NARS Cream Shadow/Drugstore Haul and FOTD

I'm a fan of NARS but never tried their cream shadows. I've heard some people hate it coz they crease real bad even with primer underneath. Since I love most of NARS stuff and the color is gorgeous, I decided to pick it up anyway to see if it will work for me.

Madagascar cream shadow

One side is peachy skin color that works great as all over base(similar to MAC Painterly PP) and the other side is a purplish brown taupe that works well with NARS eyeshadows like Ondine, Ashes to Ashes, Cairo or MAC Satin Taupe, Style Snob... If you are a fan of those taupey colors then you will love this duo.

I'd tried it a few times, it does crease but not terribly(depends on what you put on top and underneath). The shimmery taupe color crease more than the skin color on the left. If I put TFSI underneath first and put NARS/MAC shadows on top, they will last for about 4 hours before start creasing. I did try it once with drugstore shadows and it was a complete disaster.

I think this will be my one and the only NARS cream shadow... I decided to keep it coz the colors work really well with my collection and I just can't say no to taupe... haha. But seriously, MAC Paint Pots work so much better than these on any day!

I also pick up Night Breed single eyeshadow that I've been meaning to get for long time. Just a pure black with silver glitters. The pigmentation is really good and can be used wet or dry. I like how versatile it is and I can just bring it everywhere use it as shadow and liner.

NARS Night Breed

swatches from left to right
(Night Breed, Madagascar)

I also pick up a bunch of Maybelline at Rite Aid since they had BOGO. I got a back up of Lash Stiletto(My fave mascara of all time) and the Mineral power blush in Soft Mauve(this is love). Couple of shadow quads in Chai Latte and Velvet Crush, and the new color sensation lipsticks in Pink Please and Born with it.

I'm sorry to report that these shadows really have no pigmentation, you get what you pay for. But I do like the color combinations on the 2 quads I got. Velvet Crush is pretty, it looks gorgeous after I piled it on like 5 layers :)

The Mineral power blush is a different story. It lasts on my face whole day and the color is gorgeous. Soft Mauve looks like baby pink on my skin tone. Loooove :)

The lipsticks are ok. Born with it and Pink Please are basically the same colors, one with shimmer one without. They are the nudest baby pinks in the collection but not nude enough for me... they are creamy and pigmented tho.

NARS Madagascar(base)
NARS Cairo(lid)
MAC Folie(crease)
MAC Beauty Mark(Outer Corner)
MAC Vanilla(brow)
Maybelline Mineral power blush Soft Mauve(Cheeks)
Maybelline LS Born with it

Contest ends this Sunday... I'm excited :D

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Update and NARS/VS Haul

Yay! finally my jewelry blog is up and running. Check it out ^_^

Hope everyone is having a great holiday so far. I just came back from a week vacation with hubby and I'm just happy that we still have few days to relax before returning back to work :) We went on a road trip to VA and DC, stopped by Atlantic City for some beach time and roller coasters at Great Adventure in NJ. We had tons of fun :)

I got a package after coming back from the trip. The NARS Pleasures of Paris palette that I ordered from Saks before went on my trip. Yay! I can't wait to play with this palette. I have many of NARS duos and don't have any of the color in this palette besides Cordura on the lower right corner(well, it's a useful color, guess I can live with that, haha). This palette is so neutral and all colors compliment each other very well.

LOOOOOVE :)

I also pick up some goodies form Victoria Secrets. I do like VS makeup, some of their eyeshadows and lippes are nice and pigmented. They had revamped their line recently and here are what I got:

I pick up the PRO Voluptuous FX Mascara which works surprisingly good. It's pretty much like L'Oreal Voluptuous, the lash stay soft and not clumping. I also pick up their new Silky Eyeshadow in Between the sheets... love the name :) The shadow is very soft, it's almost like cream to powder kind of texture, very pigmented. This color reminds me a bit of MAC Mulch.

The thing I feel the most excited about is the Christian Siriano Kajal Eye Liner. This guy is so "fierce" and fashion forward, and the makeup is not disappointing. The liner is inspired by ancient Egyptian beauty, supposed to give a smudged, smoky effect. I tried it today, the color is very rich and last all day. Thumbs up!

