~Sanderlees~

well... what's new?

2011-01-25T21:21:00.002-05:00

I have been trying to write my favourites of the year post for weeks... I don't think I'll get a chance to finish it anytime soon.... this will be my last post for a while... maybe until May =( ... I just started student teaching (day 2) and I'm already exhausted with way too much on my plate.... the upside? I am actually wearing make-up everyday again... lol

ok.. that's ONE of the upsides... the kids are fun to work with too (the school i'm at is GREAT).... but honestly, if i had it my way, i'd be rolling out of bed in sweats and no make-up.... the kids don't care if i look presentable right?

anyway... i hope everyone is doing well! my apologies (i know... it's constant) for my absense and neglect of this blog... but as always... I WILL be back =)

- Sanderlees

Collective Haul + MAC Warehouse Sale (Pic Heavy)

2010-12-05T20:37:00.010-05:00

So I have been accumulating some products over the past few months, but didn't want to post about it everytime I bought it, so I decided to wait and post a collective haul. The above eyeliner set was only $16USD at Sephora! What a steal... and a great stocking stuffer too!~ (btw... I bought a lot of the products from the States, because I go to school there)

Onyx, 14K, Orchid, Graphite

Graphite, 14K, Orchid, Onyx

Bobbi Brown Corrector in Peach

UDPP in a TUBE!!!!!!!!!!

MAC Pro Longwear Foundation in NC30

Guerlain Meteorites in Tient Dore

Used 100 beauty insider points for this 4ml MUFE HD Blush (#6)

Used my 20% VIB discount on this set

Wanted this for sooooo long!! Also a 20% VIB purchase

Got it during the 50% off all mascara promotion from Rexall -- it sucks...

The next few items are a little bit jumbled and all over the place -- I clearly didn't organize it really well... but there will be explanations under each pic =)

Gilt By Association (Style Black) MES
This was from the mac warehouse sale in September, picked up for me by Susan... I could've gotten it myself, but I passed on it then regretted it...

White Gold Pigment from the unreleased Rodarte Collection
This was part of the $5 Charity package from the most recent MAC warehouse sale

Short-handled 188 (not SE), also part of the $5 charity package from the most recent MAC warehouse sale

Golden Crown eyeshadow from the recent Tartan Tale holiday collection.
This was ALSO part of the $5 charity package at the most recent MAC warehouse sale... that's right... 188 brush, a pigment from an unreleased collection, a shadow from the newest collection AND my FAVOURITE brow pencil (not pictured) Impeccable brow pencil in Taupe, all for only $5!!! Beyond a steal!!

I was very disappointed at the recent MAC warehouse sale.. I virtually bought nothing (compared to other times I have been)... the prices were all jacked up for the holidays, but will probably stay that way from now on as well... I bought NO make-up products at all, except for those in the charity packages... I only got a few skincare items (which were SURPRISINGLY much cheaper than other times... and I regret not getting more of)

Pictured above was only $10

$10

Gift: Nocturnelle

Alas, this gem was not a part of the sale -- if it were I think everyone would've gone apeshit... this highly coveted Ripe Peach Blush Ombre being sold on EBay for ridiculous prices was picked up for me by Susan, when she stumbled across them at a CCO in the states... that's right... CCO... WTF!! so awesome!

Sorry that these swatches kind of suck...
farthest left pink: swirled from the blush ombre
middle pink: darkest part of blush
right pink: lightest part of blush
the silvery swatch is the White Gold Pigment
and the brown is Gilt By Associaton

Ok.. I just realized I lied... I did buy ONE make-up item, and it's this lip palette from last year's holiday collection... I think I got it for the sake of getting it... plus it was only $10... the colours are ok... nothing to rave about... but I guess it's nice to have in the purse

***EDIT***

Yes the charity package that I got from the most recent sale is awesome... but it is by no means unique -- this is the type of charity bag that i remembered from 2 years ago... a full sized brush in every bag... and 3 or 4 different bags to choose from on the spot.... ALL with brushes in them... there was no such thing as a "crappy" charity bag... so the only reason it seems to be a big deal right now is because they haven't had a charity bag like this for two years now....

with that said... sorry I am not doing any swaps with the bags... it's the holiday season afterall, and the extras were bought as gifts -- thanks for understanding.

Monthly Favourites: November 2010

2010-12-05T20:13:00.001-05:00

Face:
None this month

Eyes:
Stila Smudgepot (Grey): This stuff is awesome -- I have yet to use it as a shadow or a base, but only as a liner -- it does not budge for several hours. My all time fave is still MAC's Fluidline, but smudgepot is a close second behind (even though it lasts longer than fluidline). I love the grey colour - it's dark enough to line, but not so dark that's it's harsh for the day time. I rarely line my eyes black for a daytime look now -- I like to reserve it for night time for more drama. I also have the Smudgepot in Bronze, but I have yet to try it out yet.

Bobbi Brown Corrector (Peach): I have moved away from the "two shades lighter than your foundation" method of concealing under eye circles. Peach is the perfect shade for me to neutralize the blue under my eyes, but also warm enough to really brighten up the area. It's nice and creamy, but can get cakey and crease if too much is used. Using just enough in the blue-est area of the eye has been the best method for me, then set with my regular pressed (studio select) powder -- voila!

Lips:
Vaseline: Tried, tested and true -- use it every night before bed and wake up to nice soft lips. Especially nice, now that the air is so dry... ugh... which is why i have no favourite face products this month... the dry air has really dried up my skin, making all foundation/face products gross looking...

Model 21 False Eyelashes

2010-12-05T20:09:00.002-05:00

Model 21 sent me two styles of lashes to review... they actually sent it to me over a month ago, but I haven't had the opportunity to wear lashes in a while... so this is just a preview... when I have given them a try, I will provide a full review~

Thanks to Model 21 False Eyelashes for the opportunity to try your products out!

Pictured are: #24 (top) ad #27 (bottom)

Toronto IMATS 2010 + Haul

2010-11-23T17:39:00.018-05:00

IMATS 2009

IMATS 2010

Hello everyone! So I have a few posts lined up for the next few days -- usually when I post multiple times at once, it means I have something very important to do and hence I'm destressing or procrastinating by blogging =)

The second annual Toronto IMATS was held on the weekend of November 5 and 6 this year. I went on both days, but surprisingly enough didn't spend that much at all! I was in good company this year (not that I wasn't last year =P) and had a lot of fun with the girls, including Jennifer (jdomakeup), Fiona (Fionaman), Sheryl (Pincstuff) and Michelle (s2pandapple).

Above are photos of me at the 2009 IMATS and this year's -- I remember making a comment when I posted last year saying 'a picture never lies'... you can tell I was really self-conscious and hiding behind my IMATS bag... not this year! I am not at my goal yet, but I've been working on my self-image this past year... Michelle said she didn't even recognize me!

Anyhoo... I actually didn't go crazy and take a lot of pictures this year -- perhaps because it's my second time around and knew what to expect. I was more interested in the classes than I was in the shopping to be honest. I actually won more prizes than spend money! I was most excited to see KJ-Bennet and Taylor Chang-Babaian!! Pursebuzz and Enkoremakeup were both there too, but I had met them last year, so I wasn't *as* excited =P

It was also really nice to see the girls again, since I had flopped on our last two organized meet-ups... and Michelle!!! I hadn't seen her in ages... >_<

I'm sure you've all read and seen a lot of videos about this year's IMATS... so without boring you with more details... here are the pics:

I didn't take a pic with pursebuzz this year... although I should've, cuz I wasn't happy with last year's pic... lol.... but here's Sheryl aka Pincstuff!

Kandee Johnson!!

Jennifer (jdomakeup) and Michelle (s2pandapple)

Me and Michelle

Michelle, Jennifer and Me

Taylor Chang-Babaian and Me
I love her -- she is so real and really spoke her mind during her lecture... when I approached her she was all like "I love my asian ladies, especially when they have my asian book! It took me so long to write it!" Then she complimented me on my make-up and lashes..... then tried to sell me a pair.... lol

Her book

Signed!
She has uber messy writing and I have no idea what it says:
Sandy!
___ 2 play! or ____ + play!
Much love always,
TCB

???

The only two products I got from the MUFE booth... which was a NIGHTMARE... I was one of the FIRST girls on the FIRST day to put in my order... for TWO lipsticks... and ended up waiting 45min... all the new customers were getting their purchases within MINUTES... and the reason??? because the new orders kept piling on top of the OLD orders (mine) so they could never get to it!!!! AARRRGGHHH for TWO FRIGGIN LIPSTICKSSS

#38 and #33

#38

#33

#33 on top
#38 on bottom

Stila Smudgepot (my first one)

Gray (grey =P)

Bronze

I was SOOO not gonna get this... I wasn't even interested... Michelle and Jennifer picked it up first... we LEFT the building... then they decided that they wanted to see the contents and opened up their boxes... Jennifer's mirror was shattered... so we had to go back in to exchange for a new one... and I told her... if there is ONE more left for me (after her exchange) then I will get it....

It's a "make up player"... you can plug in your ipod/mp3 player/cell phone etc to play music while you get ready/put ur face one

For $50, not only did you get the "music player"/train case, but it also included batteries, a convertible colour in Camella , a shadow pan trio and its case, and a lipglaze in Grapefruit!

Monthly Favourites: October 2010

2010-10-28T23:11:00.003-04:00

So it's been several months since I wrote a monthly favourites post. For one, I didn't have a lot of time due to school, and two... I stopped wearing make-up. I never wear/wore make up to school... who did I have to impress, right? Plus, my current school situation involves me in a class of 17 students - one of them a married guy. So who would I be putting make-up on for? Well... me =P I've surprisingly been wearing a full face 3 days of the week! That's a feat! lol I make it sound like such a chore, especially since I really do love and enjoy pretty-ing up... it's really the removal process that deters me from wearing it more often...

Anyway... enough rambling...

Face:
MAC Pro Longwear Foundation (NC30): I was skeptical... which is why I gave it a good month-long trial before I decided on how I felt about this new product that MAC has pumped out (along with the partnering concealer and lipsticks).
Pro Longwear touts a 15-hour budge and smudge proof wear time -- pretty big claim if you ask me. It has a medium coverage (for me), and the only foundation I have used that does not require a finishing powder (which I always used no matter what). I can say that I have worn it for 18 hours once and it was still pretty flawless -- very impressive. What impressed me most, though, was that it grabbed my blush and kept it on my face the entire 18 hours as well -- with very little fading -- WOW! Dare I say that this is HG material??
Oh, oh, oh!! and another thing! I have a fairly oily t-zone with very dry cheeks... I generally need to blot a couple of hours of wear with other foundations... my ENTIRE 18 hours with Pro Longwear not only kept my t-zone oil-free... it stayed relatively MATTE! WTF?? =D

Shell Pearl Beauty Powder (Liberty of London): I LOVE this product... I sweep a layer of this over any blush I use to give myself a light sheen... makes my face glow... I need a back-up!

Eyes:
Blinc Tubing Mascara: I've had this for a long time.. I never really liked it because it did nothing for my lashes... it didn't add length or volume. It does separate the lashes really nicely though... so I use it now as a daily, no-drama mascara... it doesn't flake or smudge, and it's waterproof/resistant... and what I appreciate most about it (especially on no-makeup-days) is that I don't need a special eye-makeup remover for it and that simple warm water and light pinching gets the stuff off cleanly.

Lips:
Perennial High Style (Liberty of London) Lipglass: A milky and slightly muted bubble gum pink that adds a nice tint to the lips that is not super bright. It's just a very pretty (neutralish) colour -- I love my neutrals.

Crosswires (cremesheen) lipstick: The cremesheen formula is always a hit or miss with me... some of the shades glide on really smooth and buttery and other ones are really uneven and patchy... Crosswires is one of the better ones for me. It's a gorgeous coral that makes my lips look plump and full -- like that just "bitten" look.

Fashion Magazine's Big Giveaway

2010-10-06T13:57:00.005-04:00

I came home today to a huge package. I didn't order anything, so I was surprised. I looked at the return address and it was sent from the Coty company and I knew right away it had something to do with the Fashion Magazine giveaway. I thought it was a perfume, because it was Coty... but it was wwaaayyy too light... btw... did I mention it was a big package/box? The size of two tissue boxes combined. So I ripped it open and found a prize corresponding to the September 27th giveaway -- a Rimmel Lipstick in Nude Delight ^_^

I had won a pair of Hunter Boots and an Avon lipstick last year... so I'm super excited to have won something again this year! The giveaway hasn't ended yet, so here's hoping for more! lol

ZannClip Giveaway!! [closed]

2010-09-25T13:10:00.003-04:00

I am so happy to announce that I will be hosting yet another giveaway hosted by ZannClip!! If you don't know what a zannclip is, check out my review HERE !

But in a nutshell, it's a really chic hair clip that holds your hair in place without causing a "hair band crease". If you like to sleep with your hair in a bun or ponytail, but get annoyed of having to adjust your head because of always feeling the hairpins or bump, you can sleep with this clip in your hair and you won't feel it~ The smallest size is great to keep your bangs in place. It comes in severals sizes, colours and finishes.

Make sure you check out the website for the other items the company carries as well as the instructional how-to videos on the different ways to wear the clips!

Just leave a comment with your email under this post for your chance to win!

Double your chance by tweeting: Follow @sanderlees for a chance to win 1 of 4 @Zannclip at www.sanderlees.com

Winners will have the opportunity to choose the colour/finish/size of their Zannclip.

Giveaway will end Friday, October 1, 2010 11:59pm EST

Good Luck!

MAC: Venomous Villians

2010-09-24T17:31:00.004-04:00

So I placed an order on MAC's Venomous Villian's collection on Wednesday night and received the package today. So excited! I was really good though, since I didn't buy out the entire collection (which would've been incredibly pricey, as it is a huge collection). The collection is divided into 4 separate sub-collections, featuring some of Disney's most famous villians: Cruella De Vil (101 Dalmations), Evil Queen (Snow White), Malifacent (Sleeping Beauty), and Dr. Facilier (The Princess and the Frog).

I originally wanted to get a little something from each collection -- I really wanted something from Malifacent, but there was really nothing in that part of the collection that called out to me --except for the nailpolishes.. but I want to swatch those in-store first. So I only picked up 3 things:

Toxic Tale Lipstick

Strange Potion Lipglass

Cancun Magically Cool Liquid Powder

Swatches

With Strange Potion Lipglass

With Toxic Tale Lipstick

(this really stains the lips, even after wiping it off seconds after application)

With Cajun Lquid Powder

(it applies wet and cold, then dries to a powder finish but doesn't

feel like anything when you just rub it between your fingers)

Zannclip Giveaway coming soon...

2010-09-20T09:50:00.002-04:00

Sanderlees Update

2010-09-18T13:01:00.002-04:00

Perhaps you ladies need to remind me via twitter to post and update my blog regularly. I forgot how therapeutic this was given the amount of chaos that has been surrounding me lately. Ok, maybe not that much chaos, since I DID have 3 weeks off of school... but I spent that time relaxing, catching up on sleep and just being lazy.
Second semester started this past week for me, and I am about to DIE from the overwhelming number assignments and work thrown at me -- a chunk of which is due this Monday! ugh! Luckily, I got a lot of it out of the way last night =)

So as some of you may know, I attended the most recent MAC Warehouse Sale with Susan and FionaMan and I did REALLY well! And by "well", I mean I didn't have to sell my car to pay off the damage -- in other words, I got VERY little. Not surprising, I suppose, since I have been to all the sales in the last 3 years, consecutively -- it gets a little boring with the same products over and over again. Not that I'm never grateful to go, because I am! It's just quite the trek for me and I wake up at 5am for them =S

I realized I have not done a "Monthly Favourites" post for several months now... mayhaps I will get one done for September? Here's hoping!

I actually got into twitter a bit more, so you will all probably find me there more so than here on this blog -- so follow me! (and remind me to post!)

I still have A LOT of giveaways to post... and I mean A LOT! Products have just been continuously cumulating... and they need homes!!! Remind me to get on that as well =)

Until next time...

iCandy Circle Lens Giveaway [closed]

2010-09-18T12:37:00.009-04:00

iCandy Style has generously offered up two pairs of Plano lenses for me to giveaway to you guys!

iCandy is an Australian-based e-store that not only carries circle lenses, but women's clothing and accessories as well! The items available are super chic and stylish - and the prices are incredibly reasonable! Their customer relations is highly professional, as I have spoken to Joey, whom I believe is the founder of the site/e-store.

Like I said, I have two (2) pairs of lenses to give away, of which the styles are posted below:

(worth $20)

(worth $30)

Entering the giveaway is easy!

For one ballot, leave a message under this post with your email.

Double your chances to win!

Follow me on Twitter and tweet: RT follow @iCandyStyle and @Sanderlees to win giveaway at http://www.sanderlees.com/

Deadline is September 24th, 11:59pm EST

Good Luck!

Winners will be contacted via email and post updated with [closed]

In The Groove Haul

2010-07-08T12:28:00.007-04:00

So I am posting my first haul in a while... mind you... I HAVE hauled since my last haul post... but not as much as today (not that it's much hahaha)...

I was excited for this [In The Groove] collection, which is this summer's mineralize collection (like last year's Colour Craft -- which was my FAVOURITE). I didn't buy out the whole collection this time though, because it just wasn't as good as last year's.

