Birthday Gift from Shu Uemura

As it is Autumn and October, I was graced with a Birthday code from Shu Uemura in my inbox this month.

The nail colour is called Sparkling Moonstone.

With one coat, I think it is a pleasant sheer shade, and it is meant to be a tinting shade. It is from the summer collection.

With two coats, it builds up to a more festive finish. I think I do prefer the one coat tint though. =P

Thanks for tuning in to this quick post!

~Misty

September Topbox Goodies

Indeed, I have been busy. I've been working on updating a bunch of MY ART for an upcoming expo in my hometown where I will be selling prints.

I received my September Topbox in the mail two days ago, and I've a mind to share with you what I got. =D

No make up this time around, but the whole batch isn't too bad either.

This groovy looking bottle is a Perk Up Dry Shampoo in Sea Buckthorn Berry by Amika. Dry shampoos seem to be the thing of the year, as I've seen a lot surface this past year. The formula is your universal liquid to powder spray.

Basically, dry shampoos are meant for two to three day old hair. If you didn't know, it's not exactly healthy to wash your hair every single day. A lot of regular shampoos tend to dry out your scalp, and frequent shampooing is only really necessary if your natural oil production on your scalp is super high. For in-between washes, I tend to stick to a less scented dry shampoo to absorb the extra oil.

Next, is something I already have a regular sized product of -- Bioderma's Purifying Foaming Gel. This is a gentle formula that all skin types can use. It doesn't sting the eyes, and is gentle on abrasions. I'm not too sure how much more I can keep raving about these face washes. I already love Bioderma. =P

Next, is this Visionnaire face cream by Lancôme. I was surprised to see this deluxe sample in my bag. The packaging is really nice. Oooh~ =P

The consistency of the formula is light and thin, and has a scent but it isn't too pungent. I don't know too much else about this face cream, but I guess we'll find out.

The last item I received is this nail lacquer called Spa Retreat by Teeez Trend Cosmetics. This is a nice shade to flash for the change of the season. I think the more "vampier" colours will be seen for autumn as a whole. The formula isn't bad, but I noticed when dried, the finish isn't exactly smooth. There were some tiny bubbles on the surface.

That's all I received from my bag this month. Here's a little extra from my sister's box...

She got a nice little box with her nail polish. This one is called Raging Ruby. It's a nice shade, but the formula for this one was very thin, and required at least three to four coats for the projected finish in the photo. Even here, you can see some of the streakiness in it.

Thanks for reading! I'll be sure to update soon after the hecticness that is convention time. =D

~Misty

Grape Icy by Revlon

I have been really loving this colour this summer.

This is 330 Grape Icy by Revlon's Scented line. It's not exactly a new colour, and I'm not sure you can get them on Revlon shelves anymore. You can grab them on Ebay though!

When dried, it smells like grape-flavoured candy or grape juice. I think I've got grape on the mind. With the new grape-scented nail polish remover pads I got the other day in my August Topbox, it seems appropriate. Mmm.... grapey. =P

Thanks for tuning in!

~Misty

Topbox's July Beauty Goodies

Here be treats from Topbox this month!

I got standard of four products with the generic topbox again. There was an option to pick different boxes. A friend of mine received a pack with everything "That's Real" by benefit.

This is aiwenc's instagram! Check it out!

Considering her box, mine doesn't look like much, but the black box by CND VINYLUX is supposed to be paired up with the pink polish. They also have an instructional card with a lady on the front.

CND VINYLUX is probably the first nail polish I've come across, anyway, that has English, Spanish, and French all printed on the box and bottles. I think it's made, packaged, and distributed from three different places. The bottles list Vista, California (US), Barcelona (Spain), and has a "Made in Mexico" label.

Anyway, you can tell by the label that the black bottle is a top coat. Here's the swatches.