- VS Silky Eyeshadow in Between the sheets
-VS PRO Voluptuous FX Mascara
-VS Christian Siriano Kajal Eye Liner
-MAC Hue Lipstick

(don't mind my eyebrows... I was like a kid can't wait to smear new toy on my lids haha...)

I'm impressed wtih VS new makeup, will go back for some more :)

Autumn Love Bracelet
- A new piece from my jewelry blog :)




Happy Labor Day Everyone!

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Collective Jewelry Haul

I found some cute jewelry from sample sale last week and would like to share with you all :D They are from a company that make jewelry for brand names from Marc Jacobs, J-Crew, Banana Republic to JC penny... there are mountain of jewelry to choose from and I only got these pieces... lol... I like simple things that stand out by itself and I had so much fun digging into the bins and pick these babies out :)

Gold hoop earring with pink gemstones. I like the gold chain with pink... so feminine.

Clear beads bracelet - It makes statement in a simple way~

Isn't this unique? the wood anchor pendant necklace, so summery. I wanna go sailing in the ocean :)

Dainty gold necklace with 3 tiny charms, They are so cute and organic.

My haul from sample sale :)

I also found these cute bow earrings and necklace at the mall not long ago. They are not in a set. I like the bow diamond studs the most, so bling and elegant...

Jewelry shopping is so much fun :)

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Early Mother's Day Gift & Accessories Haul

Yay~ more goodies :)))

Couple weeks ago it was suddenly turning hot in NY during the weekend, so hubby decided to drive me and Jacob to Woodbury Outlet in upsate NY just to walk around and enjoy the weather. As always I found something there that I can't resist, of course. Who can just walk around without getting anything at Woodbury ? Nobody! If you've ever been there you know what I am talking about (excuses... excuses :D)

So I was browsing at Tod's and found this bag that I absolutely LOVE. It's a tote and it's leather in my favorite color and it's Tod's, it's light and it has my name written all over it! I never plan to buy another bag since we were just out of the house to enjoy the sun... when I was debating and couldn't drag my ass out of the store, hubby grabbed the bag and told me it's going to be an early mother's day gift and got it for me. Yay!!! I was super excited. Thank you babe for the surprise :D

A bag just like any of my other bags(that's what hubby discribed). Yeah! My die-hard love for tote and new stinky leather smell. Wahahaha :))))

Later on that day, I got this necklace at Juicy. I've always found Juicy a little too bling before, but I really like this one. It's actually really tiny, about the size of my pinkie.

How cute~~ I love the details

More accessories that i got this week from Laila Rowe. They have big variety of jewry in all colors and I found these 2 pieces at the same grey/black/silver section. I'm really drown to the bracelet that has big flower on it and a big grey flower is hard to find :) I think it will give a cool look when pair with a simple dress. Also a long necklace with black pearl inside the carved heart will go nicely with just some plain Ts and tank tops.

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Small Haul from Taiwan

Hello everyone!!! it's been so long! I was on vacation in Taiwan for a week and a half and I had so much fun! It was so humid there I didn't feel like doing much makeup at all but since I was in Taiwan I had to do some hauling :) I thought I would damage alot since it was the Mother's day promotion time during my stay, but surprisingly I didn't get anything at the department store cosmetic counters. I wasn't impressed with most of the skin care sets, although there are some good deals but I don't like the idea of been forced to get the things I don't need in the sets, I'm a very rational shopper :)

I did get some drug store items, some Asian brand mascaras that I've been wanting to try and the refills of my favorite makeup remover in much cheaper price.

The infamous Mojolica Mojolica mascara base and mascara III edition. People raved about their mascara all the time so I have to try it. I also got the Asia exclusive Revlon One Stroke Colorstay eye liner. It's water proof and it seems to be creamier and more black than the regular Colorstay eye pencil.