The focus of this collection, as I'm sure you all agree, is the repromote of the MSF Stereo Rose, which we have all waited so anxiously for. I am now a proud owner of one and am SUPER excited... even as I type this, I realize that I have yet to swatch it (i didn't even swatch it in-store!), therefore there are no swatch pics of it... but i'm positive there will be tons on Specktra.

Well since the focus of the collection, and the only thing I wanted from the collection was the MSF, I surprised myself by walking out with two additional items -- yes only two!

First, let me say, that there is a huge selection of the trio mineralized eyeshadows. I swatched a couple of them... and they are incredibly impressive. Not only are they uber pigmented... but I find that they are the smoothest, least glittery MES that MAC has ever released. I know everyone says that with each new MES release... but maybe because MAC continues to improve on them? There was virtually no glitter flecks (at least on the ones I swatched), and the texture reminds me more of the veluxe pearl finish -- which is fab. I didn't pick up any of them though, because I find that I never touch my MES... ever.

Anyway... onto the haul...

Mandatory group shot

eeeee!!!!!

Why is it on its side?

Close up

Jazzed (cremesheen)
I've always wanted Riveting, but it's a tad orange --
this is more toned down and more flattering on me

Chillin' (w/o flash)

This was a surprise purchase. Although it goes on practically clear, with a slight pearly finish, I really liked it on top of the purple lipstick in the same collection "Go For It". The lipstick was a little bold, but the blue/cool tone of Chillin' really toned it down and made it wearable and pretty. I didn't purchase the purple lipstick, because I have the pro one "Violetta" and I felt that it would probably do the same job.

Chillin' with flash

Swatches with flash

lip swatch

*I knew that Stereo Rose was sold out in minutes online... but had no idea the lipstick I picked up was so popular as well... maybe I should get a back up... hmmm....

Blog Sale

2010-07-07T22:21:00.003-04:00

Hey everyone!

My blog sale has been suspended indefinitely, until I am able to add more items/maintain it when i'm less busy. In the meantime, check out this blog sale: http://s814.photobucket.com/albums/zz62/nngui/MAC%20SALE/ lots of limited edition items that you won't be able to find in stores anymore!!

Please direct all inquiries to: nghin.ngui@gmail.com

She's Alive!

2010-06-21T10:51:00.002-04:00

It's been a very long while hasn't it?

Life has been busy and hectic as always... and although I continue to promise to be back and regularly update this blog, it has proven to be extremely difficult... therefore, along with my youtube channel... I may have to put this on hold indefinitely =(

But to update...

* I went on vacation for a week to Paris and Rome in mid May.... it was an absolutely awesome trip and experience...

* As i'm sure you read and saw on the other blogger's site -- we had a small YouTube enthusiasts meet with pincstuff/meepowcow/jendomakeup/fionaman/irenefelton

(please forgive me if i got the usernames completely wrong... i'm actually writing this post in class... so i'm trying to half pay attention to the prof =P)

* I convocated/graduated from the University of Toronto... finally! it was a long struggle... but it finally happened and I'm ecstatic!

* I started my teacher's college training in Bufffalo, New York. It's intense and requires a lot of my time... definitely the major reason why i've been MIA from EVERYONE and EVERYTHING! The work isn't difficult... far from it.. but it's tedious and the amount of it is just... a lot!

* Being in the States for 2 days a week and so close to the outlet and an awesome mall... i have yet to do any shopping -- surprisingly -- there just isn't time! but i'm very proud of myself.. =P

* I'm notorious for being disorganized and lacking time management.... and it's because of this, that i am unable to juggle so many tasks at once (including fitting blogging and dare i say BEAUTY related anything into my life).

Vacation Time!

2010-05-19T13:58:00.004-04:00

Life has been hectic, what with getting my life together for school (which starts in just over two weeks) and planning a last minute vacation.
I haven't been on a proper vacation in over 10 years... so I'm really excited for it!! I'll be away for a week to Paris and Rome!!! I'll be sure to update when I return with a possible haul (unlikely, but possible)... depending on my moood when I get there, since I'm not really there to shop =P

Will be heading to the airport in a couple of hours... weeeeee

Self-Proclaimed Beauty Junkie

2010-05-03T12:53:00.002-04:00

So my cousin sent me this very interesting article she says was "written for me"... although there are a lot of similarities (nothing to be proud of)... there are some major differences to...

Read about the life of a beauty addict:

http://lifestyle.msn.com/your-look/makeup-skin-care-hair/article.aspx?cp-documentid=23633861&gt1=32002

Update

2010-05-01T18:07:00.006-04:00

Hmm... guess who almost forgot (or did forget, rather) to do another monthly favourites post? I only remembered after I logged onto Youtube and saw all the videos for it.... sigh... I'm really really slacking.. I'm so sorry -- thank you to those who have stuck it out with me and have been so patient!~

I am FINALLY finished school (for now)... I actually finished on April 12th but have been busy getting ready for school (haha) in June. For those of you who have been following me since I first started blogging and video making... I'm sure you've noticed that I am always complaining about school and how it takes up a lot of my time which keeps me from blogging and making videos regularly. Well, I am officially done my undergrad and will be starting my training at Teacher's College in June in upstate New York! I'm super excited and have been really busy and swamped with getting my student visa/registration/paper work done in time -- everything is moving really fast!

I have actually not bought make-up in quite some time... partly because of my commitment to Project B2M... partly because I haven't been keeping up with the cosmetics world lately to update myself on what's new... and last...*shocker* I just haven't been really interested... (!!!) BUT be damn sure that I'll be one of the first to pick up Stereo Rose MSF (maybe even 2) as I have been waiting FOREVER for that to be repromoted and refuse to cough up $200 for one from ebay!

Since my interest is waning a little lately with make-up... I have hence not really been using my own collection.. or even paid much attention to it... sad I know... I'm also not a fan of using a lot of face make-up in sticky humid weather.... yuck...

I do have a feeling though that going to school in the States, so close to the outlets and major mall is going to be DANGEROUS!!!!!!!

So I actually don't have any favourites this month, unfortunately... as stated above, I haven't been using make-up often enough lately and when I do, it's the same things over and over again (ie. udpp/vanilla/satin taupe/hot planet blush etc) which I'm sure you're all sick of me talking about (over and over again)...

*****

So I really do miss blogging... I find it "relaxing" and helps with my stress... but since this blog is devoted to my passion for all things make-up, I avoid talking about my school/life/stresses on here...

I'm not a multitasker... I prefer to do things one thing at a time... (which I suppose is why school took so long for me to complete)... If I'm busy with school ie. there is an assignment due soon.. I put all my focus on it (even if I procrastinate) and will not move on to another task (blogging) until I am done the first one... and since I haven't had time to play with my collection... I have less of a reason to post (and film videos)... because I can't do proper reviews etc.

And no purchases = no haul posts...

Once again... thanks for being so patient with me ^_^

Sanderlees

Blog Sale

2010-04-21T22:43:00.002-04:00

Preview of my most recent blog sale is up... it's a preview only (since I may change some of the prices)... the sale starts monday! http://shopsanderlees.blogspot.com/

*once again... sorry for being MIA... i'm done school.. but been uber busy with transitioning to a new stage in life... i'll update and try to post something within the week... thanks for sticking with me and understanding!*

Sanderlees

Blog Sale

2010-04-02T21:59:00.002-04:00

I PROMISE I will have the blog sale up and running before the end of the month (hopefully mid-month)... I'm busy until the 12th and having to take pictures of every item and uploading etc is just a little tedious... I'm also still trying to sift through my collection and I'm finding it VERY hard to part with a lot of things... although I know I should... so thanks for bearing with me and being so patient!

~Sanderlees

Monthly Favourites: March 2010

2010-03-31T14:31:00.003-04:00

I've been a horrible blogger (in fact I've been one for the past year)... but I have a couple of weeks of hell left before I'll have all the time in the world (or not... we'll see haha).. sorry I seem so cryptic... most of the time, I don't really know what I'm talking about either and that's because so many things are always so up in the air - I expect one thing to happen and something else does etc. So I say (and hope) I'll be free in two weeks time, but who knows... maybe fate will decide to drop something else on my lap to keep me from enjoying my cosmetics and blogging about it... but I really just want a break... I haven't had one for 3 years... not a proper break at least...

Face:
Shell Pearl Beauty Powder: Give me Liberty of London Collection. I didn't plan on getting this, but (surprise, surprise) Wendy totally influenced me to get it because she was getting it and I'm SO glad, because it's such a pretty highlight powder. I have not had any luck with beauty powders, so I'm really not a fan, but this particular product is very soft in texture and pigmented compared to the other ones I own which requires a good scraping and STILL no product will show up on me. I use this layered over my blush application -- which is usually Hot Planet MB.

Eyes:
Holiday 2008 Smokey Eyes Palette: I have been using this A LOT... probably because all the essential shades are in this palette (carbon, satin taupe etc)... this is a must-have in any girl's arsenal... even if not THIS palette specifically... any of MAC's holiday smokey eye palettes!

Lips:
Lollipop Loving l/s: I have revisited this little gem. I bought my first tube in February 2009 and have accumulated 2 additional back-ups since. I wore it nearly everyday for 2 months and then kind of forgot about it. I have been wearing it daily again... it's really more of a spring shade that really gives me a 'pick-me-up' -- beautiful coral shade with a green sheen -- lovely!

Frankly Fresh l/g: From the Give Me Liberty of London collection, this is a nice pinky nude shade that tops off my HG lipsticks nicely (Brave New Bronze and Lollipop Loving). I also wear it alone once my lipsticks have worn off, but I don't feel like re-touching. I am really trying hard not to get a back up of it (because of my project B2M commitment and that it's probably sold out by now anyhow).

Project B2M

2010-03-08T17:12:00.004-05:00

Ok, so after attending my last sale I have decided that I need to really cool it with the hauling and beauty purchases. The majority of my recent posts have really only been hauls and I would really like to write some reviews again -- but I can't review if I keep using new products and putting the "old" ones in the back burner.

So, in order for me to finally use and appreciate the products that I already have, I have decided to do a variation of Project 10-Pan -- but rather than waiting to use up ten products before my next purchase... I will use up 6 products, instead (equivalent to a B2m exchange) -- which is still a pretty difficult task.
*Project B2M was Wendy's idea since she says 10 is way impossible (for me at least) and that at least trying to use up 6 MAC products is an incentive for getting new products -- and for free!

Of course, this doesn't apply to what I feel are essentials such as moisturizer/toner etc...

In addition to trying to use the products I already have... I also need to do a little spring cleaning... that is... I have put a side a lot of products for giveaways and contests... as well... I will be holding another blog sale soon... I hope... there are so many things I can't seem to part with (haha)... but I am also not using them... so I either let those products sit in the drawer and collect dust... or hope that someone else will put it to good use... =(

Anyone else interested in such a 'project'?

MAC Warehouse Sale

2010-03-05T23:05:00.004-05:00

I attended the MAC warehouse sale today... sorry.. I packed everything away before I took pictures (I completely forgot! I'm so out of practice with my haulage and blogging!)... but I really didn't get much this time around -- I really limited myself and what I *DID* get turned out to be a disaster... let me explain:

* NEVER gotten to a Friday sale so late before.. usually get there by 8:30am for the doors to open at 10am... got there at 9:30 because of an accident on the 401... thank goodness Susan was there at 8 ^_~

* The lines inside for the products were much much longer than usual... Wendy waited 45min just for foundation!

* I got Cash Flow paint pot... only to find out when I got home that it was COMPLETELY dried up... how annoying~ the product shrank and when I turn it upside down, it just.. falls out... it's not dry enough to crumble and I suppose it can still sort of be used when rubbed against my skin... kind of like a shadestick consistency... or.. it will become a very expensive back-to-mac (B2M) empty....

* I THOUGHT I got (because I asked for) a full bottle of cleanse-off oil... when I got home I realized the lady packed me a bottle of Charged Water... which I already have like 4 of... boo....

* The Charity Bag (although still a good deal) was a huge disappointment... already had everything in there... and the pkg itself was just plain boring... PLUS... there is typically CHOICE... this time around there was only one option (even though I could see labelled on the boxes behind the table there were 8 *EIGHT* different types)...

* I spent 85% of my money at the $3 bins... and picked up 34 pairs of lashes... yeah... that's right... 34.... lol and the rest on travel sized cleansers/fix+/moisturizer -- the travel sized MAC studio moisture creme (30ml) is $3... the FULL SIZED product from stores (50ml) is $38.50CAD... 2 travel sized bottles = 60ml.... you do the math....

* Ultimately, of course, I am always grateful and appreciative of being able to go to these sales.... big thanks to L for hooking me up! <3

* Did you go to the sale this weekend? What did you haul? SHARE!!!!!

Monthly Favourites: February 2010

2010-03-01T18:55:00.002-05:00

There isn't a lot going on in my life, yet I am always feeling anxious, busy and that there aren't enough hours in a day. I always feel like there is a lot to do with not enough time to do it. Even right now my heart is racing over the idea of knowing that I have stuff to do and it's already 7pm! Someone please give me some advice on how I should relax!!

Blogging is something that is relaxing for me, yet at the same time makes me anxious because I feel like I should be doing something else.... anyway... enough with this rambling...
These lists are really getting alittle "deja vous"... and I do apologize for that.... =(

Face:
Face Atelier Ultra Foundation #5 Sepia:
I ordered a sample of this off of their website and the colour is spot-on. I love the finish of this foundation (dewy but not oily) and I think it's what MUFE HD foundation should have been. I apply this product with the new MAC 130 brush and a little goes a long way -- I have used the sample at least 3 times a week over the last 4 weeks and still have almost the entire sample left. This photographs beautifully and I'm considering purchasing the full sized bottle after I use up all my other foundations.

Hot Planet Mineralized Blush Duo:
This is an HG product for me. I use this more during the colder months because I feel that it imitates the rosy cheeks I get from just coming in from the cold -- which I like. To me, this acts not only as a blush but also a contour colour... gotta love multiuse products!

Eyes:
I'm not going to just randomly pick 'favourites' when I don't have any for the month... I have used the exact same products over and over again on my eyes from the January list... so for the first time, there will be no favourites under this section for the month of February.

Lips:
Miss Marble Lipglass:
I originally bought this lipgloss from the colour craft collection last summer. I liked it a lot, but like a lot of my lip products, I don't use it enough. I have used it on a lot of brides though and I think it's the perfect colour when used alone, or paired on top of Brave New Bronze lipstick (HG). I've used it a lot this past month though -- it's a very "mlbb" (my lips but better) shade for me. I'm glad that this was included in the December MAC sale's charity package, so now I have a few back-ups =P

Answering Questions

2010-02-25T16:42:00.003-05:00

So some of you ask me questions in the comments section of the blog and I know it seems like I'm just ignoring them, but I'm really just figuring out the best way to answer the questions without replying in the comments section. I don't want to post there, because for myself personally, once I've made a comment on a blog I don't really look back at the comments page.
So I figure I'll just create a separate post just to answer and comment back... and I think I will do this every so often =)

1. The drawer I use to hold my collection is from Office Depot and even though I commented that they don't exist in the GTA anymore, I may be wrong since Lisa commented that there is a location near her. I thought they were all closed because I had 3 locations in my area, but they all closed their doors at around the same time.

2. Yeayeahyea:
I have the MUFE concealer in both #6 and #8 -- I originally bought #6 for myself and reserved #8 for my kit... but realized that #6 was way too light for me -- even my undereyes... and #8 was surprisingly a nice match =)
- oh and I will try to do a more detailed review of the F&B foundations between MAC and MUFE as soon as I can (I've barely used either foundation during the winter months)

Grad Photo FOTD

2010-02-24T22:24:00.008-05:00

I had my graduation photos taken today... I was having a lot of trouble deciding what I wanted to do with my make-up. I knew I was going to go neutral... bit HOW neutral? my own camera washes out the shadows on me... so should I go with a lighter-hand? Should I wear false lashes or will I regret it when I look at the pictures again 20 years from now? Should I do something special with my hair??

I know it seems so silly to stress over something so little... but these pictures are pretty important to me -- I'm graduating! Finally! It was a long struggle and even longer journey to get to this point... so here is my FOTD:

All Products are MAC unless specified otherwise:

Face:

Studio Tech NC30

Studio Select NC30

Studio Finish Concealer SPF 35 NW25

MUFE Full Cover Concealer #8

Cheeks:

Hot Planet Mineralized Blush Duo

Refined MSF

Eyes:

Vanilla Pigment

Satin Taupe e/s

Dark Devotion e/s (2008 holiday smokey palette)

Vanilla e/s (highlight)

Blacktrac fluidline

Quite Natural paintpot (brows)

Ardell Babies (lashes)

Lips:

Miss Marble lipglass

February Haul pt. 2

2010-02-19T23:37:00.006-05:00

I love how they got the artists' signature on the boxes on this year's Viva Glam promotion. They also named the shades after the artists versus previous years where the shades were identified with Roman Numerals.

I wanted this for the sake of the hype... and because I love Lady Gaga... unfortunately, this shade doesn't really work on me... maybe I'll try different things with it and try to make it work... I want to try the Cyndi Lauper one as well...