The pink Weekly Polish is Tutti Frutti #155. It has a bit of a holographic-al blue and purple sheen to it in the light. I have the Weekly Top Coat applied on my thumb, fore finger, and middle finger (left three), and the ring finger and pinky without the top coat (right two). The shiny factor is a nicer finish, and does let your polish live longer. I have this polish and top coat on for about three days so far without any chipping. Not bad, I think! It's very Barbie-esc. =P

The third item is this face moisturizer by StriVectin. I have seen this company's products at Shoppers. The regular 50 ml is sold for $120, so definitely on the high end spectrum. The cream is somewhat rich with a yellow tinge to it, and has a strong floral fragrance to it. I may not end up using it because of the strong scent.

I saved the best for last. This INSTAIN blush is by TheBalm Cosmetics. The reason for listing it last is because I am already a huge fan of these blushes. I have three... 

Compared to the full sized blush, the sample comes with basically the same packaging, and is held closed with magnets. I definitely think that is some great marketing ploys. HOUNDSTOOTH is the regular sized blush compared here. The sample size is half a gram of product. They retail for $22 each, and they have six shades in the INSTAIN blush line.

The sample shade is called SWISS DOT, a colour I don't have yet! It is a coral, peachy colour, and I think it's appropriate for the late summer. Swatched it!

I can't begin to explain the quality of these blushes. They are just so good! They aren't called INSTAIN for no reason either. The blush staining effect is very long lasting, and a little goes a long way, so if you want just a wash of colour, you will have to use a light hand. I suggest using a smaller stippling blush to apply these. The powder itself feels silky to the touch, almost like a smooth cream. Eet's so nice. xD

Thanks for checking out what I got from Topbox this month.

~Misty

Ipsy's July Glam Bag Goodies

Hey folks, here's another installation of what I received in my Ipsy's Glam Bag this month.

July's bag is a bright pink faux leather baggy. The inside has a white wool lining, I think... That's what it feels like. It's quite flexible, has a nice texture to feel on the outside, and smells like fresh plastic.

The first couple of items I may not actually get to use...

Tints & Sass's lip and cheek stain seems like a fabulous product. It does what it's expected to do, and I expect anyone who love lip and cheek stains will love this one. You get a lot of product, the packaging is very cute, and you get a soft doe-foot applicator that gives you enough product in a single use. The second swatch photo here shows you the staining effect very well. I used makeup remover and soap and water over this, but the product does well. Seriously, this is the ideal staining product. My only issue is, once again, the paraben ingredient in it. *sad face, grumble grumble

Here, we have a dark tanning oil. I love Hang Ten's natural sun screen that I received a couple of months ago, but this tanning oil is something I know for a fact I won't use. And really, that's because I don't need or use self-tanning products. It's not that I don't appreciate getting this, but I am naturally dark. I tan naturally and well with less than maybe ten minutes of being in the sun. I may gift this to someone who will appreciate it more, I think.

Now we're talking with this bright indigo shade. This is Facetious by wHeT. It's a mini polish so it is meant as a deluxe sample. This is a gel finish, and I am definitely digging it! You can get this bright colour with two coats of Facetious. You can grab their nail polishes at their store online. I'm really eyeing the serendipity shade. =D Ipsy gives us a 30% off coupon with any purchase there with the code: IPSY30. Available in the US and Canada. ;P

ENDZ is the first product I've tried from Marrakesh. It's an oil therapy cream for your split ends. It's scent is kind of spicy and musky, and very fitting with the packaging. Another thing I do like on the tube is that it says "NO: Animal Testing, Animal Ingredients, Drying Alcohols, Parabens, THC, Dyes, Propylene Glycol, Petroleum, Phthalates." Now, in my book, that's a long list of being awesome to my hair. Thank you, very much.

Last, we have an eyeshadow duo from bareMinerals. I like the eye looks they give with just the two shades they've provided. I even dig the tiny compact it comes in. I am already a big fan of bareMinerals' products. I think their makeup line is probably one of the best quality stuff you can get out there. You can get bareMinerals at Sephora, or their site at BareEscentuals.com.

Aaaaannnnd, swatch!

This is Muse and Passion, both community faves. Muse appears more matte here, but has a semi-matte finish, meaning it has some fine shimmer in it. Passion definitely compliments it with its sultry shimmery plum hue. I think I will enjoy using these two for sure.

What did you guys get in your bags this month?

