Top 5: Holy Grail Products

Greetings from the Dark Side!

For me, it has always been very difficult to label a product as a Holy Grail (HG). I use so many different products that it is hard to choose only a few to call my HG products. But, I thought about it and choose 5 products I can definitely label as HG. My criteria for HG products are products that 1) I really, really like; 2) that I used very often; 3) that are NOT limited edition and could easily obtain them; and 4) if I lost/finished them I would immediately repurchase them.

Kill la Kill Series: Harime Nui

"All memories are lost the moment a girl changes her underwear." 

Ah, Harime Nui. You were a delightfully bat-shit crazy character in Kill la Kill. Without giving any spoliers, I'll say to not let her cute appearance and demeanor fool you. She is insanely cute, and insanely...well, for a lack of a better term, insane. She was a very refreshing character and I enjoyed seeing her scenes because she has a hilarious personality! For this look, I wanted to do something kind of cute, but also a little edgy and fun (just like her!). And for the fun of it, I decided to add her signature purple eye patch ( it is in the shape of the Japanese katakana character for the sound "nu" and "i" combined, cleverly forming her name). It is so wearable (note: sarcasm)! I'm totally going to work like this xD

Not my image.

Valentine's Day Tutorial: Kickass Pinks

Hiii dark siders ♥ 

It is almost that time of the year again. That day that a lot of people dread: Valentine's Day! It's time to get out your pink eyeshadows, blushes, and lipsticks! For those of you who like bolder looks for February 14th, here is a flirty, kickass pink and purple look you can rock! Personally, I will be going out to bars for the 14th, and this is something I would totally wear for that. It's fun and colorful, but still kind of sweet and girly. 

2013 Favorites: Cheek Products

Greetings from the Dark Side!

I am  little ashamed to admit that I have tons of blushes, but I don't use blush as much as I used to. This year I usually used the same blushes and I only rotated the ones I used because of the change in seasons. I picked 6 cheek products that I used the most (not including the ones I mentioned in my Indie Favorites post), so keep reading if you want to know what my favorite cheek products were for 2013!

Foundations,Powders, and Concealers I Currently Own

Greetings from the Dark Side :)

I hope you have all been well.

I noticed that my stash of foundations has been growing in the past year, and I really dislike having so many foundations. I don't want them to go bad before I get a chance to use them and develop a solid opinion about them. I made it my mission to use these foundations and recall how I felt about them so I can give you a mini review of each product :D I hope this is helpful!

*FYI I have combination skin that is oily around my nose and forehead and super dry along my jaw and chin. I have acne-prone skin that also has a tendency to flake.

FOTD: Lúthien

Now that it is starting to get colder in North California, I am beginning to miss the warmer weather and the beautiful flowers of spring and summer! I was reading the Song of Beren and Lúthien by J.R.R. Tolkien and it made me want to do something inspired by spring. I also wanted to do something more natural to reflect the beauty of nature~ Inspiration for makeup can really come from anywhere!

"When winter passed, she came again,
And her song released the sudden spring,
Like rising lark, and falling rain,
And melting water bubbling.
He saw the elven-flowers spring
About her feet, and healed again
He longed by her to dance and sing
Upon the grass untroubling." 

                                                                     Products Used                                                                     

-Oslo Cosmetics 'Carinae' eyeshadow

-Wet n Wild MegaPlump mascara

-MAC Pro Longwear Concealer

-Hard Candy C.C. Creme 'Fair'

-Oslo Cosmetics 'Carina' Blush

-Lime Crime 'Geradium' Lipstick 

What do you think? This was super easy and simple to do! Perfect for school or a daytime date ^_~

Products I Regret Buying #3

Like most beauty bloggers, I have tons and tons of makeup, a lot of which goes mostly unused. Personally, I tend to set aside products that I have not liked too much. This ends up being bad because I don't use these products enough to review them. I used some of those products a bit more and I came to the realization that I did not like them at all and that I regret buying them. So here are my most recent makeup regrets! And of course, just because these products did not work for me, that doesn't mean they won't work for you.

1. MAC Riri Hearts MAC 'Talk That Talk' Lipstick and Lip Liner
I don't have an image for this because I ended up returning both of these products. But I'm sure most of you guys know what I'm talking about since the Riri Hearts MAC collection has created a huge buzz in the makeup community. I purchased both the lipstick and the lip liner because I LOVED the color so much. I already own 'Riri Woo' which also has the Retro Matte formula that 'Talk That Talk' has, so I thought the formula would be just fine. However, the formula is not at all like 'Riri Woo'. It is so much drier and it applies so patchy. The lip liner is also super freaking dry, it's unbelievable. I am so sad because the color is so phenomenal. But I definitely regret buying both products. In the end, I knew I had to return them since both products came to a total of $42! So expensive!