True Babe Lipglass
From the Riveting Colletion -- this is the lipgloss version of Show Orchid which I LOVE LOVE LOVE

No Flash of True Babe

Viva Glam Gaga with flash

Viva Glam Gaga

True Babe

Show Orchid

This brush is freakin' awesome -- this is what the 187 should've been! I was never a fan of using my 187 for foundation application because I felt that it was too flimsy... I have always used the 109 for liquid application and reserved the stippling brushes for powder application (setting/blush/bronzer). But this new LE brush (promoted with the new mineralized foundation collection) is dense and soft. It is the duo fibre version of the 109! My only gripe is that the brush head is a tad small -- perhaps after using it a bit, the hairs will "splay" out a bit, make the brush had a little wider.

130 Short Duo Fibre Brush

Show Orchid compared with True Babe lipglass

Show Orchid w/True Babe on top

February Haul pt. 1

2010-02-19T23:26:00.004-05:00

A few weeks ago I was walking along bloor near Yorkville and wanted to spend a little money... I decided to walk in Sephora (of course) and do a little browsing... I came across the (last) gift set [above] and since I knew it was on sale, I took it to the counter to get a price-check. Eureka!!! It WAS on sale! For only $25CAD!!!!!!!!! That's INSANE!!! I'm not going to lie... I have absolutely no interest in any of the products in there. The only reason why I bought this without thinking twice was for the UDPP XL! The normal sized UDPP retails at $22CAD already... so for a bottle that has 60% more product for only $3 more?? STEAL!

I picked up my birthday gift from Sephora -- this is the third year doing so, for me. The first time I got a Bliss body butter, last year was a sephora brand shower gel... I must say this year is pretty awesome, with a mascara, eye liner and shadow. I have yet to try any of the items though....

A few steps down the street, I HAD to step into MAC... I also HAD to walk out with SOMETHING... presenting: MAC RED (satin finish)... I realized that I didn't have a "good red" in my collection... I have a lot of berry shades and hot pinks.. but not really a SIREN RED.... It's super pretty... just don't know when I'd ever get the chance to use it... haha

Camera Ready Cosmetics

2010-02-09T19:48:00.000-05:00

New CameraReadyCosmetics.com Discount Code good thru May 1, 2010: "2010"10% OFF (excludes sale items).

Milk in Bags, Eh?

2010-02-05T21:10:00.005-05:00

Not only did I catch Sheryl/Pinc.Stuff on the local morning show (CP24 Breakfast) because of her newly viral milk bag/jug video... she's in The Star, too!

http://www.thestar.com/news/ontario/article/760654--so-we-drink-milk-from-bags-does-that-make-us-weird

Why am I so excited for her?!? lol

Monthly Favourites: January 2010

2010-01-31T21:28:00.004-05:00

So I had actually completely forgot about making a favourites post for the month of January, until I logged onto YouTube and saw everyone's "favourites" videos... been really busy, so it definitely slipped my mind. Plus, I'm currently distracted by the Grammy's -- which btw, has been a pretty amazing show so far -- I hope Bon Jovi performs "Always"!!!

Face:
MUFE HD Foundation #127:
I hated this foundation when I first got it... but that's because I got it in the wrong shade -- and continued to get it in the wrong shade (in fact... #127 might still be a tad light for me)... as an NC30, according to MUA, I'm "supposed" to be matched to 118 or 120 -- they were way too yellow and way too light for me.... and when photographed, I had that ghastly white mask thing going on... not to mention that it left me feeling so greasy... I think this foundation is anything but HD and I really don't trust it when it comes to being photographed... ESPECIALLY when used with the HD powder (omg -- that's a whole other story)...
So you may be wondering.... then WHY is this in my favourites list then? Well... I finally found a shade that I can actually pull off, albiet maybe still a tinge too light (i meant to get 128 but for some reason blurted out 127 at IMATS -- no returns -- plus I didn't realize til I got home). I like the way it looks sans photography -- it CAN be naturally, when not piled on and used in moderation with the right primer -- ie. MUFE HD Primer -- I find that it doesn't work with any other primer (for me)... I do need to set this with powder though, because regardless of it being the right shade for me now, it still leaves me kind of shiny.
I typically use this foundation during the day for school/work and switch over to my Studio Fix Liquid for night-time use, when necessary. Mind you, when the weather warms up again, I will be using my trusty MUFE Face and Body foundation for my daily/day time foundation.

MAC Studio Moisture Cream:
This has been a godsend for me during these winter months. I have never been a heavy cream user, but my skin has been feeling extra parched lately. I don't use this all over my face, rather, I concentrate most of my application on my cheek area. Although it feels thick, my skin drinks it up and doesn't leave it feeling greasy at all.

MAC Cremeblend blush (Joie-de-vivre):
This is such a great product. I've been using this nearly every time I put on make-up, either in its lonesome, or as a base under a different blush/bronzer. I have a small collection of creme blushes from MAC, but I rarely used them because, although I loved the colours, I just did not like the formula. The formula to this particular creme blush from MAC is so smooth and light weight (gel-like), imparts lots of pigmentation that is buildable and doubles as a lip product!

Eyes:
MAC Vanilla Pigment:
When I had this as a sample, I barely used it -- maybe because I was afraid of it running out. Now that I have a full jar of it, I can't stop using it! I've always known it was versatile -- but omg... this is LOVE. I've used it as an all-over wash, or as an inner corner colour. Just... so many uses...

MAC Satin Taupe e/s:
I have this as part of one of 2008's holiday palette (smokey one I believe). I think I will have to purchase the pro-pan form of this, for easier travels. This is a staple -- Vanilla (pigment) on the lids and Satin Taupe in the crease and you have your day look. Add some black or dark brown to the outer V and you're ready for a night out.

Lips:
YSL Rouge Volupte #9 (Pink Caress):
I LOVE THIS LIPSTICK! It is luxury in a tube. I got #1 first -- a nude/beige colour, which I love, but found it a little difficult to wear because it shows all the imperfections and fine lines on your lips (it is very similar to creme d'nude). Although #1 is just as creamy, the colour is just not as smooth as the formula. #9, however, is a completely different story -- the colour/pigmentation is just as smooth as the forumla. Just one swipe across your lips and the colour is evenly distributed -- creamy, buttery goodness! I want to try MORE shades!

Disclaimer: All products mentioned were purchased by me and I am not affiliated with any of the companies/brands.

Pinc Stuff

2010-01-28T12:50:00.004-05:00

Sheryl, founder of www.Pincstuff.com, is super talented and creative -- not only with her videos (I especially love her Canadian series), but especially with her baked goods accessories and "eye candy". She creates and makes each piece herself and the details are just so intricate and realistic, you can't help but feel hungry after looking at them (dangerous for a sweet tooth like myself). When she debuted the bow and pearl earrings before the holidays, I totally drooled over them -- they are just so pretty!! I couldn't decide between red or black =P

Not only are her accessories sweet -- but she is as well (haha was that lame of me or what?) -- we've corresponded before and she's just super nice. I'm also an avid followering/reader of her blog, which she calls "random" -- it often has hilarious anecdotes, insightful thoughts, common life dramas and thought-provoking posts that often puts certain topics into perspective.

Check out her e-store if you haven't already -- I guarantee your mouth will water with all her yummy creations!

Nice little surprise: she also inclued an adorable (and of course so realistic) chocolate chip cookie charm/pendant.... *drooooooolz*

Disclaimer: I am not affiliated with the aforementioned company and the initial item mentioned was purchased by me.

How I Organize My Collection (pic heavy)

2010-01-26T21:57:00.008-05:00

I've been asked about showing my updated collection/how I organize everything. I won't go through piece-by-piece since it is constantly growing anyway (I'll leave that for my collection series), but I will show you how and where I stash everything. I am very quickly running out of space -- I have a very small room, so not only am I running out of storage space, but just space in my room, in general!

** The dividers are all from Dollarama

I know -- it's so cluttered. Half my brushes were just deep cleansed, so they were sitting on my desk drying and not pictured. I had JUST cleaned this area up -- it's normally even messier and more cluttered =(

I got the holder for my MAC palettes from Wendy -- they were originally holders for packages of pilot pens =P They fit in there PERFECTLY! There are eyeshadow and blush palettes in there and I am officially out of space for more =(

Everything in the little blue box is my "everyday" stuff that I reach for frequently.

No more space for lippies -- I've bursted one box before... and this one is about to blow....

The set of drawers I keep almost everything in (office depot -- which doesn't even exist anymore!~ wtf?)... and of course... my sleeping Phoebe ^_^

What sits on top of it all: skin care and necessities

Drawer 1: Face products
Powders/foundations/concealer/primer
(and for some reason... OCC lip tars)

Drawer 2: MSFs

Drawer 3: Blush

Drawer 4: Highlighters/Bronzers
NYX loose pigments/drugstore shadows
gift with purchase Clinique stuff

Drawer 5: Bases
Paint pots/gel liners/NYX jumbo pencils/mascaras

Drawer 6: Palettes/Quads

Drawer 7: MAC/NARS/MUFE potted shadows
MAC Pigments and glitters

Drawer 8: MAC Wipes/ELF/NYX

Drawer 9: Lashes
(a lot are stashed in boxes UNDER my vanity table)

Drawer 10: Extras/Misc.

Disclaimer: everything in this post was purchased by myself.

My Birthday

2010-01-20T21:20:00.006-05:00

So it was my birthday last week and I must say it was the BEST birthday I've EVER had =D I typically don't like to celebrate my birthday, because I don't like to party and I don't like to drink, but I figure for this year, I will do it one last time. My friends made it one to remember =)
On my actual birthday my best friends took me out to sushi and presented me with my present -- Louis Vuitton Damier Ebene wallet to match my Neverfull purse =D

Then on Saturday, I made reservations at a restaurant/bar and a bunch of people just came out and we all had a good time -- and I might've had a little too much fun haha...

Because I was worried about the classic canvas getting frayed over several uses (common for gucci bags), I opted to exchange it for a more durable and classy leather one. It was pretty much my bday upgrade from the bf lol. We took FOREVER deciding whether I wanted to keep the one he originally got me, or the leather one -- he even offered to just buy me both... although it was tempting... i made the exchange instead... hehe... one day... haha
But I really really love this one -- it's a beautiful chocolate brown colour.

*LOVE*

heeeeeeeee!

I *heart* it!

2010-01-18T00:50:00.000-05:00

Already hauling too much...

2010-01-12T20:09:00.006-05:00

Ok fine... so I went back and picked up the other two blushes from the Lilyland collection. I am in love with this blush/formula. I wish MAC would completely phase out their original cremeblush and stock up with this formula in a bunch of different shades!

So Sweet, So Easy

Forida

So Sweet So Easy, Florida

I'm apparently a sephora VIB member, so I was sent a 10% coupon that I just HAD to take advantage of -- plus I wanted to pick up my birthday gift (which they ran out of). I wanted the Laura Geller Lip exfoliator that Wendy got, but they were sold out because Sephora is phasing out this brand (30% off everything), so they led me to [the above] product instead. For the same price, it is only half the size... which kind of sucks... I think I'm going to return it and just use my Volcanic Ash Exfoliator on my lips....

Sephora is also phasing out CARGO and everything was 50% off... there were a quite a few things I've always wanted to try from this Canadian brand, unfortunately they were pretty low in stock. So I settled for one of their Plant Love lipsticks for only $10!

Faith

There is a reason why these are on sale... if you look carefully at the bullet... it looks... old.. (whitish layer on it)... but it doesn't smell bad and the texture feels fine... so it'll do for now.

Swatch of Faith

Very pretty natural looking mauve-colour

Lipswatch of NARS Funnyface (flash)

Just for fun:

MAC Blissed Out as base colour with MAC Dim The Lights as design.

Design used with KONAD nail stamping system.

Disclaimer: All products mentioned were purchased by myself.

Boo...

2010-01-11T19:25:00.003-05:00

My two bestfriends came over this past Saturday for a movie/girl's night. I made us dinner, we played video games, watched a movie and did our nails. When they were on their way out at 3am, I was trying to carry way too many things at once and tipped over my entire box of nail polishes -- I broke my MAC Love & Friendship polish =( I LOVE that colour.... now I have to wait til the next MAC sale and hope that they still carry it there... or wait for a repromote... boo...

That is all.

Lilyland and Sephora Haul

2010-01-09T14:37:00.006-05:00

I know I said that Lilyland had nothing that interested me, but I really wanted to try the cremeblend blush because I read that it's lighter in texture and more pigmented than MAC's original cremeblush. They are sooooo smooth to work with! and BONUS! The MAC MA said that they are great for the lips too -- and they ARE!! They give a pretty lipstained look (I haven't tried with a thicker coat yet). I love the colours I picked up, and I might pick up the other two as well =P
I always wanted the vanilla pigment, and since MAC is phasing out the old jars, I thought I would try my luck with getting it (in the old jar)... no luck, so I settled for the new packaging -- it's super cute, but I feel a tad gyped. Yeah, it's true that I will still NEVER use up the jar, but boo...

Joie-de-vivre

Optimistic Orage

Joie-de-vivre and optimistic orange

Stopped by Sephora and picked up the LAST Funny Face lipstick from NARS that they had in stock. Wendy picked this up a couple of months ago -- I swear she is such an enabler even when she's not there! It's a gorgeous matte-finish "hot pink" colour. I put it in "quotes" because it's not BRIGHT hot pink... it's darker... closer to a berry shade. The picture does it no justice.

Natural lighting -- hard to capture the true colour.

swatch with flash -- you can tell that it has a strong blue base.

Disclaimer: All products mentioned were purchased by myself.

Wishlist fulfilled!

2010-01-09T00:23:00.014-05:00

My very sweet and thoughtful boyfriend fulfilled the majority of my Christmas wishlist this holiday which was all held in this beautiful hot pink Holt Renfrew giftbox. For those of you who are not familiar with Holt Renfrew, it is Canada's high-end department store, which I believe is equivalent to Neiman Marcus.

Find out what was in the box:

heeeeeeeeeeeeee =D

Lush gift card, Sephora gift Card, Chapters giftcard,
Lululemon Giftcard, Godiva chocolates, a book filled with true stories of experiences of teachers in their first years (I'm an aspiring teacher) and a 4gb micro SD card.

Tiffany & Co. Charm bracelet, YSL Rouge Volupte #9, MAC giftcard

And last but not least, Gucci Hobo!!!!!! I have always wanted this one, but it has apparently been discontinued (plus so many people have it), so he got me the newest one from the Spring 2010 collection. Isn't it beautiful?! I LOVE IT! <3

Disclaimer: All products mentioned were given to me as gifts.

Holiday Haul

2010-01-09T00:06:00.004-05:00

Comfort MSF and By Candlelight MSF

2N Lipglass

Surprisingly I didn't do much hauling over the holidays -- SURPRISINGLY! But remember that Christmas wishlist I made? I got almost everything on it =D I'll be putting that in a separate post. I don't have everything pictured, since I wanted to keep my haul post beauty-related. I bought stuff from the Warm and Cozy collection, of course. I have to admit though that MAC's collections in the new year has not interested me, thus far (All Ages/Races/Sexes, Lilyland).

Dim The Lights and Blissed Out

Wendy went to Boston for a couple of days, so I got her to grab me a couple of things from Sephora there, since it's slightly cheaper than buying them in Canada -- I think I saved about $10. Oh how I've missed UDPP. Don't get me wrong, TFSI is great, but UDPP works so much better for me and although I vowed to never get it again until Urban Decay changed their packaging, I caved. Also got the full sized MUFE Sens'Eyes waterproof make-up remover -- it's a really great product!

A friend of mine got me this set for Christmas -- I LOVE LOVE LOVE pomegranate!! Whether it be pomegranate-scented products, or the actual fruit... yummy!

Smashbox Fusion Soft Lights: Dusk

I have been lemming this bronzer for months and months... but I couldn't justify the pricetag. To my surprise I found it in my mailbox on Christmas Eve! I had forgotten that I had mentioned it to s2pandapple aka Michelle about it when we first met and she had bought and sent it to me! What a sweetie for remembering!!! When I first saw it I thought, "WTF?? How did she know? What a lucky guess!" lol
Thank you so much Michelle! <3

Disclaimer: All MAC products mentioned were purchased by myself and the other items were given to me as gifts.

Top 10 Miscellaneous Beauty Products of 2009

2010-01-04T17:45:00.004-05:00

I originally was going to make one post for my top favourite products over the past year... but as I was making my list, I realized that it was getting a tad long, so I decided to divide it up into separate posts by categories.

Here are my top 10 miscellaneous products of 2009!
(everything else)

Note: Products are not in order of importance

** Denotes "HG" status

Misc:
**Nail Magic Nail Hardener: I am so so so sad that this is discontinued in Canada... I've been a life long nail biter and NEVER EVER had long nails in my life. Since March of this year, I have used Nail Magic religiously and my nails have never been longer or stronger... if anyone knows where in Canada I can get this... I'm down to my last drop =(

China Glaze Magic Matte Top Coat: I don't know why nail polish companies haven't thought of the matte finish after all these years.... it is soooooo pretty! The top coat is super convenient too, since you can turn any and all of your nailpolish shades into a matte look. I especially love how fast it dries -- seconds right before your eyes! When you blow on your nails lightly, it's like watching your nails frost up =)

MAC Violet Fire Nail Lacquer: This was part of the Style Warriors collection and I've already used up 1/4 of the bottle. I wore this shade A LOT -- as it is and with the matte top coat -- gorgeous!