Cheers! ;)

~Misty

Tickle Me Pink, Sally Hansen

This is the polish I'll be wearing for the whole of next week. I thought it an appropriate shade for vacation summer fun with a pop of colour. This is Sally Hansen's Tickle Me Pink - 410, from the Complete Salon Manicure line. I think it is part of the new spring lineup, and maybe a permanent shade now. It retails for $8.99 CAD at London Drugs, but may vary depending on the drugstore. I got this as part of one of the limited edition boxes from Wantable when I was subscribed to them. It came with six shades I think. I'm not too sure if this box is available anymore, but the polish is available at wherever your nearest Sally Hansen carriers are.

The colour is a dark, but bright pink than it shows a little more orange-y in the photo. It kind of has that raspberry pink feel to it. Who doesn't love raspberries, and pink? =P

The label suggests two coats, and that is what I have displayed. Even with one coat, I found that the colour was opaque and bright. It dries slightly faster than a regular polish, and I suggest using a base and top coat for a full and longer-lasting effect. The formula is easy and can get messy, but when dried, it's very ideal.

The brush is wider than normal, and roundly tapered , and I find that it's actually easier for application. The handle has a black band around the base which helps the ease of control.

Overall, I'm pretty happy with the product. I can definitely see myself wearing this shade all year round too. Hopefully, it's sunny in Toronto!

Cheers!

~Misty

June 2014 Topbox Goodies

TADA~ 

... It's a tube!

Anyway, this is what Topbox's usual packaging is every month. The cardboard is thick, and comes with a white plastic lid. I think the idea is to reuse the tube for storage, or decorating... I usually toss mine in to the Recycle. Nice wrapping paper though.

June's goodies are as follows. This time, I received a standard of four products in my Topbox tube. Check it!

For those who don't know what Topbox is, it is a beauty box subscription site. That is, it gives the promise of 4-5 products per tube. My June tube came with these four products and a card that describes what products I received, and what they cost given it's not a sample. The waiting list is usually long though. I think I had to wait 3 months or so, to actually get subscribed.

This is China Glaze's Feel the Breeze, 1312. It's part of China Glaze's new Off Shore Summer Collection this year. Nail polishes are usually almost always given the full-sized product for these subscriptions. This is the perfect example. 14 ml (0.5 fl oz) of nail lacquer, which usually retails from $10-14. The finish is a semi-matte cream.

I'm not very impressed with this formula at all. The card says, "These unique lacquers contain China Clay as a nail hardener, the same material that gives porcelain its shiny finish." The formula requires 2 full coats, that seemed really goopey. I tend to shake my nail polishes well and at least an hour before I apply them on, in order for no product separation and to minimize bubbles. Well, even after an hour wait, I still seemed to have bubbles form on the nail when applying. You can tell on my pinkie against the shadow, and even on the middle finger it is still apparent. This is when the product has dried too. I definitely recommend using a top coat over this polish, because the China Clay nail hardener ingredient makes this polish crack easily after a few hours of application. It's a nice colour, but not exactly what I'm looking for in a nail polish.

Next, we have the Cherry Crush Lip Fable by Barefoot Venus. This is the full product at 4 g (0.14 oz). It goes for $7.50, and is only available through the website barefootvenus.com. While you're there, and if you see something you like, you can pop in this coupon, code: TOPBOX, at checkout that'll give you 20% off. Expires August 15, 2014. It just came with the lippy. This isn't sponsored.

The top of the tin slides open like this, and can slide entirely off. I'm not sure it'd be best to just pop it into your purse as is, since the tin is a bit flimsy. The product itself has a beeswax base, so you will only get product by rubbing your finger over the surface and applying directly to the lips. It's a nice light cherry scent, almost like a cherry bubblegum. I really like this balm. It's a convenient size, great for on-the-go (Just be careful of the tin lid sliding right off), and comfortable as all lip balms should be.