2. L'oreal Magic Nude Liquid Powder
I bought this product as soon as it was released and I actually quite liked it at first. In fact, I had a very positive first impression of this product. I should mention that I have combination skin that is quite dehydrated. My skin can be very dry and flaky around my cheeks and jawline. This foundation not only accentuates the dryness, but it actually makes the dryness worse. I noticed that my skin gets drier after wearing this extensively. Because of that reason, I don't wear this anymore and it has been gathering dust in my makeup drawer.

Affordable Back-To-School Makeup (Ft. Wet n Wild)

Greetings from the Dark Side!

For any of you who are going back to school, here is a simple and affordable look. I know that when I was in high school, I didn't have much money for makeup so I opted for very inexpensive products. I am also not a morning person, so if I have to go to school early I will do the simplest makeup that won't take too long to put on!! 

                                                                      Products Used                                                                    

-Wet n Wild Take On the Day Primer

-Wet n Wild Ultimate Brow Kit

-Wet n Wild MegaShimmer Shimmer Dust 'White Lotus'

-Wet n Wild MegaPlump Mascara

-Wet n Wild MegaLiner Liquid Eyeliner 'Black'

-Hard Candy CC Cream 

-Wet n Wild Perfect Pout Lip Gloss   'Hot, Hot, Haute'

This is a really simple look. I used my brow powder on my eyelid as a contour shade. Then I used the MegaShimmer on my lid for a wash of color and fun addition of sparkle~! I finished the look off with liquid liner and mascara. The MegaLiner is awesome! It is really dark and it will not budge all day. It is perfect for a long school day. On my lips I added a light wash of color with the Wet n Wild lip gloss. On my face I used the Hard Candy CC Cream. This is both inexpensive and great for a natural look.

*Some products shown were sent to me for free.

Review: L'oreal Magic Nude Liquid Powder

Greetings from the Dark Side!

I have been seeing this new L'oreal product on many blogs and Youtube videos, so I thought I would input my own thoughts about this product. If you are curious about the new L'oreal Magic Nude Liquid Powder, then keep reading.

March Hits and Misses

Greetings from the Dark Side!

I haven't posted any of my monthly favorites in a while, but I actually had a lot of favorites this past month. I've tried a lot of products recently, but the products below have been real standouts for me. I also have three complete misses! Keep reading if you want to know about the HITS and the MISSES.

                                                    HITS                                               

1. Hard Candy "CC" Correction Cream (Fair)
I already posted a First Impression post for this product, but I just want to just say how awesome this stuff is. I really wish Hard Candy had a better color selection because I know that the shade range has been a huge problem for most people. However, the actual product is marvelous. It is a decently pigmented, natural-looking "foundation" that is perfect for everyday wear. It looks so natural that it is like a second skin. I have been alternating this with my Lioele Super Gold Snail BB cream. I usually use the CC cream for school or days when I want a very light makeup look.

2. MAC Pro Longwear Concealer (NC20)
Because the Hard Candy CC cream is very lightweight, sometimes a need a little more coverage for any stubborn scars or pimples. I love this stuff because it is really pigmented and it stays on all day. It is by far the best concealer I have used to date.

3.Maybelline Instant Age Rewind Dark Circle Eraser (Neutralizer)
I've had this concealer for a while, and as you can see I have already used up more than half. I don't have particularly bad dark circles, but I like my undereye area to look bright (especially on the days I don't get much sleep). This stuff is really amazing; it conceals and brightens. I suggest you get the Neutralizer shade. It is the best one, IMO.

First Impression: Hard Candy C.C. Correction Cream

Greetings from the Dark Side!

Not my image. Found on Google Images.

I have been an avid user of BB creams for the past 2-3 years, and I was really by these new CC creams. A CC (Color Correct) Cream is supposed to be like a BB cream but with color correcting properties.  I was happy to see that Hard Candy came out with their own CC cream for an amazing $8. This gave me a great opportunity to try out one of these CC creams without paying to much money. I've only had this since last week, so here is my First Impression ^_^

FTC Disclosure: This product was purchased by me. 

I am only wearing the Hard Candy CC Cream in 'Fair' and Pumpkin & Poppy's Incognito blush. Excuse my bangs >_<"

First Impression

I was not expecting much from the Hard Candy CC Cream, I thought it would be like a very sheer BB cream, much like the US BB creams. But to my surprise, I actually love this! I have a lot of redness from acne scars that I want to cover, but I hate caking up my face on a daily basis. I want something that will help to reduce redness and cover my acne scars, yet that will look natural. I also have a hard time to find a product that does not dry my skin or make me oily. And with this I feel like my prayers have been answered! 

