Missing Makeup Experiment 1: No Brows

I know that I primarily post about applying makeup, but I decided to try something a little different this time.  What if I left something out?  I thought I'd start conducting a series of experiments where I leave out an essential point of makeup.  For me, a full face of makeup includes brows, eyes, cheeks, and lips.  Sure, this seems like a silly experiment, but there's a good reason behind it.  As you know, I'm a really busy chick and, often, I don't have the time to do a very thorough makeup job.  So, by doing this, I can find out which points of makeup are essential, and which ones I can skip when I'm really short on time.  So let's start from the top down.  Today, I thought I'd skip the brows.  This is how the look turned out:

Ok, so I don't look entirely hideous, but I must admit, unfilled brows look pretty weird on me.  Naturally, I have very thin and sparse brows so it's difficult to go without darkening them.  I know that now more than ever, lol.  Even my husband chuckled a little when I asked him how I looked.  I decided against going out like this, so I ended up filling them in.  What a difference!

Much better!  When I was in high school, a girlfriend's mother (who was a makeup artist) had told us that brows are one of the most important aspects of the face because they frame the eyes, therefore being essential towards expressiveness.  I agreed with her then and I agree with her now.  Bottom line?  For me, no brows = no bueno!  Haha! :D

Hope you all had fun with this post!  Nighty-night!

Hugs,
Cat

Zoya: Kristen and Kennedy

Remember the secret giveaway that Zoya had a few weeks ago?  Well I FINALLY got my polishes in and I'm sooooooooooo HAPPY! :D

For my two freebies, I chose colors from the Winter Neutral Collection.  Kristen is described as a "gull gray...with a mild bluish hue" and Kennedy is a "pale french beige".  Both colors are in the cool category.

For each color I did a base coat, only one color coat, and a coat of Seche Vite.  The quality of these polishes are amazing!  They apply so evenly and opaque with just a single coat.  I'm really into these subdued neutrals as well, they're so quiet and elegant!  (can a color be described as "quiet"? lol)  I'm actually excited to order more Zoya polishes because I think the quality is worth the price.  What's better is that they're vegan-friendly, cruelty-free, and come in over 300 shades!  Check 'em out:

Lovelina Bridesmaids

Hey, just thought I'd share something cute.  About a week ago, a bride contacted me about creating custom necklaces to suit the personality of each of her bridesmaids.  We decided to go with the Tweet Lovebirds on a Rose Branch with different colored roses for each bridesmaid.  What an adorable idea!

Pale lavender, purple, pink, and mint.

Most of my jewelry pieces are customizable in terms of length and color.  I always try my best to please my customers, so don't be afraid to ask! :D

Oh, and remember, all orders ship for free worldwide now through February 14th.  Just use coupon code: VDAY12!

Jason Wu for Target

OMG!  I just found out that designer Jason Wu is collaborating with Target to create a capsule collection that will be released Sunday, February 5th. (I'm sure this has been news for ages, you're probably wondering what cave I just crawled out of.)  But anyways, yippee!  I'm super-excited!  I'll definitely be lining up at the door at 8am, though I bet there will be some hardcore frugal fashionistas that have camped overnight for first dibs.  Anywho, here is a sneak peak at some of my favorites:

The prices are very nice as well:

Scarves: $20
Skirts, Tops, Sweaters, and Handbags: $30 and up
Dresses: $40 and up

There will be no items over $60.  Sounds like a bunch of chic steals to me!  I can't wait!

Hugs,
Cat

Daily Dose of LOL: Procrastination

Hey all, sorry but just as I thought I was getting better, my cold took a turn for the worse.  I'm afraid I can't do any beauty posts today because I'm sure I look and sound like poo, therefore being of no help to anyone.  I DID see something that made me smile, however, which I'm happy to share:

Yep.  This is a pretty accurate portrait of me as a student.  I've got midterms coming up soon, but really, I'll never procrastinate agaaain! (I'm somewhere between stage 2 and 3 right now, I'm sure)

Sweet Dreams!
Cat

Lovelina for Ruche

Hey, here's something cool.  Ruche is selling one of my designs, a more dainty version of the bird and leaf lariat that's been so popular lately.  Check it out:

They called it the Perched Dove Necklace, isn't it cute?  The stones are genuine Swarovski crystals, even though they described them as "translucent green beads" which doesn't quite sound as valuable.  Oh well, the point is that they like my style enough to sell my jewelry which makes me super-happy! :D

Anyways, sorry I'm delayed with my beauty posts.  I actually have a winged eyeliner technique YouTube tutorial in the works.  I just couldn't get it up today because my voice-over would have sounded terrible with my stuffy sick voice today. :(  I'll see about getting it up tomorrow though!  Night night everyone!