KOSE Softymo Deep Cleansing Oil refills. My favorite makeup remover. I did a review before. It was so cheap in Taiwan for about $5 a pack and I am so glad they sell the refills so I didn't have to carry all those bottles back to US :)

I've been using Kiehl's Ultra Facial Toner for a while. It's the most hydrated toner in their line. I found the Sana Soya Milk toner very similar to Kiehl's Ultra Facial Toner. They are both white and very similar in consistency, a little thick but not too thick, both are very hydrated and have very soothing smell. I'd used a few bottles of them and will continue using them. The Sana one is so much cheaper in Taiwan so I had to grab one :)

Couple things that I got before I went on my trip. My first YSL Rouge Volupte in #2 Sensual Silk. It's sooooo creamy and has this melon taste, soooooo yummy. #2 is a pinkish nude color(yup another pinkish nude) but the coverage is excellent, similar to NARS Chelsea Girls Lip Lacquer but much pleasant taste. Also since my Laguna is hitting pan, I decided to try a new bronzer -- Smashbox Bronze Lights in Suntan Matte. Kim Kardashian recommended this, and since I'm a big fan of her makeup I had to give it a try. It's matte and a little darker than NARS Laguna. So far I'm liking it.

Isn't this pretty? That was me and hubby on the beach, it was in a small town in Taiwan near where I lived when I was a kid.

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Bags and Makeups Haul

Here are some new goodies that I got from past week I thought I will share :) You all know about the Gap friends and family sale that was happening not long ago.... I am not a big fan of Gap and Banana Republic but did manage to find myself something to buy at Piperlime.com. It's the first time I shop there and it's also the first time I bought a bag online. I usually don't like to buy bags without seeing it in person but thanks to their free return shipping policy, I decided to give it a try, plus 30% off is hard to resist :)

I was eyeing on a gray Furla bag at the beginning and within a blink it was gone. yeah, it was the last day of the sale and those babies gone fast. I finally settled on this one, a tan satchel from The Sak. This was very similar to Botkier Sasha that I had my eye on last year but didn't get. I've never had a bag from The Sak but I like the style alot. The leather is super soft and it is not too heavy(big plus). I got it for $150 after discount, good deal :)

I wish the handle is just plain looking one, but I think that's The Sak's signature. well, guess I can live with that.

It comes with removable shoulder strap, 1 bag 2 styles.

The fabric lining is kinnda cute...

I also pick up some shadesticks from MAC Sugarsweet collection. I was never a fan of shadesticks but those new ones are much more creamier than the old formula. And I was surprised that they last longer than paint pots! I initially only got Butternutty but I love it so much I went back and got more.


Another bag that I got from Forever21. I love the vintage style and the heart shape. So cute :)

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Working with Blackground & F21 goodies

My look today is mainly to test my new Blackground Paint Pot. I've seen so many great looks with Blackground p/p but I wasn't sure this is a must have in my collection. After seeing lollipop26's post I decided to give it a try :)

Black color base supposed to add intensity and depth to any color you use on top, depends on how much black added, u create multiple brownish gradient by mixing black with orange, so the color appears richer...

I used the orange from Well Plum quad from forever ago. The orange color in this quad has very bad color payoff so I can really see if the P/P does its work.
Face-
HyperReal 300+400
Select Cover up NW30
Studio Finish concealer NC35
MSF Natural medium plus
MSF Dark/Shimmer
Nuance mineralized blush

Eyes-
Blackground P/P - base
Espresso - brow, Outer V
Shroom - Brow bone, inner highlight
Courage(orange) - all over the lid
Blitz & Glitz FL
CG Lash Blast
L'Oreal Telescope

Lips-
Lip Fusion lip plump Clear
Naked Space Lipgloss


The color definitely looks more intense on top of Blackground P/P, and it gave a nice smoky kick to the look. But... the texture of this baby really sucks, unlike other P/Ps, it requires lots of blending otherwise it shows up patchy and uneven.

Overall, I like the effect but it does require more works, and sometime you lose the true color by adding too much black or blending too much. I had Sable on top of too much Blackground P/P yesterday, it lost the warm plumy tone and looks more grayish like Satin Taupe... I could just use Satin Taupe instead...