MAC Pro eye make up remover: I used to be a devout Clinique user when it comes to skincare and make-up remover. Since I have tried this product, I have converted. It is cheaper and works just as well as Clinique. I like that i can use a q-tip and erase small spots without disturbing other areas of my application. It is non-greasy/oily and is gentle on my skin.

Redken All Soft Shampoo: I was never one who believed in high-end hair products, let alone shampoo... but I bought a Redken All Soft gift package from a past warehouse sale for a really good price and tried it while I was still using my Garnier Fructis. O-M-G. It really makes my hair SUUPPPERRR silky soft. I have recently been using it more often, so I am beginning to lose/get used to the softness, but I used to use it only once a week before and I was really able to tell the difference between this product and my drug store one. I have since bought a full 2L bottle of this stuff and plan on trying the conditioner soon.

Mario Badescu Drying Lotion: This stuff is so great. It is a calamine lotion and salycylic acid mixture that dries out break-outs practically overnight. It may be harsh on individuals with sensitive skin and a stinging sensation varies (on whether you've popped the pimple), but it works!

Body Bakery Whipped Cream with Aloe (Champagne Cocktail): Body Bakery stuff smells sooooooooo delicious that I can eat it!! Creme Brulee is also one of my favourites, but can be nauseating sometimes. Champagne Cocktail is a very fruity scent that can really lift you up and it's super thick, creamy and moisturizing.

Hello Kitty Lashes: PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE repromote these lashes soon MAC!!!!!!!! I managed to snag the last 4 pairs from the last MAC Warehouse sale, but I want MORE!! These are half lashes that are criss-crossed and look a little dramatic in the package, but actually oh-so-naturally flirty when worn. BEAUTIFUL!

**Ardell Demi Wispies: My absolutely favourite lashes by Ardell. They are super flirty and natural looking when worn.

**Biore Deep Cleansing Pore Strips: I have been using these since they were first introduced in the mid-90s. I can't live without this stuff. I use one typically a day or two before a big event or big night out. They really do grab onto and pull out most of the gunk on my nose. Looks so cool yet so gross at the same time on those strips =P

Disclaimer: All products mentioned were purchased by myself.

Top 10 Beauty Tools of 2009

2010-01-04T16:02:00.003-05:00

Top 10 Lip Products of 2009

2010-01-04T15:07:00.005-05:00

I originally was going to make one post for my top favourite products over the past year... but as I was making my list, I realized that it was getting a tad long, so I decided to divide it up into separate posts by categories.

Here are my top 10 favourite lip products of 2009!

Note: Products are not in order of importance

** Denotes "HG" status

Lips:
**MAC Brave New Bronze: LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE! I raved about this again and again. This was part of the Style Warriors Collection from this past summer and it is my PERFECT nude! In fact, I find this the perfect bridal lip colour, as I have used this on a bride I did a few months back and will be using it on 2 others for 2010. I was hoping and waiting for it to be at the MAC warehouse sale -- when I saw it, I immediately grabbed 4!! I LOVE IT THAT MUCH!! It is similar to Cherish (both are Satin finishes), but BNB has a little more pink in it. LOOOOVVVVVEEEEE!

**MAC Lollipop Loving: Before BNB came along, this was my absolute favourite lippie. It is still in my top 3, but alas, BNB has taken its place. This lipstick is a coral pink with a green sheen to it -- sounds weird, but super pretty and super unique and makes a fabulous everyday lip colour. What I love most about this shade is that it has the ability to brighten up my face when worn alone with no other make up on. I think it has something to do with the green sheen.

MAC Creme Cup: When the cremesheen formula first came out, I really liked it, but as I got to try more shades I found that it's actually a little drying. Despite that, Creme Cup is a very soft and feminine, milky pink colour that is great for the summer. I find it a very wearable shade and makes your mouth look so luscious when paired with a great gloss.

**MAC Boy Bait Cremesheen Glass: Cremesheen Glasses are going to be permanent at MAC!! YAY!!! Boy Bait is a creamy nude colour (could it be any other?) that is sheer but imparts just enough colour to provide an even tone to the lips. The formula is divine -- not sticky but creamy and smooth. I have always used it sparingly and even bought a back up when it was repromoted in the holiday collection. I can now use it to my hearts desire.

MAC Miss Marble lipglass: My lips but better lipglass. Released with the Colour Craft collection, this is a pinky shade that is pigmented enough and not as sticky as the original lipglasses.

Avon Smooth Minerals Lipstick in Plum Craze: I won this from the Fashion Magazine giveaway and it is surprisingly a very nice shade and wonderfully creamy formula. The receptionist at my doctor's office is an Avon rep, so I have flipped through the catelogue in search of this lipstick so that I could try more shades. Unfortunately, I couldn't find it for some reason. I find that the formula very similar and comparable (but not AS creamy) to the YSL Rouge Volupte formula, but I'm going to assume that it costs only 1/10 of the price lol. It's SO soft though, that keeping it in bullet form was impossible and I had to fully detube it into a sample jar. It's a great fall and winter shade.

Biotherm Glossy Milky #419: This is a dupe to the MAC cremesheen glass. I bought this at a past L'Oreal Warehouse sale BEFORE cremesheen glasses were introduced and I really really liked it. Nude (of course) and creamy/milky looking gives lips a supple and full look.

Kiehl's Lip Balm #1 (Mint): Another vaseline variation for lip protection. This only has spf4 but I suppose it's better than nothing. I like this a lot because it's in a convenient tube, thus a more sanitary option than the potted or tin counterparts for the germaphobes out there.

MAC Show Orchid: I love hot pink lipsticks -- to look at -- lol, but I rarely wear them because they are a little bold for me. When I finally wore this out for the IMATS though, I have NEVER received so many compliments for the lipcolour I wear, so it was nice encouragement and provided me with more confidence to wear bold shades more often. Show Orchid is a PRO shade (that is apparently being discontinued), but is being repromoted in 2010.

MAC Viva Glam VI SE: This is a very smooth and creamy lustre formula (which i'm typically not a fan of) with zero shimmer. Some would call this a "my lips but better" shade and is very creamy and non-drying. I actually think this and the Avon lippie I mentioned above are very similar now that I think about it. Unfortunately, this is a limited edition shade and will be off the shelves soon. Replacing it are the Lady Gaga and Cindy Lauper Viva Glam shades -- which I cannot wait for!!

Disclaimer: Except for the Avon lipstick, all products mentioned were purchased by myself.

Top 10 Eye Products of 2009

2010-01-04T14:40:00.004-05:00

I originally was going to make one post for my top favourite products over the past year... but as I was making my list, I realized that it was getting a tad long, so I decided to divide it up into separate posts by categories.

Here are my top 10 favourite eye products of 2009!

Note: Products are not in order of importance

** Denotes "HG" status

Eyes:
**MAC Fluidline: I have this product in several shades, but the shade that took me by surprise is definitely Dipdown (chocolate brown). Not only have I converted to this shade for my daily eyeliner (I find black too harsh now), I also use it to fill in my brows (thanks to Wendy!), when I want a more bold and long lasting look.

MAC Liquidlast Liner: I bought this in Blue Herizon several years back, but gave it to my bestfriend because I thought it was such a horrible liner. It is incredibly difficult to remove and the applicator brush that it comes with it absolutely horrible. I revisted this liquid liner in
Point Black in 2009 and fell in love because since then, I have started using oil-based make-up remover for the waterproof products and realized that you don't have to use the applicator brush that it comes with. I apply this product with an angled liner brush and it goes on so dark and like I said, it is difficult to remove, so it stays on and does not budge. For someone with really oily lids, this is huge. I especially like to use this before I apply false lashes.

MUFE no. 92: This is LOVE! The very popular MUFE #92 -- what can I say but super pigmented and super smooth matte formula heaven?? I love doing purple looks and this shadow just completes it when applied in the outer V.

NYX e/s black: I don't own MAC Carbon... and I don't think I ever will. NYX is pigmented and at a fraction of the price of MAC. I use this shadow a lot to smoke out my looks.

Cover Girl Lashblast Mascara (waterproof): I like to try new products and mascara is no different. Despite trying more high-end mascaras over 2009, I have always returned to Lashblast. It gives great volume and rarely smudges on me -- I am still on the look-out for a completely smudge-proof and waterproof mascara though.

MAC Glitter Eyeliner in Her Glitz: I don't use this a lot, but it's absolutely gorgeous. The glitter liners that MAC has come out with in the past were streaky and didn't impart much pigmentation other than scattered glitter. This formula, introducted with the Hello Kitty Collection, is pigmented, does not flake and is just so glamorous! Unfortunately, MAC has yet to include more of this product in its collections, since Hello Kitty -- I would love to try more colours.

MAC Shadestick in Red Velvet: Sugar Sweet Collection re-introduced shadesticks to the MAC world amidst rumours that they were trying to phase it out. The new repackaging was sleak and the formula improved. The collection had 5 shades I believe and Red Velvet was the only one I didn't pick up from my initial haul. Wendy (the enabler!) then convinced me that I needed Red Velvet too, so I got it later the same day and it has become my FAVOURITE one of the bunch. It makes an amazing base under my purples.

**MAC Grease Paintstick in Black: Laced with purple shimmer, this is my HG black base and works with ANY eye look. It is a variation of the shadestick, but the formula is NOT grease-like at all and wears amazingly well (crease-free and 'waterproof'). It can be a pain to clean off, but I think it's totally worth it and CANNOT WAIT til MAC releases it in more colours this spring (including true black)!

Blanc Type Matte2 e/s: This is my go-to browbone/highlight colour. The matte2 formula is to die for because it's pigmented, smooth and creamy. I like this as my highlight because the looks I usually do is a little on the shimmery side, so this matte colour balances it off nicely.

Handwritten Matte2 e/s: Another matte2 formula in my favourites. Handwritten is a dark chocolate brown with the slightest red undertone and is my typical go-to outer V and crease colour when I do a neutral eye (which is fairly often).

Disclaimer: All products mentioned were purchased by myself.

Top 10 Face Products of 2009

2010-01-02T22:59:00.018-05:00

Happy New Year everyone!! I hope your holidays were relaxing and fun -- because mine sure was! With lots of good food, good friends and loved ones!

I originally was going to make one post for my top favourite products over the past year... but as I was making my list, I realized that it was getting a tad long, so I decided to divide it up into separate posts by categories.

Here are my top 10 favourite face products of 2009!
(foundation/blush/skincare etc)

Note: Products are not in order of importance

** Denotes "HG" status

Face:
**MUFE Face and Body: I have the MAC face and body foundation in C3 and I personally think it pales in comparison with MUFE. I absolutely love this as my summer foundation as it gives such a sheer and lightweight finish, yet really does provide just enough coverage and the eveness I need. For me though, I need to dust a little powder over it because it tends to make me look a tad shiny, although it does not feel the slightest bit greasy. On lazy days when I want to look polished but not like I have make-up on, I slather this baby on. This is also the only foundation I can use my fingers to apply in a haphazard way, without worrying about any streaking. Another bonus is that because it's so lightweight and sheer, a single shade can suit a fairly wide range of skintones.

MAC Studio Fix Fluid: I was afraid to try this product at first due to the reviews, as several users have broken out, but I find that it works really well for me. I find that it gives me a nearly full and flawless coverage without looking mask-like. The only problem I have with it is the colour-matching... either MAC has a problem or I have a problem lol. When I use an NC shade, I find that it looks too fake/yellow on me, but it matches my neck. When I use my (current) NW shade, I think it sinks in and matches flawlessly with my face, but not with my neck. I know that the colour on our face don't match our necks... but does mine really differ that greatly??

**MAC Prep and Prime spf50: High spf with long lasting shine control -- what more could I ask for? Oh right, it keeps my make-up looking great for longer, too =)

**MAC Sunny By Nature MSF: Introduced in the Colour Craft Collection -- I cannot live without this. This is my all time favourite MSF. I was sooooooooooooo happy to find that it was part of the last MAC warehouse sale's charity package so now I have 2 extra back-ups =D I find that this MSF is super versatile for me -- I use it as an all over wash over my lids... as a blush over the summer and a light bronzer during the winter. LOVE!

MAC Refined MSF: I bought Perfect Topping MSF first, because it was just so pretty in the pan (from the Sugar Sweet Collection)... after several weeks of reading reviews, I caved and bought Refined. I am so glad I did, because I use this a lot more than Perfect Topping. I find it the right highlight shade for me as it provides a beautiful warm glow, whereas PT is a tad more on the cool side.

MAC Hot Planet Mineralize Blush Duo: What a beautiful blush! Before 2009, I had not owned a single mineralized blush. Today, I own more MB than I do regular blush (I think lol). This colour just works so well for me. It's a tad on the plum side I suppose (I'm not the best at describing colour), and it is just SO pretty. MAC has since released several different dupes however (Fad-Dabulous is one example), so don't feel like you've missed out.

MUFE Full Cover Concealer: This concealer is absolutely amazing. Thick, creamy and full coverage, it covers my blemishes in a snap and once it dries down/sets, it DOES NOT BUDGE! It's pricey, but since I literally use a pinhead size each time, my current tube will last me a long time. Once I run out though, I will surely repurchase -- even at retail price!

MAC Studio Finish Concealer spf30: Like the MUFE concealer, this is creamy and full coverage. The difference is, this doesn't set as nicely as the MUFE one does as it's a bit too creamy and can smudge/cake a little. That doesn't mean it's not a great product! I use this for my undereye circles mainly and when set with powder, makes me look refreshed and energized.

Urban Decay Pore Perfecting Complexion Primer Potion: I don't use this nearly enough, only because it's just way too pricey. When I DO use it though, this stuff is golden. It goes on velvet smooth, creating the perfect canvas for foundation or powder application. I have sweat through nights of dancing and returned home to find that my foundation is still in place thanks to this primer. Now, if only UD would knock off about $10...

MAC Skin Refined Zone: I used this a lot more when I first got it and even acquired 4 back-ups. However, due to my exponentially growing number of products and my need to always try new things, I have come to neglect this wonder little tube of magic. This product can be used as a nightly treatment to reduce the appearance of pores overtime, as well as being used as a primer. Due to the quantity however, I only used it on my T-Zone and it just made everything look sooooooo smooth. This is being repromoted in 2010 and will be a permanent item, since it was the only LE item when it was first introduced with the "Colour Ready" collection.

Disclaimer: All products mentioned were purchased by myself.

Monthly Favourites: December

2009-12-29T01:55:00.004-05:00

Another month has passed me by... I had a wonderful Christmas and I hope you did too! I will be posting my favourites of 2009 soon! It's going to be a tough decision, since I have tried so many great products this year -- but there are some that I just can't give up on and some that has become by HG... I'll also be posting my "holiday haul" sometimes this/next week... =D

Face:
Select Sheer Pressed Powder (NC30): Tried and true -- this is the only MAC product that I've ever hit pan and repurchased 3 or 4 times now. This is a great finishing powder that is lightweight and not cakey at all.

Make Up For Ever Full Cover Concealer (#8): Best concealer for scars and blemishes. Hands down. I tend to only buy/use concealers for my undereyes because I have been blessed with fairly flawless skin. However, my being impatient with my occasional acne has caused scarring which irrates the hell out of me. It's a slightly thick and full coverage concealer that sets nicely without looking cakey on the skin and just covers sooooooooooo well. Shade 8 is perfect for my complexion but a tad too dark for my undereyes. I use very little (pinhead size) and can't see myself run out of this any time soon -- but if i do I can see myself repurchasing it.

Eyes:
Diorshow waterproof mascara: This is one of the best mascaras I've used in terms of volume and length, however, I did have one problem with it and that it smudges like mad =( For a waterproof mascara, I don't appreciate that at all. I haven't tried it without undereye concealer though, because I think I am beginning to see a pattern when it comes to my waterproof mascaras and concealer -- and that if i wear concealer ... my mascara will smudge -- dunno why O_O

Make Up For Ever Sens'Eyes: This is a cream/lotion based waterproof make-up remover that is meant for sensitive eyes. This stuff is awesome and if it weren't so expensive, I'd be using it more often! I often avoid wearing waterproof make-up (mascara) because I really hate using oil-based removers... but this stuff is so gentle and does NOT leave a sticky/greasy feeling afterwards!

Lips:
Crazy Haute lipglass: This is the marbalized lipglass from the Colour Craft collection this past summer. I got this at the last MAC warehouse sale (that I did not blog about) and omg... I LOVE it! It's a great pinky/coral shade that is semi-sheer, but packs just enough punch. The lipglasses from this collection was lovely and I regret not getting all of them (I think I have half of them) -- they are all so smooth and the colours so delicious!

Kiehl's Lip Balm #1 (mint): This is a vaseline-based lip balm with spf4 and is really soothing (probably because of the menthol). I have mint, but it comes in a bunch of flavours such as coconut, vanilla, mango, etc etc... I've been carrying it around with me since I got it and it's just so much more convenient when it's in a tube (vs. the Smith's Minted Rose Lip Balm that's in a tin) and definitely more sanitary.