Hugs,

Cat

Two New Earring Designs

Hello!  I've been meaning to post these for awhile, but, as you know, I've had the sniffles and haven't really felt like doing much anything except for bundle myself up in bed under two blankets.  Anywho, just thought I'd give you a heads up on what's new for Lovelina:

Leafy Bow Pearl Drop Earrings

Silver Leafy Branch Earrings

I take full credit for the Leafy Bow Pearl Drop Earrings, however the Silver Leafy Branch Earrings were created at the suggestion of a customer who also purchased my Silver Chubby Birdie and Branch Lariat:

Oh, and don't forget, be sure to enter offer code: VDAY12 to qualify for free, worldwide shipping!

I'll also try to do a beauty-related post tonight as well. :)

Hugs,
Cat

under the weather :(

Hey everyone.  Sorry I haven't put up a proper post in a couple days.  I've been sick.  :(  I promise I'll get something up as soon as I'm feeling better.

Cute pic, right?  It was done waaaaaaaaaay long ago by my uber-talented sister, who is currently in school for graphic design.  :D  Check out her artwork here: StrawberryCake.  She hasn't updated in awhile because she's been busy, but will be getting back to it soon!  Enjoy!

*cough cough*
Cat

Contemporary Cleopatra

Cleopatra, in my opinion, was one of history's most intriguing people.  She was ambitious, intelligent, and, though not described as an incomparable beauty, worked her womanly wiles in such a way that snared the hearts of some the world's most legendary leaders.  She was the last pharaoh of Ancient Egypt.  Thousands of years later, she would continue to be an inspiration.  Today's tutorial is dedicated to her.  I'm not really sure how she did her makeup then, there's only speculation and media representation, but I'm going to do my best to capture her essence in a modern, wearable way.  This is what I came up with:

Of course, there have been countless interpretations through the ages:

I definitely wanted the gilded look, but I was going for something a little more subtle, in fact, I ended up going to work like this and received many compliments.

So, to start, I'm going to apply Urban Decay's Primer Potion in Greed to my upper and lower lids:

Next, I'm going to apply Urban Decay Eyeshadow in Chase (from my 15 Anniversary Palette) to my upper and lower lids:

Then, using black gel/cream eyeliner (I'm using the Wet N Wild brand), I'm going to create a leonine eye shape by winging my upper lash liner and extending my inner corner liner:

With Sephora's Glitter Eyeliner in Gold, I'm going to accent my top lash line:

For extra shimmer, I'm going to highlight my brow arch with Josie Maran Argan Illuminizor:

Then I'm going to curl my eyelashes and apply mascara (Maybelline Full N Soft Waterproof in Black):

To finish, I'm going to add some glittery eyelashes (from Daiso):

For a complete look, I applied ELF Studio Bronzer in Golden to my cheeks and applied Stila Lip Glaze in Vanilla to my lips:

Not bad!  I think I nailed Cleopatra without looking too costume-y, although it would have been cool if I had one of those ornate braided wigs with the gold accents!

Anyways, hope y'all enjoyed the tutorial and have a great Saturday! :D

Hugs,

Cat

Quickie Day-to-Evening Transformation

Hey all!  Just thought I'd show you how I to do a 5-minute, quickie day-to-evening makeup transformation.  Nothing too dramatic, I figured it's something that every girl should learn in case an impromptu after school or after work event pops up.  Case in point, hubby called me on his way home from work last night and asked me to attend a friend's deejaying gig at a chic hotel and lounge in San Francisco.  I was busy running errands at the moment and would only have minutes from the time I got back to our apartment to freshen up before going out.  I decided to keep things simple, yet sparkly and shimmery.  Here's what I came up with on the fly:

Before and after.

I have to be in class no later than 8:30 am on the weekdays and my university is about a 30-45 minute drive depending on traffic.  So lately, I've only been doing brows, cheeks, eyeliner, and tinted balm.  There's really no time for much else unless I want to wake up at 5:00 am and, trust me, I'm not a morning person AT ALL!  To spruce up, I focused mostly on my eyes:

Before: simple winged eyeliner

I re-defined my eyeliner, applied Sephora Glitter eyeliner in Gold along my winged line, applied mascara, added my Daiso glitter eyelashes, and highlighted my brow arch with Josie Maran Argan Illuminator.  Small changes, big difference!

After: glitter, eyelashes, shimmery brow arch highlight

I also touched up the color on my cheeks by applying ELF Studio Blush in Twinkle Pink (a nice peachy-pink with golden micro-glitter particles, a comparable dupe for NARS Super Orgasm) and slicked some Stila Lip Glaze in Vanilla on my lips to complete my all over golden glittery glow.

Slip on some jewelry and a cute outfit and I'm ready to go!  Unfortunately, we didn't quite make it to the party.  Husband decided he was too tired when he got home so we had a quiet, casual dinner date at a local italian restaurant instead.  Oh well, lol!  I hope he enjoyed gazing at my glittery face across the table while eating.

Anyways, hope you all enjoyed this post and found it useful.  Have a great night! :D

Hugs,
Cat

Paisley

I've been meaning to post photos that my friend Sarah, over at Fizzy Photography, shot of me over the summer but ran into a bunch of hiccups along the way so I didn't get a chance to share them until now.  Ah, how I long for that warm summer sun...  Anyways, we had originally meant to do the shoot on the rooftop of her apartment building, but the lighting wasn't quite right and we ended up improvising.  The results turned out very nicely and I'm happy to finally be able to post them today!