The formula is runny, and it feels like it is very sheer but it actually covers up very well. It feels silky smooth on the skin and it blends amazingly. My biggest surprise was finding out that this looks like a second skin. It is moisturizing and it does not get oily on my skin at all. It makes my face look and feel matte for hours. I love my Lioele Super Gold Snail BB cream, but that one usually does get a bit oily after several hours. This one does not at all (of course my skin is only slightly oily). Of course, it you have stubborn imperfections definitely use a bit of concealer. 

The closest thing I have to compare with this is the Armani Maestro Fluid Makeup. They apply very similarly (liqudiy product that looks super natural on the skin and covers decently and that keep looking better throughout the day). I am so glad that I picked this up because it has been my go-to everyday face product for the past week. And if you are curious, I apply this with my fingers in like 30 seconds and it looks flawless. No streaking and no patchiness!

I definitely recommend this to people who want a very natural-looking, low maintenance product. I will keep using it so I can have a more in-depth review :)

*Warning: I have heard that the color "Light" is really orange. I use "Fair" and that one looks perfect on my skin. If you are as light as me, a bit lighter or just a touch darker, I would recommend "Fair" over "Light".

FOTD: Eye-Enhancing Liner

Hello everyone ^_~
Sorry that I have been so bad with posting and commenting lately. I just finished finals on Wednesday, and I have been hanging out with my friends  a lot these past few days. I am also doing a bunch of paper work for a job I am trying to get. But there will be more posting from me, I promise!

Today I want to share with you another version of the purple liner look. I love wearing purple on my lower lash line in conjunction with a black liner on my upper lash line. I added a bit of a neutral color to my lid to balance the look. This look really enhances my eye shape and size. It makes my eyes appear larger
The picture looks very messy, so I apologize. I could not take a decent picture of this!! It made me very angry.

 Products Used

-NARS 'Ashes to Ashes' eyeshadow on the lid and crease
-L'oreal Lineur Intense liquid liner
-Urban Decay 'Ransom' 24/7 pencil liner
-Wet n Wild white pencil eyeliner
-Yanqina mascara

FOTD
*This FOTD shows this look without the brown on the lid.
Also, ignore how my lips look. The color is completely washed out, and the lipgloss I had on also made my lips look plumper and weirder. Haha ;D

Products Used (FACE)

-Skin79 BB Cream
-Illamasqua 'Hollow' Cream Pigment (slight contouring)
-Illamasqua 'Androgen' Cream pigment (on cheeks)
-Lime Crime D'Lilac Lipstick
-Hard Candy Glossaholic lipgloss in 'Fairy'

I hope you have all been doing well :D I hope to write more posts for you guys~
If you have any requests, please leave a comment telling me what posts you would like to see.

Review: Hard Candy Glossaholic Lip Gloss in 'Fairy'

Hi guys! I'm throwing another review at you guys [I am on a roll!] I have previously shown one of these lip glosses from Hard Candy, but I did not do a proper review on it.

Price

Don't quote me on this, but I think these are like $5. 

Product

The formula of the lip gloss is nothing special. Just a typical semi-sticky gloss. What makes this unique is the shimmer and flakes. It is a very light pink with tons of orange/reddish flakes. It looks so amazing. I have never seen a lip gloss with that type of shimmer in it. In this range of lip glosses there are a couple different colors. I've seen two red ones, a clear one, a brighter pink one, and a peachy one.

Swatches [Click on pictures to enlarge image]

What do you guys think? Would you wear this lip gloss?

Haul: HauteLook, Swaps, and random puchases

Spring break is a time of indulgence. And I have definitely over indulged during this spring break. A lot. I have bought many things lately; an after affect of final exams most likely [Right...I will keep telling myself that]. I am sure I am not the only one who uses shopping as a way to release stress :D

I have a couple things I want to show you guys, and hopefully I can review all of these soon.
I still have Fyrinnae shadows to swatch and review, those will come in due time. I also have a pretty huge nail polish haul as well. [See, I have been over indulging!]

First, I have two Crown Brush brushes from a Haute Look event.

[L to R]: C405, C404

C404 - Small Duo Fiber Blender Brush: This was $6.50 on Haute Look, retails for $10.43 on their website.
It is a small duo fiber brush that I like to use for cream blush or for highlighters. You can also use it for foundation, if you are patient enough. I have not yet noticed shedding, and I am really liking the brushes. I am not sure how this compares to the MAC 188, but they seem to be similar.

C405 - Contour Blush Brush: This was $6.99 on Haute Look, retails for $11.26 on their website.
This is an angled blush brush. It is great for blush or for contouring. I mostly use it for contouring.