Pot Pourri

2009-12-22T13:10:00.005-05:00

When you stop blogging for a while... you kind of lose momentum and lose your motivation to pick it up again... I'm really trying not to do that... so here I am... but I don't have much to write about at this moment!~

I've been so extremely busy just relaxing and catching up with my friends since my exams ended, because I've been in hermit mode for SO LONG.

I got to hold one of the olympic torches that was part of the relay as it passed through Toronto!! That was really cool!! The gentlemen who brought it in is the grandfather of one of the students at the school I work at. After the assembly/presentation, the kids all whined how "boring" it was to me... it was so funny. Once lunch started and he was packing away the torch in the office, ALL the teachers ran to the office to get a glimpse of it... then someone asked if they could take a picture holding it... which led to EVERYONE requesting the same thing! The adults and teachers were definitely more excited about it than the kids were =P

As for make-up related news.... I filmed a BUNCH of videos including tag videos and haul videos... but I deleted them all by accident >_< and now I'm too lazy to re-film...

I hauled a lot since my last post... both MAC and Sephora... so much that it's too much to post in pictures and to make a new video about.... so... I'm just gonna scrap it o_o sorry ladies...

I DOOOOOO have a contest coming up!!! both on YT and on my blog.... I have made partner with YT for a while now.... but I don't have a banner yet... and I don't know how to make one lol... so the contest will be revolved around that... and I've accumulated lots of prizes for it. As for the blog, I am thinking of a new layout... again... I am illiterate when it comes to anything like that... (which is why I've stuck to the standard blogspot template)...

Thats it for now... I hope you're all having a wonderful holiday!

xoxo

Sanderlees

Quick Update and Christmas Wish List

2009-12-07T20:02:00.002-05:00

Ok... so I was hoping to blog a bit more now that classes are over and that I'm "only" studying for exams... except the stress of exams have gotten to me. So here I am... one more post until the END of my exams (Dec 17th)... it's so close... yet soooooooooo far away!!!! =*(
I still need to post the IMATS pics that Kristine sent me too >_< baahhh
This has got to be the most stressful semester of my university career.... and I cannot wait until it's OVER!!!!!

To take the stress off a tad... I was daydreaming up a list of items I want for Christmas (and most likely will end up getting for and from myself rather than from friends lol)... here goes:

in no particular order....

* George Foreman Grill
* Conair Sound Therapy Relaxation System
* Mall/MAC/Sephora/Holts/Chapters Gift Card
* CHI Hair Straightener
* Jurlique Hand Cream
* NARS Funny Face lipstick
* YSL Rouge Volupte #9 and #13
* MUFE Flash Palette
* Gym membership
* Complete Sex and the City DVD Box set
* Micro SD Memory Card (4gb)
* WASGIJ Puzzle
* Lush: Bathbombs, emotibombs, shower jellies

Monthly Favourites: November

2009-11-26T18:18:00.004-05:00

I am still on hiatus -- I am currently in the middle of Teacher's College Applications (deadline is approaching FAST) plus 2 weeks worth of exams... my last day is Dec 17 -- but I should be able to blog regularly again after next week... I just realized that I really enjoy blogging. Despite this only being a beauty blog and that there isn't much substance to it in terms of my personal life... I just enjoy sharing my thoughts, even if it's about cosmetics (nothing wrong with that!). Plus, I'm sure that if you're here, you aren't interested in knowing about my boring life (it really is boring)...

This month has gone by slowly (unlike the past several months) and I can't wait for it to be OVVEERRRRRR...

Face:
Volcanic Ash Exfoliator: I don't use exfoliants as much as I should -- I simply just don't remember. Don't even get me started with masques. As much as I would LIKE to use these extra products on top of my regular/daily skin care regime, I simply don't have the time. With that said, when I DO remember to use an exfoliator, I reach for either the MAC Microfine Refinisher or the Volcanic Ash one. I think I'm going through this faster than I should though... lol.. I'm already half done and it's a LE item =S I really like the sugar granules and the way it dissolves as I work it in, although I do feel it dissolves a little TOO quickly. Leaves my skin super duper smooth afterwards (definitely a noticeable difference from the microfine refinisher).

Eyes:
NARS Mekong eyeshadow: I've been wanting this for a while, but could never justify buying it because of its pricetag. I picked this up with Sephora's VIB 20% discount a few weeks ago. It's a beautiful shimmery DARK chocolate brown. Some have described it as a black with gold glitter -- it is definitely not. I love this on my crease/outer V... it is soooooo pigmented and sooo easy to work with/blend. I've used this every single time I've put make-up on my face this month.

Lips:
Show Orchid Lipstick: WOW. That is all I can say about this lipstick. I've wanted it since it came out with the Colour Ready Collection in April, but never picked it up and really regretted it when it was taken off the shelves and (I thought) sold out everywhere. Wendy found out that they still carried it at my closest mall, but I kept forgetting to pick it up whenever I was there. When I finally DID remember, they only had THREE left. Phew. I had never officially worn it out, but I admired it a lot. It's a hot hot in your face fuschia pink (I'm a nude lip girl). I finally wore it to the IMATS and OMG I have never received so many compliments for what I wear on my lips lol (I topped it with flashmode lustreglass) -- I even got a compliment from pursebuzz!! Like one commenter (who saw me) said... the pictures really do no justice to what it actually looked like in person. GORGEOUS~

Toronto IMATS (pic heavy)

2009-11-21T23:47:00.012-05:00

So I've been trying to upload my haul video all night and I think I'm just going to scrap it all together, because it keeps saying that my video file isn't compatable with YT?? Did YT change anything on me in the past couple of weeks that I don't know about?

Anyway, I attended the first annual IMATS in Toronto today with Wendy and the FIRST EVER IN CANADA woooooooo -- we have been talking about and waiting all year for this event!!!!!!!!!

So the venue was supposed to open/start at 8:30am, but Wendy and I arrived around 7:45am and they let us in by 8am by which we bee-lined to the Make Up For Ever (MUFE) booth -- good move too since its line grew very quickly and soon became the longest line at the event which at first wrapped/snaked around a few booths then straightened out to block Temptu the majority of the day lol

So MUFE's booth had the majority of its collection there (sans lip products) and everything was 40% off!!! Although I do feel they were being a tad dishonest because the shadows they were selling were the refills ($13CAD) and NOT the packaged ones ($21) and they charged us $12 each for them -- NOT 40% off lol.. oh well... still a good deal in general and I spent the majority of my money there=P I regret not picking up the Flash Colour Palette though.. sigh.. that's okay.. I'm in no dire need of it anyway.... =(

We met Kevin-James Bennett! I was somewhat familiar with him before this event, but I can't say I am a hardcore fan (unlike Wendy) -- when she saw him I swear she almost collapsed! She wanted to take a pic with him but was too scared to approach him... lol We finally caught him alone and nowhere near a crowd so it was her chance to meet him and as he was walked by us I nudged her to make her move... but she stood there frozen!!! It was the funniest thing EVER!!!!! I couldn't help myself and bursted out laughing... like LOUDLY -- which caught his attention! So he approached us and we chatted VERY briefly and Wendy was TOTALLY star-struck (AAAAAAWWWWWW)... he's totally "fierce" and soooooooooo pretty/sexy/attractive lol..

We only attended one class/seminar and it was his (on how to apply makeup and make it last 18hours)-- VERY informative and entertaining =) I am definitely a fan now!

We also got to meet Pursebuzz and Koren! Wendy spotted them as they were arriving so we got to take pictures and briefly 'chat' before the crowd grew... she mentioned how it almost felt like we've known them personally for a long time and didn't feel like we were actually meeting them for the first time, at all! -- it was all very exciting!!

I'm sad I didn't take more pictures... of the crowds... of the booths... or even make small video clips... none of it crossed my mind while I was there because I was in HEAVEN and just was so focused on what was around me and forgot about my camera for most of the day.

I didn't take ANY pictures of the gothic themed student competition -- not going to lie.. it wasn't very impressive.. especially compared to the pictures I've seen from the Pasadena event!

I met some of my subscribers, followers and familiar faces (Kristine ^_^) so thanks everyone for saying hi! Sorry if I was a little awkward -- I was very overwhelmed lol

The show ended at 5:30 but we left by 3:30 -- nearly 8hours there -- we couldn't do it anymore.. we were sooooooooooo tired and soooooooooooo hungry... (plus neither of us got much sleep last night hehe)...

picture time!

MUFE Model -- poor girl was shivering the whole time
(The MUFE booth was right by the main entrance)

Air Brushing
I look so awkward lol
(front entrance)

Cool and realistic looking busts
(wolverine)

This baby was so creepy!!! This pic doesn't show how big it is, but it was the size of like.. a 42inch TV (the old school boxy kind!)

freaky

the pictures turn out different than what it looks like in real life for some reason

SOOOOO scary looking but soo cool

Special effects make-up

eww

so real looking..

burn victim

Wendy and Koren

Wendy and Elessa/pursebuzz

Emmy Award winner Kevin-James Bennett

Me and Koren

Me and Pursebuzz!
UGH.. so unflattering ... but I'll post anyway... lol
A picture never lies... time for Sanderlees to hit the gym =(

IMATS HAUL

2009-11-21T23:27:00.004-05:00

MUFE 10-well palette

HD foundation #127

Full Cover Concealer: #8 and #6

HD Primer #0

MUFE shadows!!

#116

#160, #137
#5, #172

Disposable spatulas

cosmetic swabs

Crown Brush: Bronzing Brush

Ben Nye Matte Foundation Sample

feathered, hush, grandma, NSFW

IMATS Toronto

2009-11-21T01:48:00.000-05:00

HERE I COME!!!!!

Halloween FOTD

2009-11-05T22:33:00.006-05:00

Only one Halloween picture unfortunately... I have a lot of little kids from the school I work at, but for their privacy, I'm not going to post them...

As for Halloween night... I went out drinking and roaming the streets with my bf and his friends... it was a RANDOM night... my first time in the city during Halloween... fun nonetheless... so neat seeing a herd of people in wacky costumes... also the streets were LIVE til at least 5am... especially since it was daylight savings... it was "technically" 6am.... also something I've never experienced here in Toronto.. usually the streets are dead (even on a club night) by 3... 4am MAX...

My look wasn't anything fancy obviously... I was a "zombie doctor" and I wore that make-up and costume combo to the junior school I work at... I scared a lot of kids... I guess that's a good thing?? lol

I mixed black pigment with my MUFE foundation to get the greyish look.. and the contour is all done by black NYX eyeshadow.

The burn on the cheek is done with scar paste with blue and red eyeshadow and clear gloss to make it look puss-filled (it looked really cool)... and the thing under the eye is red eyeshadow from my 88-palette with clear gloss on top.

not very creative. I know.

Hope all of you had a fun and safe Halloween.

I am officially on hiatus until December...

keep leaving me comments and emails -- I still read them!

xoxo

Sanderlees

Monthly Favourites: October

2009-10-26T20:00:00.002-04:00

Ah yes... another month and another set of favourites... I have decided that I will go on hiatus starting the month of November until early December... so this will be one of my last posts (I will post some halloween pics from school when those materialize)...

Face:
Prep and Prime Face Protect SPF 50: I bought this based on AMAZING reviews on Makeupalley, but I still wasn't convinced and kept this on my vanity without using it for a couple of months. The reason I wasn't convinced is because generally I hate SPF on my face -- it is ALWAYS sticky, no matter the product claim of "oil free" etc etc... The consitency is thick and creamy, further deterring me from wanting to try this product, especially during the summer (when I originally bought it). I've finally got around to using it and of course, I was wrong. The thick cream absorbs quickly and leaves a smooth and velvety canvas and actually keeps me relatively oil-free throughout the day. It performs superbly as a primer as it keeps my foundaton fresh all day and the bonus for me is definitely the high SPF count, since I know I don't use nearly enough SPF on my face as I should. This is a winner for me.

On a Mission blush: This blush came out with the Style Warriors collection -- turns out I really like a lot of what came out with that collection! It's a beautiful plummy colour that's great for the fall.

*Just a heads up -- every MAC store has a drawer that stores a lot of stuff from the past several collections, but no longer displayed. If you missed something from 2009, ask the MAs to let you take a peak in the drawer, or even just ASK if they have a certain product -- you just might be surprised.

Eyes:
MAC Greasepaint Stick: I am so glad that this is a permanent item. I typically don't use bases, even though I have a lot. I usually just use my primer (UDPP/TFSI) and layer my shadows on top. This product reminds me how important it is sometimes to use a great base. The name of the product turned me off but I was intrigued nonetheless and picked it up when it was first launched with Style Black. I'm soooo glad I did, because it's sold out everywhere now... who knows when they'll restock for the permanent collection, again. Once set, this thing doesn't budge or smudge -- an amazing formula that cannot be compared to the traditional shadesticks. The hidden sharpener at the bottom is nifty, too!

MUFE no.9 and no. 92: I absolutely love these two Make Up For Ever shadows... they are the softest, most pigmented/vibrant matte shadows EVER -- they are super easy to use and incredibly easy to blend... I've used them a lot this month ... and it helps that they're purple... i LOVVEEE purples =P

Lips:
No Favourites this month =(

Possible Hiatus?

2009-10-19T22:44:00.003-04:00

Hate to say it... but I might be going on hiatus... this is my last semester of school (with only 6 weeks to go) and I haven't been taking it as seriously as I should...

This blog will probably not be neglected for the entire 6 weeks... but I probably will only be posting if there is somethinge exciting to post about... =(
As always... we'll see how it goes and play by ear....

Who Inspires You

2009-10-18T14:24:00.003-04:00

Please take a minute to visit http://www.whoinspiresu.ca/whoinspiresu/whoinspiresu.html and vote for Sheryl Ng (PincStuff) and help her remain in first place! ^_^

Also, don't forget to visit her site at http://www.pincstuff.com/ (she makes the most delicious looking trinkets!!!)

Harajuku Lovers Fragrance Giveaway WINNER

2009-10-18T02:17:00.001-04:00

comment #24 = Ally

Congratulations!

BLOG SALE NOW

2009-10-14T17:00:00.001-04:00

Visit Sanderlees' Shop for the blog sale happening now!

MAYJAH DISCOVERY

2009-10-08T22:03:00.002-04:00

Did anyone ever notice that you can pull out the end of the greasepaint stick and voila! there exists a sharpener?!?!? I thought I broke it!! Do the MAC MUAs even know about this?! CRAZY!!

Harajuku Lovers Contest [closed]

2009-10-08T17:33:00.007-04:00

Hi Everyone!!!

I would like to announce a giveaway that is generously being sponsored by Matchstick!!! ONE (1) Lucky winner will receive the entire Harajuku Lovers Fragrance set valued at $250CND.

Administrative stuff:

1. To be eligible to enter, follow and subscribe to this blog and my YT channel.
2. Comment under this post and tell me which of "Love, Angel, Music, Baby or Gwen" do you think you relate to most and WHY?
3. Include in your comment your EMAIL -- I can't stress this enough!!!
4. One entry per household.
5. Winner chosen at random with random.org number generator.
6. Contest closes October 17, 2009 11:59pm EST and winner announced the next day.

This giveaway is open to Canadian Residences only (minus Quebec).
Please read the official rules and regulations.

Official Rules & Regulations
The Contest will run from October 8, 2009 at 12:00 p.m. (noon) [ET] to October 17, 2009 at 11:59 p.m. [ET] (the “Contest Period”).
The contest is sponsored by Coty Canada Inc. and Matchstick Inc. (the “Sponsor”). The contest is hosted by http://www.sanderlees.com/ (“The Host”).

1. To Enter:
No Purchase Necessary. Void where prohibited by law. Limit of one (1) entry per household, per person, per email address. Enter online: Go to http://www.sanderlees.com/ (the “Contest Website”) during the Contest Period, complete the fulfill contest entry specifics and submit as instructed. Any attempt or suspected attempt to enter more than once shall be deemed as tampering and will void all of your entries. Any use of robotic, automatic, programmed or entry methods not authorized by these rules will void all entries affected by such methods and shall also be deemed as tampering and will void all of your entries.
General Conditions of Entry: By entering this contest, all entrants consent to the collection, use and disclosure of their personal information by Sponsor and Host for the purposes of running the contest or for any other purpose to which entrants consent. Once submitted, entries become the exclusive property of The Host and The Sponsor and will not be returned. Personally identifiable information received will be used by the Host only to verify eligibility, ship samples and award prizes. Upon completion of the contest, The Host will destroy any and all entries and personally identifiable information for all contestants. All personal information received by the Sponsor will only be for the purposes of fulfilling the prize and collected, used and stored in accordance with its Privacy Policy, located at: www.matchstick.ca/privacy.htm

2. Eligibility:
To enter and be eligible to win, an entrant must be a legal resident of Canada (excluding Quebec) who is over the age of majority in their province or territory of residence. Employees of or those residing with an employee of Coty Canada Inc, the Sponsor or Host, their agents, representatives, parents, affiliates, subsidiaries and dealers, advertising and promotional agencies, sponsors, suppliers of prizes, materials or services related to this contest, including the independent judging organization are not eligible to enter this contest.
This contest is subject to all applicable federal, provincial and municipal laws and regulations.
Each entrant is only eligible to win one (1) prize during the Contest Period.

