and I think it’s really cute :) I also bought some leg warmers (also from Ebay) to give the costume some extra flair, but loose socks would look good as well (think japanese school girl style loose socks).


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I paired it with some small pearl earrings, bow hairclips and fashion glasses from Forever 21. I love these glasses, they give off an ulzzang feel.



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Close up of the eyes..

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Makeup is simple,

Eyes: Urban Decay neutral matte brown eyeshadow, Eyeko Graffiti liquid liner on top, Ardell false eyelashes - 105 and Dolly Wink Long mascara to open up my eyes and set off the contacts. They are my Puffy 3 Tone/Shinny Grey circle lenses.

Cheeks: soft pink blush on the apples of my cheeks for a ‘sweet’ look – I used Boots No7 Natural Blush Cheek Colour in Candy Pink.

Lips: Urban Decay lipstick in Lovechild and femme couture Super Juicies Sheer lipgloss in Light Pink for pretty, glossy pink lips. I always associate young girls with pink lipgloss.

The whole look is pretty simple, but it’s cute and has gotten lots of compliments so far! I am loving the glasses and leg warmers especially :) It would be pretty easy to put together if you’re still stuck for a costume.


Here’s some phone pics!

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With Queen Bee Mai <3

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I can’t wait for tonight! We’ll be having a small dinner party with friends and then going trick or treating around the neighbourhood with all the kids :) It’s always fun with good friends.

I’ll be posting up my pics from tonight of everyone’s costumes!

What are you doing for Halloween? Do you have your costume ready?

Ishah xx
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