I got both of these to get rid of my desire for the MAC equivalent of these brushes. Although MAC brushes are great, they are expensive. I cannot justify spending $40 for one brush at the moment. Besides, I already have other brushes and there really is no need for me to buy a $40 brush. But these are affordable and good quality, so why not?

You can see that I had just used them xD

Next are two items that I recently got from swaps. I have already shown one in a previous post and the other I have not yet shown.

[L to R]: MAC 'She Who Dares' and MAC 'Azalea Blossom'

MAC 'She Who Dares'

MAC 'She Who Dares': Mineralized eyeshadow from the Venomous Villains collection. Most of it is a blue color, and the other is a green color. I really like this, and I really wanted it when the collection came out. But I thought I should save my money, so I did not buy it. But I began to want it badly, so I ended up swapping for it on Makeup Alley. I traded it for something I had received for free, so in a way I got this for free. Swapping is a really awesome thing. You can get rid of something you don't use, and get something you really want.

MAC 'Azalea Blossom' Ombre

MAC 'Azalea Blossom' Ombre: I have wanted this blush sooooo badly. It has been haunting me for a while now. I was originally planning to buy this when it was released in the Color Forcast collection, but it was sold out by the time I went to get it. I was lucky enough to find someone who wanted to swap this. I am so delighted to finally have this. I absolutely love it! It is so perfect for me. It is a gradient of pink and a light purple. I do not know why, but I love the idea of a purple blush. If you mix the two colors together, you get a mauve-pink shade.  But the purple on its own does come up purple on the cheeks.If blended out slightly, it actually looks quite nice. As you can see from the picture, the purple only takes up about 1/3 of the entire pan.

Next, I have a very exciting bunch of nail polishes. One of them, the most exciting one by far, was also a swap. Guess which on I am talking about from this next picture:

Well you might not be able to tell...

But naming them from left to right might give you the answer!

OPI 'Shim-Merry Chic', OPI 'The One That Got Away', Clarins '230', Hard Candy 'Sky'.

Well? How about now? Yes, the famed Clarins 230, AKA Unicorn Pee. This is most likely the most wanted nail polish ever! I am currently experimenting with it, and once I am content, I will review it. It is definitely most disappointing that it is a discontinued color :(

OPI 'Shim-Merry Chic' is a limited edition color from a holiday collection. I bought this on eBay for about $8. This is a very interesting color. A bronzey shade that contains green and orange flakes. Very unique!

Next, I ended getting OPI 'The One That Got Away' which is from the Katy Perry collection. I already have the rest of the colors, and it caught my attention in a local beauty store. I just went for it and bought it.

Hard Candy 'Sky' is a most peculiar sky blue. I don't usually like sky blue nail polishes, but this is a very pale color, and it has a beautiful bright blue shimmer and sheen. By far the prettiest sky blue nail polish I have seen. At $4, I can't really complain either. Bought at my local Walmart.

If you want to see a review on any of these, please be sure to comment below. Thanks for reading!

~Yami<3

Haul and Swatches: Hard Candy 03/9/11

Has anyone else being loving Hard Candy? I have been impressed by a lot of their recent products. If you guys have not checked out Hard Candy, seriously go to Wal Mart and go see for yourself. I wish Hard Candy sold products on their website though...


I purchased three things:

[From Right to Left]Nail polish in 'Beetle,' Fox in a Box Blush in 'Smooth Talker,'  lipgloss in 'Vanilla.'

Beetle Nail Polish:  very similar to MAC's 'Mean & Green.' It is a green/gold/pink duochrome. I have MAC 'Mean & Green' and although they are super similar there are some differences.'Beetle' is actually more pigmented than 'Mean & Green' and the glitter is more condensed. It is less glittery than 'M&G', so it is easier to remove. For $5, it was a good deal. If you wanted 'M&G', and you could not get it [it sold out rather quickly] this is a exactly the same, if not better.

Can you see how it changes color? I have it on my thumb nail, so you can sort of see the duochrome.

Next is the lipgloss. I was immediately drawn to this because of the awesome flaky looking glitter. The lipgloss itself is huge. It smells like vanilla. Yum.  This was $5 or $6, I cannot remember.

It was hard to capture the light reflecting flaky glitter in this. It is really beautiful. The flakes are purple and orange.

Last is the blush.

Isn't it cute?

It comes with a really crappy brush, but its cute.

This reminds me of a Benefit blush, the one that is also 4 colors.

Peach, lavender, light pink, and pink colors

This is the lightest blush out of all the Fox in a Box blushes. It is a really cute pink when you mix all the colors. You can also use each color separately if you wish. I tried to swatch this, but the colors are so light that they wont come up on my hand at all. It comes up on my cheeks, but on my hand it does not! WTF?
Anyways, if you like natural looking blushes or really light colored blushes, check this out. It was $6, so it is really affordable.