Still, I'm happy to add this to my P/P collection. The effect and versatility worth the extra works imo, great for night time or smoky looks!


I also have some F21 goodies to share! I've been very easy on cloth shopping for awhile since I still have 12 lbs. pregnancy weight on me, ugh...:( I should definitely work on that before I buy more clothes... Anyway, I got these long sleeve shirt and hats that I thought will work with what I have easily... and I like the bold belt that can make a statement with some simple long shirts and dresses.


Now me, hubby and little Jacob all have the same style shirts :)

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Some MAC Goodies...

I admire Michelle Obabma. She's beautiful inside and out and she's such a supported wife and great mother... she is the role model for all women and she likes MAC cosmetics :) But I am not fond of her inauguration gown, by Taiwanese fashion designer Jason Wu, oh...no... OH NO! It looks like a one shouldered bridal gown to me!

My MAC haul is here. Some from ff sale and some I randomly picked up recently.


168- I always want it but it is not a absolute necessary cuz I love my MAC129 too much. Still it is nice to have when I want some changes.

224- I once had it and returned it, didn't like it before cuz I don't have enough eye space for this fat crease brush. but boy was I wrong. The blendability of this brush is awesome!

226- LE blending brush from BBR collection. It's good for defined crease. Nice to have as a collector but not a must have...

208- Need a new brow brush and this is my pick.

Sable and Beauty Marked ES- Sable is my new fond love, a nice shimmery plum brown that looks so natural on me. I always want Beauty Marked but heard it is very hard to work with... finally got it! I haven't tried it yet but it looks so gorgeous in the pan!

Lip condition spf 15- It tastes and smells like vanilla cream, very moisturizing, love to use it before sleep.

Soft Wave and Peroxide lipgloss- Soft Wave is LOVE... it's a brownish frosty color that looks so natural on me, very pretty bronzy nude! Peroxide is light milky pink that goes on sheer, look nice on top of any lipstick.

Hue lipstick- Peachy pinkish nude, good to tone down pigmented lips. However I'm a sucker for pinkish nude lipsticks and I do like this one alot. Similar to Pretty Please but with a touch of peach and more wearable.

Fix +- My old one is running low. Love this stuff, should have got 2.

That's all for now. Have a great weekend everyone... and Happy Chinese New Year!!!

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Kim's sexy makeup, freebies and mags

Ummmmmm..... soooo yummyyyyyyyyyyyyy........

Picture from http://kimkardashian.celebuzz.com

Yeah...Kim Kardashian is so YUMMY!!! I don't follow her TV show but I do love her makeup and style(Check out her latest makeup HERE). Regardless of her talent, her body is to die for! Me and hubby watched her porn with Ray J the other day, she was sooooo freaking hot, even tho it's a home video she still appear tasteful and not trashy(I think) She's incredibly sexy that me want to slap her butt too!!!

I broke down and got my free makeups today! I wasn't gonna go cuz the crowd and long line, but seeing so many friends and bloggers' hauls... I finally went after work to the MACY'S that close by my house to get some. The line was insane but it moved fast and thank god it wasn't that cold today. I got Clinique Moisture Surge since mine is almost running out, and also got the Advanced Night Repair that I've been wanting to try... 2 items only but I am contained :)

I went pick up my ViVi subscription at my local Taiwanese book store last weekend and saw the new Queen magazine(beauty bible) arrived so I also pick that up. I've subscribed the Taiwanese ViVi for quite some time and I'm getting a bit tired of it. It was my all time favorite fashion magazine since years ago and I used to buy the JP version here and there before and enjoyed every single page of it..... maybe I am older now and I prefer simpler clothes, the clothing style became all too similar in every issue to me, but I still enjoy reading their makeup section alot. I love Queen magazine, this is the first in depth beauty magazine that's completely Taiwanese style. It is seasonal issue so you have to wait 3 months for a new one and each issue is so big and so satisfying! This issue has a few exciting dramatic party looks, tricks to elongate your eyes for office and night time looks... go pick it up if you can, highly recommend it :)))

I love that purple look... definitely wanna try it some time :)

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