:: Sunglasses ::

CK

:: Dress ::

Nordstrom Rack

:: Bag ::

Michael Kors

:: Shoes ::

Qupid

Thanks for reading and hope you all get a chance to check out Fizzy Photography's blog as well!  Sarah does beautiful engagement, wedding, portrait, and event photography. :D

ModCloth Cabin Fever Sale!

Heads up!  ModCloth is having a "Cabin Fever" sale.  Hundreds of awesome items up to 70% off! (click on image for direct link)

I just checked out my shopping basket.  Darn it, I can never resist a good sale.  No wait, scratch that, a GREAT sale!  If there's something that you want, DO snatch it up because pieces are going FAST!  Here's what I ended up getting:

Society Girl Blazer - $109.99 now $32.99

I Really Mist You Dress - $79.99 now $23.99

Look on the Bite Side iPhone Case in Burger - $37.99 now $10.99

Hope some of you get to take advantage...oh yes, free domestic shipping on orders over $50.  Happy shopping! :D

January MyGlam Review

Alright!  Over the weekend, I got to try every product from my first MyGlam bag.  Here's the lowdown on this month's MyGlam goodies:

Freeman Facial Cucumber Peel-Off Mask

Ok, so first impression: GROSS!  I'll bet you all don't appreciate my too-detailed images of the peeling process, lol.  But let's get down to business.  The mask formula itself is a pleasantly scented clear gel that you apply to your entire face.  Upon application, you get a refreshing cool and tingly sensation.  Be sure to avoid the area around your eyes!  While it was drying, I noticed that I put some a little too close to my under-eye area and it stung a bit.  Once the mask is completely dry, you just peel it off your face.  Reminds me of when I used to peel glue off of my fingers in kindergarten after doing cut-and-paste crafts...except this time the glue is on my face, haha!  The purpose of this mask is to remove impurities from your pores, similar to Biore strips.

Final Thoughts: I actually think this product is kind of neat.  It smells and feels good on my face, and the peeling part is sort of fun, in an icky kind of way, lol.  I know, I'm weird.  My skin feels clean and refreshed after using it.


Sheer Cover Concealer Duo in Light/Medium

I've been using my ELF Studio Complete Coverage Concealer for months now with no real complaints.  It does the job.  However, I definitely experienced the difference in using a higher-end product.  The Sheer Cover formula is thicker, creamier, and allows for fuller coverage.  This little compact is going to last me a very long time.  I used the Light side for brightening and highlighting and the Medium side for concealing.

Final Thoughts: Good stuff!  I'm very pleased with this MyGlam goody.  I would have never thought to try it if I hadn't received it in my MyGlam bag.  Now I'm not sure if I'd shell out the $29 retail value that MyGlam tagged it at, but who knows.  I might consider it once I run out of product...probably in a year or two.

Wen Sweet Almond Mint Cleansing Conditioner

Yes, the Christmas tree is still up.

I was probably the most skeptical about this product for a number of good reasons.  First of all, I already have super-straight, limp, unmanageable hair that gets even more weighed down with most conditioners. I use conditioner very sparingly as it decreases volume and prevents my hair from holding a curl.  Also, I have combination hair...very dry ends while having an oily scalp.  I could imagine Wen Cleansing Conditioner being useful for my crunchy ends, but I was really apprehensive about it making my oily scalp even greasier.  To my surprise, I emerged from the shower with the softy, silkiest hair that bended to the will of my curling iron without any resistance.  As you can see, full and soft bouncy waves galore!  Plus my roots didn't feel greasy at all, amazing!  The only downside I can think of is the smell.  It's probably just me, but it smells a lot like an old asian lady (ie. my grandmother, who uses plenty of Tiger Balm plus a countless variety of asian herbal medicines).  Lol.

Final Thoughts: Out of all the products I received, this one exceeded expectations more than the others.  I've used it for two days in a row so far and love the results.  I'm not sure what my hair will be like with continued use, but if the going stays good, I may even consider purchasing a full-sized bottle!

The Balm Hot Ticket Nail Polish in Silver Spoon Me

It wasn't love at first sight when I laid eyes on this nail polish.  In general, I'm not a big fan of silver on my fingertips.  I don't think I've ever even thought about purchasing silver polish before.  But, upon application, it really wasn't that bad.  The formula is very fluid and easy to apply while the color is very opaque.  So now I have these super-shimmery metallic silver nails.  Husband made a comment about "robot-nails" which I consider a compliment coming from him. (he's a big tech geek)

Final Thoughts: Not my usual go-to color, but definitely a lot more fun than I had expected! :)

Whew!  So that's the skinny on my January MyGlam bag!  Hope some of you found it useful.  Let me know if you have any questions, I'll be happy to answer. :D