3. Prizes to be awarded:
Entrants are eligible to win one (1) Harajuku Lovers Fragrance prize packages with an approximate retail value of $250.00 each.
The Sponsor reserves the right in the event that a Prize or any component of the Prize cannot be awarded as described for any reason, to substitute another Prize of equal or greater value, without liability.
Any costs or expenses incurred by the winner in claiming or using his/her prize will be the responsibility of the winner. Winner is responsible for all taxes and expenses which are not included in the prize description above.
In the event of a dispute, entries shall be deemed to be submitted by the authorized account holder of the email address submitted at the time of entry. “Authorized account holder” is defined as the natural person who is assigned to an e-mail address by an internet access provider, on-line service provider, or other organization (e.g. business, educational institution, etc.) that is responsible for assigning e-mail addresses for the domain associated with the submitted e-mail address. Illegible entries, bulk drop-offs, mechanical reproductions or facsimile entries are ineligible.

4. Winners

A random draw will occur on or about October 18, 2009 on or around 12:00 p.m. EST at Toronto, Ontario.
Odds of being selected/winning are based on the number of entries submitted. Selected entrants will be contacted by telephone and/or email at the Host’s and Sponsor’s discretion. Only the selected entrants will be notified.

A winner for the contest will be selected by The Host and announced October 18, 2009 on or around 12:00 p.m. EST.
Selected entrants will be contacted by telephone and/or email at the Host’s discretion. Only the selected entrants will be notified. Before being awarded the prize, selected entrants must first correctly answer without assistance of any kind, whether mechanical or otherwise, a time-limited mathematical skill-testing question with the Sponsor. If an eligible entrant is selected but cannot be reached after four (4) attempts and the skill-testing question is not administered within 20 business days of the selection, the selected entry will be deemed void and an alternate entrant may be selected.
Only upon signing and returning the Declaration and Release Form described below in Rule 5 and correctly answering the skill-testing question, will a selected eligible entrant be declared an official winner.

5. Release Forms:
The selected entrants of a prize will be required to sign and return, within the time stipulated by the Sponsor, a full release and indemnity form (“Declaration and Release Form”) stating that he/she has read and understood these Official Rules and Regulations (“Official Rules”), grants all consents and authorizes the Sponsor to broadcast, publish and disseminate his/her name, address, photograph, likeness, sobriquet and voice, in connection with any promotion or publicity, and/or for general news, entertainment and information purposes relating to this Contest at no additional compensation, beyond the awarding of the prize. Selected entrants must also agree to accept the prize as offered.
The Declaration and Release Form also releases The Sponsor, The Host, its affiliates, subsidiaries, related companies, and all their respective directors, officers, employees, shareholders, representatives and agents, successors and assigns from and against any and all liability, claims of damages and causes of action, of any kind whatsoever, whether at law or in equity, and including but not limited to death, personal injury and loss or damage to property, that the winner or any of the representatives, heirs, next of kin or assignees (collectively, “Representatives”) may have or which may hereinafter accrue to the winner’s Representatives as a result directly or indirectly from their participation in the contest or receipt or use or acceptance of the prize.
In the event of non-compliance with these requirements (as applicable) or with these Official Rules, or if prize notification is returned undeliverable, Sponsor shall have the right to disqualify the potential winner, and select an alternate potential winner and shall be fully and completely released and discharged from any liability or responsibility in this regard.

6. Limitations of Liability:
Neither The Sponsor nor The Host will be liable for: a) any incomplete, incorrect or inaccurate capture of information, whether caused by the Contest Website users or by any equipment or programming associated with or utilized in the Contest, or by any technical or human error which may occur in the processing of entries; b) the theft, destruction or unauthorized access to, or alteration of, entries; c) any problems with, or technical malfunctions of, telephone networks or lines, computer on-line systems, servers or providers, computer equipment, software, viruses or bugs; d) any failure of any email to be received by or from Sponsor for any reason including but not limited to traffic congestion on the Internet or at any website or combination thereof, interrupted or unavailable networks; e) damage to a participant’s or other person’s system occasioned by participation or downloading of materials in this Contest; f) late, delayed, damaged, misdirected, destroyed, lost, illegible, incomplete, incorrect, fraudulent, stolen, postage-due or wrongly addressed entries which will be deemed void.

7. Right to Terminate:
The Sponsor reserves the right, at its sole discretion to terminate, suspend or modify this Contest, without notice, at any time should i) any electronic messages or any other materials used in this Contest be tampered with, mutilated, altered, forged, reproduced, not legitimately obtained; or ii) other types of fraud are suspected; or ,iii) entries are illegible or contain or reflect printing, production or other errors; or iv) virus, bugs, technical failures, human, printing or distribution errors or any other cause beyond the control of the Sponsor corrupt the administration, security, safety, fairness, or proper conduct of any element of this Contest as described in these Official Rules. Without limiting the foregoing, if, for any reason, the contest is not capable of running as originally planned should any error, whether human, electronic or otherwise, or any other event interfere with its proper conduct as contemplated by these Official Rules, Sponsor reserves the right to cancel the online portion of the contest and conduct the draw from all other previously received eligible entries.

8. Miscellaneous:
By entering, entrants agree to abide by the Official Rules and agree that the decisions of The Sponsor and The Host are final and binding in all matters relating to this Contest. The prizes must be accepted as awarded and no transfer or substitution of the prize, whether for cash or otherwise, will be permitted except as expressly provided in these Rules or at the Sponsor’s sole discretion. Prize may not be exactly as shown on Promotion publicity or promotional materials. The Sponsor reserves the right to substitute this prize with a prize of equal or greater value if for any reason the prize cannot be awarded as contemplated in these Official Rules.
Sponsor reserves the right at its sole discretion to disqualify, from this Contest and any future contest, sweepstakes or other Contest conducted by Sponsor, any individual that it finds or believes to be tampering with the entry process or the operation of the Contest or Contest Website; to be acting in violation of the Official Rules or in an unsportsmanlike or disruptive manner, or with intent to annoy, abuse, threaten or harass any other person. ANY ATTEMPT BY AN ENTRANT OR ANY OTHER PERSON TO DELIBERATELY DAMAGE ANY WEBSITE OR UNDERMINE THE LEGITIMATE OPERATION OF THE CONTEST IS A VIOLATION OF CRIMINAL AND CIVIL LAWS AND SHOULD SUCH AN ATTEMPT BE MADE, SPONSOR RESERVES THE RIGHT TO SEEK DAMAGES FROM ANY SUCH PERSON TO THE FULLEST EXTENT PERMITTED BY LAW.

MAC: Halloween Looks 2009

2009-10-08T17:24:00.001-04:00

I don't think I've ever been so excited for Halloween before.... =D

FOTD: Purples

2009-10-08T00:52:00.004-04:00

So this was the look I did for the MAC collection preview party... I really wanted to cover the dark circles etc from the all-nighter, so I went all out with a full face of make-up and heavy eyeshadow lol... I finally put my MUFE shadows to use and omfg I LOVEEE THEM and I'm gonna go crazy at IMATS for them!!!

*All products used MAC unless otherwise specified

Face:

Urban Decay Perfect Complexion Primer

Studio Fix Fluid NW25

Studio Finish Concealer SPF35 NW25

Select Sheer Pressed Powder NC30

Cheeks:

Accentuate/Sculpt Powder

Foolish Me blush

Perfect Topping MSF

Eyes:

Too Faced Shadow Insurance

Painterly paintpot

Make Up For Ever Matte Shadow no.9

Make Up For Ever Matte Shadow no.92

NYX shadow in black

Vanilla e/s

Fluidline in Blacktrack

Fluidline in Dipdown (brows)

Ardell Demi Wispies lashes

Lips:

Creme Cup l/s

Haul: Magic, Mirth and Mischief!

2009-10-06T22:17:00.012-04:00

HOTNESS!!!!!!!!!!

Michelle (s2pandapple) invited me as her guest to go to the Magic, Mirth and Mischief! Holiday Collection launch party. You can check out the full collection at http://www.temptalia.com/ with photos and complete information on each product. Personally I was quite disappointed with it... the mineralized shadows were (surprisingly) the highlight of the collection (in my opinion)... the colours were beautiful and unique -- the only con is the random patch of unnecessary silver glitter.... i have yet to try it wet... maybe it'll work better that way O_O...
Anyway... I was a good girl and only walked away with 3 items (2 new and one back up: picture and swatch of boy bait cremesheen glass here) .

Blue Sorcery

Jingle, Jangle Dazzleglass

Swatch

I wished the photo captured the brilliance of this dazzleglass.. it's just so damn gorgeous... light pink with baby blue and pink sparkles.. almost like cotton candy...

Poor girl... she was sooooo bored.... lol

FOTD: Masquerade Masks

2009-10-06T15:09:00.003-04:00

A good friend of mine was extremely bored yesterday and decided to do two masquerade-inspired looks, in the spirit of Halloween, of course. An aspiring MUA (aren't we all?) and talented hairstylist -- she was demanded to start posting on YT (not just by me).... and our "bet" is that if I can get a certain number of compliments on this post, she will start posting - the bet is in my favour... haha

Anyway... here they are... leave your thoughts... which one is your favourite? I'm sure she wouldn't mind constructive critism, either...

btw... products listed is copied and pasted verbatim of how she sent it to me... haha

for the first mask - the "mermaid-y" one:

- i used some no-name cream stick in a baby blue and copper for the base
- any shadow used in mask was from the 88 palette
- outline done in mac fluidline uppity
- the shadow outline was apres-ski from... mac
- and on the lips i used revlon eyeliner in 01 teal flash, uppity and the yellow in the flamboyant loreal hip duo
- oh! and the lashes! wet n' wild fantasy makers. feather fetish
- mascara was my beloved lashblast waterproof

for the second:

- on the eyes i used yogurt from mac and the rest was all the 88 palette
- my trusty maybelline liquid liner - waterproof, of course
- the pink in the mask was part of the 88 palette
- blue outline was deep blue green (yeah i already know what you're going to say.. and yes it was worth it) and star by night by mac
- lashes were ardell fright night lashes in #114
- lips were bonnebell blank ink for outline, star by night and 88 palette
- same mascara

jewels care of my mother's drawer =]

FOTD: Photo Realism

2009-10-04T19:19:00.003-04:00

My apologies for the lack of posts. I usually don't post on the weekends, but my internet has been out for the past 3 or 4 days and it has been HELL. I should be studying for an upcoming midterm, but I felt that I needed to post SOMETHING and just... browse the net a little because I've been so deprived. How sad is that we live in a lifetime where we can't function without the internet =(
So I rarely wear make-up, especially since school has been so hectic lately and there is just no time... so I took advantage of the fact that I was going out to dinner with my friends this past friday to "doll up". Funny thing is, I was asked "why are you wearing make up?" lol... so of course I bitch back -- "When I don't wear my make-up I am criticized for the amount I own... and when I do, I am questioned of my motives -- WTF!" =P

*All MAC products unless otherwise specified*

Face:
Oil Control Lotion
Make Up For Ever HD Primer (green)
Studio Fix Fluid NW25
Select Pressed Powder NC30
Studio Finish Concealer SPF35 NW25

Sunny By Nature MSF on cheeks

Eyes:
Fast Response Eye Cream
Too Faced Shadow Insurance Primer
Greasepaint stick (base)
Photo Realism Quad
NYX black shadow
Fluidline in Jade
Ardell Demi Wispies lashes
L'Oreal Voluminous Waterproof Mascara

Fluidline in Dipdown on brows

Lips:
Brave New Bronze l/s
Fushia Fix TLC

Monthly Favourites: September

2009-09-29T21:14:00.003-04:00

Spiced Chocolate Quad

Face:

Studio Finish Concealer SPF 35 (NW25): This is a beautiful full-coverage concealer that is tricky to use -- it can look cakey due to its thickness so practice is needed for this particular product. Once you find a suitable technique, it can look flawless and really REALLY cover dark undereye circles well ^^.

Refined MSF:From the Sugarsweet Collection back in the Winter/Spring -- I've been using this over my blush to give it a subtle sheen and highlight. The peachy colour is great for the fall.

Lips:

Smith's Lip Balm (Minted Rose): I've been using this vaseline-based balm all summer. It's a nice item to just throw in my purse when i'm on the go. It has a nice cool minty sensation and imparts the sheerest of tint/colour. The cute vintage-looking tin/packaging is a plus.

New Spirit Lipglass: From the Make-Up Art Cosmetics Collection, this is a very pretty neutral colour -- need I say more? lol

Eyes:

Photo Realism Quad: This quad is beautiful -- the greens and golds make it a wonderful quad to transition into the colours of fall. At first I wasn't too impressed with it at all -- I felt that the colour payoff was poor, albeit still a beautiful product. But after using different coloured bases, I definitely changed my mind. SO PRETTY!~

Spiced Chocolate Quad: I revisited this quad from last Fall's Cult of Cherry Collection. I really really really wish I had bought a back-up for this -- I didn't realize this was going to be the rare/most popular quad from the collection... I bought it because I'm a neutral girl and the colours were so rich and... chocolatey.. lol..

I've been using one or two colours from the quad throughout the year, but not the entire quad again until now -- this quad just SCREAMS fall...

Haul: DSquared

2009-09-28T15:24:00.007-04:00

MAC's latest collaboration is with Dean and Dan Caten of Dsquared -- fashion designers who have taken over the runway. They are identical twins and they are TORONTONIAN CANADIAN <3.
Their MAC collection launched today (Monday) to coincide with their Milan show.
The collection isn't huge and there are several repromotes as well as new (LE) releases. I only picked up two items from the collection: Feline Kohl Power pencil (because I missed it the first time) and the Tinted Lip Conditioner (just because) -- not pictured is the Accentuate/Sculpt Duo powder (which I had picked up from the recent MAC sale).

Fuschia Fix TLC w/flash

Fuschia Fix TLC natural light

Feline Kohl Power Pencil

Top left: Technakohl Liner in Graphblack

Top right: MUFE Aquaeyes Liner in 0L

Middle: Feline

Bottom: Feline lightly smudged with finger

Volcanic Ash Thermal Mask

2009-09-27T22:00:00.002-04:00

I just wanted to make a quick note about the new Volcanic Ash Thermal Mask from MAC:

For those of you who have never used thermal masks or thermal face washes before, Biore's skincare line has both a mask and cleanser option that also "heats up", albeit lacking the Volcanic Ash ingredient. I wanted to remind you that although the thermal or heating part of the products are 'neat', it does nothing for your skin and is a gimmick. The heating is a result of a chemical reaction of a mineral in the product that is activated by water and therefore is a superficial sensation that in reality does nothing for your skin.
Of course, I'm not bashing the product because I have been using it this whole week and I do enjoy it (full review to come)... but I just wanted to put it out there and remind you all that it's not the HEAT that is making your skin feeling smooth but that it is the other ingredients that provide the benefits of this mask.

Giveaway [closed]

2009-09-22T19:15:00.007-04:00

I am giving away one (1) eyeshadow in the shade Sugarshot from the Sugarsweet Collection which was released earlier this year. Sugarshot is a lustre and makes a beautiful highlight or inner corner colour.

For your chance to win, make sure you're a follower of this blog and my YT channel and leave a comment under this post with your email telling me what your plans are for the fall season.

Contest closes Sunday, September 27th at 11:59pm EST and winner will be contacted by email.

Good Luck!

Style Black Haul

2009-09-21T20:00:00.016-04:00

I was near the Pro Store today, so I stopped by to take a look at the new collections (Style Black and Dazzleglass Creme). The Pro Store is notorious for releasing collections earlier than other locations... and since there were some items I am anticipating to be sold out really fast, I wanted to give them a try before I buy back-ups when it officially launches.

*The swatches do not do the Dazzleglass Cremes justice -- they are BEAUTIFUL in real life and not as sheer... the flash washes it out.

Top: Amorous

Bottom: Creme Allure

Top: Creme Allure
Bottom: Love Alert Dazzleglass

Creme Allure, Amorous

Love Alert Dazzleglass, Creme Allure

Creme Allure

Amorous

Black Knight Cremesheen l/s with flash

without flash

swatch

flash

no flash

Greasepaint Stick

New Videos

2009-09-17T19:54:00.001-04:00

Just filmed and edited a bunch of videos.. YAAAYYY!! Finally!!!!
Haul video in process of upload =)

MAC Warehouse Sale Haul

2009-09-14T17:22:00.005-04:00

So here is my haul from the sale... I must say that this one was the most 'disappointing' compared to all the other sales I've been to. They had the face and body foundation there that was just "released" with the new HD collection. It was sold out in a snap and I didn't get a chance to pick one up.
However, even though it was 'disappointing', I am still and will forever be grateful that I am able to attend these sales.

#41, Blinking Cool!, #20 and #7

It always seems like there is so much more when all thrown and jumbled up in the plastic bag:

1st row: #182 Couture, Belightful Iridescent Powder, Brunette MSF, Splashproof Lash Mascara, Accentuate Sculpt, Rose is a Rose quad

2nd row: Miss Dynamite Dazzleglass, Looks Like Sin Cremesheenglass, Fun and Games bpb, x-rocks blush, Nuance mb, Merrily mb, Bobbi Brown Luminous Moisturizing Foundation Beige 3(They gave me the wrong shade I asked for >_< !!)