The third item is Vasanti's Brighten Up! face exfoliating cleanser. I haven't tried this product just yet, but I am looking forward to it. The texture is somewhat dry, and has a thick, grainy feel to it. The card says to use it 3-5 times a week, but I feel like it might be too harsh for my skin, so I might just try it as an once-a-week thing. That's just my opinion from feeling the product. Available only at vasanticosmetics.com. =P

Lastly, is Bioderma's Atoderm shower gel. I'm already a huge fan of Bioderma's Sensibio H20 makeup remover. I tend to always have a backup of the product on hand. It's just that good. This shower gel is everything I expected it to be too. It's gentle, and works wonders just cleansing the skin. This is a great product for anyone, babies included. It says so on the tube. The 500 ml goes for $14.95 (I know, SO affordable!!), and is available at Shoppers Drug Mart, Rexall, Murale, Jean Coutu, Uniprix, Brunet, and Familiprix. I don't know what those last four drugshops are, but I'm pretty sure they're Canadian. =D

Thanks for checking out what I got from Topbox this month. From my peers, I've found you either got this "generic" tube, or you got the Glam Glow mud mask by choice.

Stay tuned for my June Ipsy Glam Bag post.

Cheeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeers!

~Misty

MAC's Alluring Aquatic Nail Polish and Eye Shadows

If you haven't seen my preview of MAC's Alluring Aquatic Lippies and Cheekies post, you can check that out there. This is a continuation!

Once again, MAC Cosmetics is available online, but when shopping MAC, I would always, always, ALWAYS recommend shopping at your local MAC counter. Their online store is just notorious for always selling out of new products within the first few minutes... MINUTES! I know MAC is available at Hudson's Bay (Canadian), Nordstrom or MACY'S (American), and just you know, your stand alone shops. Go there, and you'll definitely get what you want. I know I did. x3

So we have one polish of three that's available. 

This is Submerged. In the bottle, it looks like a monochromatic base of navy, sea green, teal, and violet hints. It's like all of those colours in one polish.

This is the first MAC nail lacquer I own. I usually don't bother getting them just because the prices are really expensive (insert another MAC gripe here). The packaging is pretty though, right?

You get 10 ml (0.34 fl oz) for $21.00 CAD ($17.50 USD). Yes, I know, expensive. Whew! *pats wallet with 'kerchief

I apologize, as my camera negates the purple hue that this polish gives personally. The purple is more noticeable in warmer lighting. 

While this lacquer appears just as vivid here, it is accomplished with three coats at the very least. I found three thin coats work very well. And, since it's a faster drying polish, you don't have to wait for too long after application either.

Last, but not least, we have the "Extra Dimension" eye shadows. I have five of the six shades available, and I can tell you, I am damn impressed by all of these. Check it!

Oh yes... And you think they look great in the pan?? Just wait till you see the swatches.

BAM, BABY! First, Lorelei is a bright peachy, golden champagne colour. The middle shade is Soul Serenade which is a deep mauve shade. And the third one there is Legendary Lure, which is a deep sea green.

Just a small trivia addition about the name Lorelei. It means "alluring enchantress," or "temptress." Lorelei comes from the name of a rock headland on the Rhine River, where it marks the narrowest part of the river between Switzerland and the North Sea, and shoots up to around 120 meters above the water. It is incidentally where a strong current and where sharp rocks are that cause a lot of boating accidents. Lorelei was the name of a maiden, feminine water spirit, siren, or mermaid, that lived on the rock, who used her beautiful songs to lure fishermen to their deaths. Woooo~ *ghosty hands

The last two is Fathoms Deep (FAVE), which is a deep purple-y, indigo blue, and Silver Sun is a lovely light olive green.

The sixth shade I didn't grab was Sea Worship, which is a full-on golden shimmery colour. 

I have to say... YES, these shadows are worth all the hype. They apply so smoothly on to the skin, and they blend like a dream. You do have to be careful with how you pick up the product, because I found the shadows are quite soft. Each shadow comes with 1.3 g (0.04 oz) of product for $22.50 CAD ($19.50 USD).

Yep, expensive (internal sigh!), but I think my grabs on the shadows were so worth it. I have peaked at a few "Extra Dimensional" products released by MAC previously, and I've only been interested this time 'round, so I definitely think they made their mark worth it on this collection.

Thank you muchly for reading! Hope you dig the new banner. It's a lot more simple, but I'm sure you'll notice more updates regarding the spot later on too.

Cheers!

~Misty