3rd row: Tender Tryst See Thru Lip Colour, Totally It! lipglass, Silly Girl lipglass, Poetic License lipglass (LOVE), Elle lipglass (LOVE), Pink Grapefruit lipglass, Deep Blue Green pigment, Viz-a-Violet Pigment, Bronzescape Solar Bits, Foolish Me blush, Burnt Orange e/s

4th row: Clear gloss, Top: Glamour Check! e/s, Sugarshot e/s, Bottom: Knight e/s, 100 Strokes e/s, 1N lipstick, Ultra Elegant Slimshine, Think Tan slimshine, NW20 Studio Stick Concealer

MAC Warehouse Sale Haul

2009-09-13T17:47:00.005-04:00

Buzzfuzzbunny's (Wendy) haul from the latest MAC Warehouse Sale ^_^

1st row: DKNY Be Delicious pouch, Estee Lauder makeup bag, Prescriptives makeup bag

2nd row: Face and body foundation in C4, #20 lashes, #7 lashes, Blinking cool lashes, #41 lashes, travel size Pro makeup remover, Tri-Aktiline Instant Deep Wrinkle Filler, Foolish me blush refill (LOVE!), Tender tryst see thru lipcolor, Gitane mini lipglass, Totally it mini lipglass, Poetic license mini lipglass, Cruise control mini lipglass, Merrily mineralize blush

3rd row: 225 brush, Warmed MSF, Redhead MSF, Belightful Iridescent powder, X-Rocks blush, Drizzlegold loose blush, Prep+Prime set powder, (Top: Sugarshot and 100 strokes eyeshadow), (Bottom: Femme-fi and Knight eyeshadow)

4th row: Sugar shock, Cellopink, Slicked pink, Saplicious, Goldensoft lipgelee, (Top: Time and space eyeshadow), (Bottom: Magnetic fields eyeshadow), Select cover up concealer in MW 30 and NW35, Studio moisture fix lotion, Cleanse-off oil, Studio stick concealer in NW20, Ultra elegant slimshine, Bubbles lipstick

Belightful Iridescent Powder, Lightscapade MSF, Vanilla pigment

Swatches

Hope you guys enjoyed! Mine is coming up soon!

GIVEAWAY!!!!! [CLOSED]

2009-09-09T21:36:00.012-04:00

The giveaway is now CLOSED. I just wanted to say that there was a "hidden" trick to this giveaway that I did intentionally. I asked that you EMAIL your answer to me, but I did not leave my email address in this post. That's because it can be found within this blog. All you had to do was look for it =)
also... I had some spammers... boo...

CONGRATS TO THE WINNERS!

Make-Up Collection: Frangrances

2009-09-07T21:09:00.003-04:00

Ok so this isn't part of my "make-up collection", but thought this would be easiest to post right now. School starts again tomorrow and I'm really really hoping that I can start regularly posting again as well as doing videos (I know I've been saying this a lot)...
Also, I apologize for the messiness/not taking a pic of the fragrance bottles individually -- I'm lazy =P

* Davidoff Cool Water (don't we all have at least one of this? -- I have 3!)
* Davidoff Echo
* Kenzo
* Hugo Boss Woman
* Juicy Couture
* Elizabeth Arden
* Ralph Lauren Romance (LOVE)
* DKNY Be Delicious (LOVE)
* SJP Lovely
* SJP Covet
* Burberry London (original)
* Burberry Brit
* Armani City Glam (LOVE)

Rihanna in Italian Vogue: Thoughts?

2009-09-02T19:32:00.002-04:00

Monthly Favourites: August

2009-08-29T15:50:00.005-04:00

Why is time flying by so fast?? Another monthy favourites entry already??? Reviewing back on my posts I have posted less than 10 entries over the past month -- I am soooo sorry =( Once I got lazy, it seems so hard to get back to blogging -- I still haven't made a new video yet for YT!! You guys need to nag me about these things! hehe

So here are my favourite items for the month of August:

Face:
Studio Fix Fluid (NW25): I was never interested in purchasing this foundation since I've read less than favourable reviews that include major break-outs for many users. I was intriqued nonetheless (I have been testing out a lot of foundations this summer for some reason). I picked up a sample of this and to my surprise I was not matched to NC30 (what I'm typically matched to), but to an NW shade -- something I've never been -- and lo and behold it was a PERFECT match. I went back a couple of weeks later though to get matched again by a different MA (I do this often) and was matched to NC30 lol I told her that I had been matched earlier to NW25 and she said "that's ridiculous" -- I got the sample of NC30 as well and compared for myself when I got home -- NW25 was definitely my shade.
Anyway, I apply this foundation with a kabuki and the finish is so flawless -- what I wanted MUFE HD to be (but to be fair, I was not matched perfectly to MUFE HD, so it looked gross on me). It was long-wearing with my Urban Decay Complexion Primer and I really appreciated the medium to full buildable coverage it provided. I am not done the sample that I got, but will consider purchasing the full bottle for the fall/winter months.

Peaches blush: I'm only recently discovering that orangey-peachy colours are quite flattering for my skin-tone. This is a true peach shade and I gives the "just got out of the sun" flush, which I assure you is very different from the "just got out of the cold" flush. I've used this on and off over the summer but have really put it to good use this month.

Sunny By Nature MSF: I absolutely love this MSF. This is my favourite of all the MSFs from the Colour Craft collection. It's not shiny/glittery and is just the PERFECT bronzing shade for me.

Lips:
Gold Rebel l/g: This was part of my June's favourite entry. I'm not a huge lipgloss user, but I've found time and time again that I keep returning to this gloss. I wish I got a back-up =P

Eyes:
Sunny By Nature MSF: Not only is this a great bronzer/cheek colour, but it makes a fabulous all over lid colour -- a great transitional colour from summer to fall!

Liquidlast Liner in Point Black: OMG I can't believe I've neglected this for so long. I was always so wary of using it because it is SO difficult to wash off. Once this liner is on, it DOES NOT EVER EVER BUDGE. I have super oily eyelids and even the best of the fluidlines smudge on me after awhile. This liner does not budge EVER even when my lids are shiny with oil (not a pretty image), the liner remains crisp with no flaking etc. I hate the brush it comes with, so I apply it with an angle liner brush instead. Yes it is difficult to clean off, and requires an oil-based remover, but I believe it's worth the extra effort for clean-up so long as it doesn't make me look like a hot mess while on my lids =P

Quick Review: Make-Up Art Cosmetics

2009-08-24T13:51:00.007-04:00

What I hate about MAC collections is that it's incredibly damaging to my wallet lol. I am typically either VERY excited for a collection and go all out, or I'm lukewarm and just pick up an item or two and call it a day. Then there are those collections that you don't expect to like, or the influence of reviews are so overwhelming that you start to think "maybe the collection has potential afterall". MAC's latest collection: Make-up Art Cosmetics (MAC -- get it?) was slated to be a HUGE one, but I honestly wasn't too impressed with it at first. I had originally only picked up one quad and one single shadow. Then I read over some reviews and saw some swatches and I wanted more! lol

One of the items from the collection I've been debating over is Push the Edge pigment, but at first glance, it seems to look exactly like Grape Pigment (which I have). Buzzfuzzbunny got Push the Edge and posted her swatches on Specktra - they do look EXACTLY the same to me... BUT... for some reason I still WANT it... >_<.. we'll see... =P.

Photo Realism quad: Since the Colour Craft Collection didn't release a green MES 'quad', I knew that this was the quad I was going to get from the latest collection. I love greens and purples and I found this quad the most unique of the three that are available. I also love that this quad offers formulas (Frost and Veluxe Pearl) that are easy to work with. This is definitely the star of the collection and I advise you all to snatch one before it's all gone!

Violet Trance e/s: VT has a matte formula and although the colour is gorgeous, I found that it is quite chalky (when trying to pick up the colour with your fingers). Because of the formula, I was supremely disappointed. But then I did some swatches with a brush and it's not so bad afterall. This is a re-release from a past collection, which was part of a quad (Balloonacy?). Of all the single shadows released with this collection, this is the one to get.

Heritage Rouge pigment: I went back for this because I couldn't stop thinking about it. I think this is the first pigment I've actually bought from the store (all my pigments are from the warehouse sales). It's a re-release and omg it's SO gorgeous -- beautiful crease colour!

New Spirit l/g: Initially, I think of all the lipglosses, this was the only one that caught my eye and therefore the only one that I had swatched when I was with buzzfuzzbunny. My immediate reaction was "ugh... I have something similar to this already" then put it back, to which buzzfuzzbunny said, "I'm so proud of you!" lol. Then I got home and read Temptalia's review and thought "damnit... I should've gotten it". What I THOUGHT I had similar was Style Warrior's Gold Rebel l/g. Gold Rebel is much more bronzey whereas New Spirit is a peachy-pink colour that is (also) great for an every look. I heart my neutrals.

On Display l/g: This was a HUGE surprise, since I didn't even think about or consider this product AT ALL before reading Temptalia's review and seeing her swatches. It is SO pretty! This is a very wearable berry coloured gloss with a tinge of blue. The pictures/swatches does this shade no justice. It is not so dark that it should only be limited to night wear but packs just enough pigment to give you an edgy look during the day.

Overall: Personally, I think this collection was a hit or miss. There are some promising products within the line, but there are some I felt could be skipped. All the technakhol liners were a disappointment. They don't show up as pigmented as I expected (although I don't like the formula of tecknakhols in general anyway). None of the lipsticks interested me and I felt I could pick up the glitters whenever I wanted, since they are part of the permanent Pro line. Violet Trance is a MUST HAVE, whereas I found Crest The Wave and Off The Page are too similar to Going Bananas and Fab and Fabulous, both of which I already own. The lipglosses were a surprise purchase of course and it seems that the Photo Realism quad is the hit of the collection. Because this collection is so huge, there is definitely something for everyone.

Haul: Make-Up Art Cosmetics

2009-08-24T13:30:00.016-04:00

Violet Trance

Photo Realism Quad

Photo Realism (F)/Fresh Approach (VP)/Image Maker (F)/Grey Range (VP)

Heritage Rouge Pigment

Full Force Violet Pigment and Violet Trance

Heritage Rouge, Grape pigment, Full Force Violet, Violet Trance

On Display, New Spirit

New Spirit, On Display

New Spirit

On Display

FOTD: Neutrals

2009-08-23T22:34:00.006-04:00

Went out last night for one of my besties' birthday. This was my first night out in MONTHS and I was stressing over what to put on my face lol. I settled with something safe -- neutrals (plus I thought it would work best with my green contacts -- Geo Angel Green). I have been so out of practice with my make-up application (MONTHS!!!!!) that I wasn't happy with it AT ALL... the blending is horrible... but that's ok.. I have two more weeks off before school starts again to practice some.
I apologize for the lack of posts... I'm such a horrible blogger. I promised more posts once school was over, but it's been so long that I've gotten such a lengthy break that I've been out almost every night catching up with friends and just enjoying my time off. Sorry -_-.

*All MAC products unless otherwise specified*

FACE
* Philip's Milk of Magnesia
* Urban Decay PerfectComplexion
* Studio Fix Fluid NW25
* Studio Select Pressed Powder NC30

CHEEK
* Emote blush (contour)
* Sunny By Nature MSF

EYES
* Fast Response Eye Cream
* Studio Finish Concealer NW25
* UDPP
* Sunny By Nature MSF (I LOVE THIS AS AN ALL OVER LID COLOUR!!!)
* Spiced Chocolate e/s (Cult of Cherry Spiced Chocolate Quad)
* Kid e/s
* Vanilla e/s (highlight)
* Liquid Last in Point Black
* Fluidline in Blacktrack
* Ardell Demi Wispies
* Cover Girl Lashblast Waterproof Mascara
* Fluidline in Dipdown (brows)

LIPS
* Brave New Bronze l/s
* Miss Marble l/g

OCC Pigmets and Glitters

2009-08-18T03:45:00.009-04:00

So Obsessive Compulsive Cosmetics (OCC) has been becoming more and more popular within the beauty community thanks to the YT gurus (ie. QueenOfBlendingMUA). I've had the opportunity to pick up a few of their glitters and a pigment from last year November's Make-Up Show (now IMATS)... they were only $5CAD each!! When I bought these I had never heard of the brand and only got them because of the range of VIBRANT colours and it was a great price (I believe they sell it on their site for $13USD + shipping). I really hope that the prices remain the same come this year's IMATS because I am dying to try their lip tars, but I can't justify the price + shipping.... I picked up 1 pigment and 3 glitters. The glitter swatches do not do them justice since the photos don't pick up the glittery/sparkly effect of them. They are not as finely milled as MAC's reflects glitters, but are definitely smaller than their crystallized glitters.

Pure Pigment: Blue #1

Glitter: Blue

Swatch of "Blue"

Glitter: Navy

Swatch of Navy

Glitter: Magenta

Swatch of Magenta

Back-Up Tag

2009-08-17T15:46:00.005-04:00

Tagged by fellow beauty blogger and YouTuber xinarox , I thought this would be fun to do since I'm typically not a believer of back-up products... but then I realized... I have quite a bit! =P

Prep+Prime Transparent Finishing Powder: I purchased this at the warehouse sale a month before it was released in stores. I had purchased two because it was CHEAP... but I realized how much I liked the product and kept the extra one =)

Prep+Prime Skin Refined Zone: I absolutely LOVE LOVE LOVE this stuff... It makes my pores look virtually invisible and creates a fabulous canvas for foundation application. It was available at the warehouse sale and I had picked up 4 additional tubes (I think I have a total of 5). The tube is so small and it's limited edition, so I have to use it very sparingly =(

Petticoat MSF: I received one in a swap from MUA and when I saw it available at the warehouse, I snagged another one. Each one is so unique and Petticoat is a cult favourite, so even though I know I will probably never finish my first one, I wanted to keep an extra one handy.

Lollipop Loving Lipstick (Glaze): My HG. I bought 2 backups from the stores. They had it available at the warehouse sale in the Heatherette packing but I didn't get it because a) I wasn't a huge fan at the time and b) I read that the formulation for Heatherette is different.

Lavendar Whip Lipstick (Cremesheen): So unique and so pretty. Limited edition item and god knows WHEN MAC will repromote it -- it was a no brainer =P

Brave New Bronze Lipstick (Satin): LOVE this colour so much. Perfect everday nude colour that isn't dramatic. Why are all of MAC's best colours limited edition???

Sweet Sienna Pigment: I would NEVER EVER finish a jar of pigment, but Sweet Sienna is SO gorgeous and so rare/hard to find that I HAD to pick up an extra jar from the warehouse sale JUST IN CASE.

* There are two slimshines and a shadestick pictured but I didn't buy them for "back-up" purposes... they were just part of the charity packages I got from the warehouse sale and they just happen to be extras. I'm saving those for giveaways/contests =)

** I realized my entire list consists of LE products. Which if you think about it makes sense. If a product is part of the permanent line, there is really no need to buy multiple back-ups since you can always pick them up at the store anytime =)

Mini Haul

2009-08-12T21:19:00.009-04:00

Sanderlees is finally done school!!!! (For now =P)... So after catching up with some much needed sleep (woke up at 3:30pm today)... caught up with my cousin at Yorkdale this evening and did some light shopping...

We first went to MAC and I picked up Spring Bean lustreglass which I've been eyeing for a while thanks to MUA (I swear MUA reviews has been a big influence on my purchases lately) as well as Brun eyeshadow.

Urban Decay's Pore Perfecting Complexion Primer Potion finally hit Sephora... so I jumped on it! The inital feeling of it is thick, even though I've only swatched it on my hand, I feel that it dries down the way UDPP does. The packaging has obviously improved -- something that should be done to UDPP. However, at the store when we twisted open the lid we felt the packaging was still lacking a little. Even though it is a squeeze tube, the opening was WAY too big and too much product would be dispensed... BUT when i got home I relalized you can TWIST the lid and the TIP of it opens up to reveal a small opening to squeeze a controlled amount out -- GENIUS!!! I'll be giving a thorough review on it as soon as I've used it long enough to judge =)

Also, I was overcharged (sort of) for this product. They had it displayed for $30 and it rang in for $39... I was confused at first but paid for anyway. On my way out, I double checked the price and it DID say $30, so they had to refund the amount they overcharged me for. Funny thing is, the $$ they had displayed was in USD, and the Canadian amount for this product is $39. So for those of you interested and want to save $9 before it's too late, run to your sephora before they make the price adjustment =)

Sanderlees

Pot Pourri

2009-08-09T16:01:00.004-04:00

I have my final exam of the summer tomorrow and I'll get 4 full weeks off to relax, catch up on sleep... catch up with my friends... and most importantly, catch up with my blog posts and video posting!! I haven't written or filmed anything yet, but I wrote down a list of things I want to do... requests or suggests are always welcome!!!

I have also been thinking about a contest I wanted to do before the summer ends... I originally planned my next contest for my next YT subscribers milestone/blog followers milestone, but I have an idea that I'm anxious to do =P

Anyway... it's been a stressful summer and I look forward to finally getting some time off =)

Thanks so much everyone for your patience <3

Monthly Favourites: July

2009-08-01T19:20:00.004-04:00

Another month... another set of favourites... unfortunately, much like the month of June, I have been extremely busy with my school schedule and haven't really had the opportunity (or enthusiasm) to wear any make-up. This month's favourites list is short and I would like to put it out there that I will be MIA for the next week. I am currently in the middle of writing 2 essays (due back-to-back) and have a final exam on Aug. 10th.
After school I will have FOUR weeks off before the next semester starts in the fall -- I am so excited because I haven't had THAT much time off in such a long time. Hopefully, I can be more active on this blog after that as well as make more videos!!!

On to the favourites (everything on this list has been pretty much my go-to look for the month):

Face:
Make Up For Ever Face and Body Foundation (#34)
I was really intrigued with all of the Makeupally.com reviews on this product recently and really just wanted to see what this foundation was all about. I. LOVE. THIS. STUFF.
Although my HG foundation is MAC's Studio Tech, it's a little heavy for everyday, summer use.
I thought about how to describe the formula of this foundation exactly: For those of you who've ever tried MAC's See Thru Lip Colour -- It's gel-like and sinks into your lips. It leaves a bit of colour or stain but your lips feel bare. This is what the foundation is like. It really does just LOOK like your skin and it feels like there is NOTHING on. The formula SINKS into your skin leaving it looking radiant. It's pricey... but for the amount you get, (50ml compared to the typical 30ml), it's actually quite a deal since the consistancy requires you to use VERY LITTLE product. I have never applied my foundation using my fingers (I never understood how people did so)... but I can with this foundation.

Prep+Prime Face Protect SPF 50
I've always been on the look-out for a good face SPF... I hate the stuff because it's normally really thick and sticky and it usually creates a white cast. This is thick and sticky at first as well, but once set, it actually dries to a very smooth matte finish leaving a great canvas for make-up application. However, since MAC has increased it's prices, I'm not 100% sure if I'd repurchase again.
$36.50 for 30ml is just a tad steep.

Sunbasque
This was my first love, but I had neglected it for a while and decided to try it again this summer. Because I haven't really been wearing make-up a lot, when I do, I have kept my look very simple. Sunbasque is a bronzer-blush hybrid in my books and it just looks super natural and makes my skin look sun-kissed.

Lips:
Miss Marble Lipglass
From the Colour Craft Collection, this is a very pretty pinky-peach colour that is so easy to wear. I especially like the non-sticky formulation of this compared to the traditional MAC lipglasses.

Eyes:
Painterly Paintpot
This paintpot is so hard to find and I actually picked it up at one of the warehouse sales. It's a great neutral base colour and probably the one I reach for the most (other than Quite Natural for my brows). This does crease on me though if I don't use an eye primer (udpp/TFSI) underneath.

Satin Taupe Eyeshadow
This is a cult favourite but I've actually never used it even though I've had it since the holidays (from the holiday collection smokey palette). I think I might pick up an individual pot of this since I've been using this almost daily in my crease with Painterly. I can see why eveyone likes this colour so much -- I LOVE taupe-y colours and I really have no idea why I've waited so long to use this.

Make-Up Collection: Bronzers/Beauty Powders

2009-07-29T00:49:00.009-04:00

I don't own a lot of bronzer/beauty powders... don't really know why... I find that bronzers can be "duped" with blush and beauty powders are just a fancy pressed powder for setting make-up...
Tahitian Sand BP, Summer Rose BP, MSFN (swapped compact with HK powder)
Refined Golden, Golden, Alpha Girl BP

I used to love this stuff... I haven't touched them in a while... but they are very soft bronzers/blush/highlighters

Tropic Tan: Bronzer & Shimmer Duo, Blush & Bronzer Duo

MAC Lustre Drop dupes: Summer Love, Beach Party, Thriller

Bronze Hero, Sun Rush, Pink Rebel

MAC New Price List

2009-07-28T00:02:00.002-04:00

I'm not sure if MAC is still going through a transition with prices, but I have noticed some changes for some products. I don't completely remember what the old prices were for ALL the products, but I wanted to compile a list of the items that DID get a hike in $$$:

All prices in CAD

Eyes

Shadow (pot): $17 --> $17.50
Mascara: $14 --> $15.50
False Lashes: $14 --> $15.50

Face
Mineralize Foundation SPF 15 Foundation/Loose: $35 --> $35.50
Studio Sculpt SPF15: $33.50 --> $35.50
Studio Tech Foundation: $35 --> $35.50
Studio Stick SPF15: $35 --> $35.50

Concealer
Select Cover Up: $18.50 --> $20
Studio Finish SPF 35: $18.50 --> $20
Studio Stick: $18.50 --> $20
Select Moisture Cover: $18.50 --> $20

Cheeks
Mineralized Blush (duo): $27 --> $27.50
Powder Blush (pro pan): $17 --> $18.50
Powder Blush (Pot): $21 --> $22
Rose Romance Beauty Powder: $26.50 --> $27

Lips
Lip Conditioner (Tube): $15 --> $16

Misc.
Prep + Prime Face Protect SPF 50: $33.50 --> $36.50 (holy crap $3!!)
Wipes/Bulk: $30 --> $31
Fix+: $20 --> $21.50
Nail Lacquer: $13 --> $14.50
Fragrances: $27 --> $30
Foundation Pump: $5 --> $6 (it was $3 last year!!!! GRRR)
Powder Puff: $10 --> $11

Haul: Love That Look

2009-07-27T13:23:00.008-04:00

Starflash makes a return this year as an 'anniversary' reappearance from its original launch about a year ago. With 8 new shades and 4 re-promotes, the formula is as buttery and soft as the originals. I asked the MA when MAC will be making the Starflash formula a perm item and she said "hopefully soon" which really isn't much information haha. I have a few from last year including Smoke and Diamonds and Grand Entrance. This time around I picked up four more... the pictures are generally taken without flash and doesn't do justice to what they truly look like in person. I found that using flash with these shadows caused a white glare -- probably due to their pearly finish?

I noticed that the MAC website have yet to raise prices of their items, although the Starflash shadows are $17.50 whereas the perm eyeshadows are still $17. Perhaps they are transitioning slowly, but if the shadows are only going up by $0.50 instead of the $1.00 as I was previously told, then it's not SO bad I suppose.... I have yet to return to a MAC store to confirm the price mark-up.

One- Off

Rated "R"

Style Snob

Fashion Groupie Rated "R", One-Off, Style Snob, Fashion Groupie

(w/o flash)

Rated "R", One-Off, Style Snob, Fashion Groupie

(w/ flash)

MAC News

2009-07-24T19:09:00.002-04:00

* The Baby Bloom collection and Love That Look collection are both launched at MAC one week earlier than its original launch date. I've already picked up some shadows from the Love That Look collection and got a sample of the new tinted moisturizer/foundation!

*** BIG NEWS***
MAC will be raising their price points for all items starting TOMORROW JULY 25th!!!!!!
From what the SA told me eyeshadows will go up $1 from $17 to $18CAD -- everything else will be going up as well.... sigh...

Make-Up Collection: Paint Pots

2009-07-23T16:15:00.003-04:00

Top: Painterly, soft Ochre , Fresco Rose, Rubenesque
Middle: Indianwood, Quite Natural, Green Stroke, Delft

Bottom: Blackground

Make-up Collection: MSFs

2009-07-22T21:27:00.008-04:00

Just a heads up that I'll be slow with the posts for the next couple of weeks...

what else but school? =(

Top: Blonde, Redhead
Bottom: Petticoat, So Ceylon

Light Flush, Perfect Topping
Glissade, Refined

Sunny By Nature, Gold Deposit
Cheeky Bronze, Warmed

Triple Fusion, Smooth Merge

Porcelain Pink, Warm Blend

I Caved

2009-07-20T22:03:00.002-04:00

131 Brush

PS: The MAC SA let it slip that this might be a perm item.

ZannClip Promo

2009-07-20T20:10:00.003-04:00

Hi everyone!!

I have some exciting news!!!

You may have read several weeks back (or seen the video) on my review of the ZannClip. It's this revolutionary and super cute hair clip that can help you create several styles or just hold your hair in a simple pony. The best part (in my opinion) of it is that it doesn't leave an ugly dent in your hair like elastics can...

Well...

not only has ZannClip reduced its prices (many people have complained about their price point), but they are generously offering my readers/viewers 15% off their order!!

Just type in promo code: SAND at checkout to receive your 15% off!!

Swaplifter Update

2009-07-16T11:30:00.007-04:00

So I finally received my items back from Moschino000/c0ryan, who swaplifted me over a month ago...

I am not pleased.... I sent her two items that were BRAND NEW... and they are now returned to me in obviously used conditions. To be honest, seeing these items kind of repulses me... and I want to get rid of them as soon as possible.
No I am not swapping, sorry.

I'm going to sell these items to serious buyers -- please email me with a serious/reasonable offer...

Items for sale:

Select Sheer Loose Powder in discontinued shade NW15

Description: WAS brand new, but the sticker has been peeled back and replaced. Picture available upon request.

Retail value: $21USD
---------------------------
Rare and discontinued MAC 180 kabuki brush

Description: WAS brand new, but the swaplifter has sloppily painted a layer of nailpolish over the word "MAC" and "180". There is also a chip at the bottom handle of the brush that the swaplifter CLAIMED was sent to her that way -- but it certainly was not. There IS a bit of a crack however that is barely noticeable (and that I was aware of before the swap) at the base of the bristles. So small that I don't think photographing it would pick it up. Picture available upon request.

Retail value: estimated at $45USD

Again, serious buyers only -- please email me and make your offer (also please take into consideration paypal fees + shipping = ~$5-$7 USD).

Thanks everyone!

Make-Up Collection: Lipsticks

2009-07-15T16:45:00.011-04:00

For the longest time (up until about a year ago) I only owned ONE MAC lipstick (but several Clinique from gift with purchases). I always felt that lipstick was a little dated and I just never really saw myself using them. I still rarely wear lipstick, but I've developed an unhealthy love for them nonetheless =P Here is a collection of my MAC lipsticks that I've hauled over the past year (with the exception of Mystique).

Special pkg: Brave New Bronze (satin), Girl About Town (amplified),

Kiss Manish (frost), Honey Moon (frost), Big Bow (glaze)

Special pkg: Strayin' (frost), Cute-Ster (lustre), Gladiola (matte), Fleshpot (Satin)

Cremesheen: Creme Cup, Lavendar Whip, Creme d'Nude

Peachstock (satin), Lollipop Loving (glaze), Bubbles (glaze)

Lustre: A Rose Romance, Way To Love, Creme Cerise, Blow Dry

Amplified Cream: Violetta, So Scarlet, Saint Germain

Frost: Strange Hybrid, Pomposity, What a Do, Mystique, "O", Port Red

Viva Glam: V (lustre), VI SE (lustre)

Slim Shine: Intimidate, Urgent!, Assertive, Gentle Simmer, Mousse

Pro Longwear: Unchanging, Fully Charged, Custom Rose

Giveaway [closed]

2009-07-14T12:38:00.004-04:00

I am overstocked with lashes -- so I am giving away 5-10 pairs of BRAND NEW, various styles and brands, false lashes to one winner. Please leave a comment under this post (with your email), telling me when you usually wear lashes (daily? special occastions?). You must be a follower of this blog. Giveaway closes Sunday, July 19 11:59pm EST and the randomly chosen winner will be contacted via email the following day.

Good luck!

Make-Up Collection: Lipgloss

2009-07-13T22:08:00.012-04:00

Plushglass: Angel Cream, Bingo!, Big Baby

Special pkg lipglass: Kiss Manish, Pink Manish,
Gold Rebel, Liberated, Sweetness

Lipglass: Spirited, Florabundance, Of Corset!,
Viva Glam VI SE, Magnetique, Cult of Cherry

Lip Gelees: Valentine's, Saplicious, Glosspitality

Love Nectar (Lustreglass), Not So shy (See Thru Lip Colour), Flashmode (Lustreglass)

Dazzleglasses: Comet Blue, Love Alert, Funtabulous,
Goldyrocks, Via Veneto, Bare Neccesity, Smile

Boy Bait Cremesheen Glass, Miss Marble, Eccentricity

Quick Review: Colour Craft Blushes and Lipglasses

2009-07-08T17:47:00.008-04:00

Daft Pink (Deep blue pink with light white yellow veining): I picked this one up because I don't have Love Rock from the Grand Duos collection... it's a tad lighter which is nice because the reason I didn't get Love Rock was because I felt it was too bright for me. So for those of you who have Love Rock, you can definitely skip this, otherwise, it's a pretty blue-based pink to have.

Improvise (Midtone neutral coral with light white yellow gold veining): This was at the top of my list -- it's orange!! haha... but it's so beautiful and unique! I think this would look so great this summer and transitioning into the fall.

Fad-dabulous (dirty burnt coral yellow gold veining): Just looking at it from the pan, I could tell it was a dupe of Hot Planet (Grand Duos Collection), which I must admit was the reason I bought it. I have Hot Planet and for those of you who've been following this blog for awhile, know that it's practically my HG blush... I LOVE it... so to have it in a "full dome" vs. half is great for me!

Cheek and Cheerful (Midtone bronzy brown with yellow gold veining): This is nothing special as it's just another bronzing shade with a bit of frost. It's actually a great dupe of So Ceylon MSF, so for those of you who missed it -- this is a great find (plus it's cheaper than the MSF too).

Style Demon (Dirty brick red with copper veining): I didn't plan to get this one at all... I felt that it was just too dark. When I swatched it though, it reminded me of the no-name blush I used to LOVE... it was just too pretty to resist...

Eclectic Edge (Cool Violet): This was at the top of my list hands down... very pretty and pigmented lilac/lavendar colour that would pair nicely with my Lavendar Whip l/s.

Miss Marble (Muted Pink): This is a very pretty, not too shimmery neutral pink that can be worn everyday. The formula is great, the colour pay-off is awesome.

Overall: The blushes from the Grand Duos collection were my first mineralized blushes in general... but these are my first orginal mineralized blushes. I've wanted Dainty and Gentle... but never got around to purchasing them. I was extremely excited to try these out since the colours look unique to me and just soooooooooo pretty. I picked up all but one (which I probably will end up getting anyway since the collection feels so incomplete)... the reason I didn't pick up Hand-Finish was because when swatched, it looked really similar to Moon River... if you're not a fan of the frosty finish that mineralized blushes usually offer, then don't get them. I am indifferent with the frosy finish... but as long as they aren't chunky glitters, then i'm content. The blushes are all very well pigmented with a soft powdery feel and the frost actually provides a bit of a glow when used sparingly and appropriately. I'll have to give these babies a trial run for a few weeks before I can give my full review on them.
The lipglasses were a surprise. I had only planned to pick up Eclectic Edge, but Xinarox's swatch on Miss Marble was enough to convince me to pick that one up too... and there are definitely no regrets! The lipglasses with this collection are fairly pigmented (especially if you compare them to the Sugar Sweet Collection's triglosses!) but the packaging is lacklustre... the doefoot doesn't work with the square tube, so very little product is dispensed... the plus side is that the formula to these are not as sticky as the traditional lipglasses at all, in fact, it's kind of creamy... which I like, but still not as smooth as the cremesheen glasses (which I miss dearly!).

In general, I do feel that half the blushes were dupable with the Grand Duos collection, and the rest probably with something else... It's hard to choose the winners and losers of the bunch... but if I had to pick, the must-haves are Eclectic Edge lipglass and Improvise and Style Demon blushes. The ones to skip because of how easily duped they are would have to be Fad-dabulous and Daft Pink.

Colour Craft Collection Haul Part 2

2009-07-08T17:22:00.015-04:00

Blushes and Lipglasses

Daft Pink

Improvise

Fad-Dabulous

Cheek and Cheerful

Style Demon

Daft Pink, Improvise, Fad-dabulous, Cheek and Cheerful, Style Demon

Eclectic Edge

Miss Marble

Eclectic Edge, Miss Marble

Miss Marble

Eclectic Edge

Miss Sixty Sample Sale

2009-07-08T16:57:00.001-04:00

~*Sanderlees*~

well... what's new?

Collective Haul + MAC Warehouse Sale (Pic Heavy)

Monthly Favourites: November 2010

Model 21 False Eyelashes

Toronto IMATS 2010 + Haul

Monthly Favourites: October 2010

Fashion Magazine's Big Giveaway

ZannClip Giveaway!! [closed]

MAC: Venomous Villians

Zannclip Giveaway coming soon...

Sanderlees Update

iCandy Circle Lens Giveaway [closed]

In The Groove Haul

Blog Sale

She's Alive!

Vacation Time!

Self-Proclaimed Beauty Junkie

Update

Blog Sale

Blog Sale

Monthly Favourites: March 2010

Project B2M

MAC Warehouse Sale

Monthly Favourites: February 2010

Answering Questions

Grad Photo FOTD

February Haul pt. 2

February Haul pt. 1

Camera Ready Cosmetics

Milk in Bags, Eh?

Monthly Favourites: January 2010

Pinc Stuff

How I Organize My Collection (pic heavy)

My Birthday

Already hauling too much...

Boo...

Lilyland and Sephora Haul

Wishlist fulfilled!

Holiday Haul

Top 10 Miscellaneous Beauty Products of 2009

Top 10 Beauty Tools of 2009

Top 10 Lip Products of 2009

Top 10 Eye Products of 2009

Top 10 Face Products of 2009

Monthly Favourites: December

Pot Pourri

Quick Update and Christmas Wish List

Monthly Favourites: November

Toronto IMATS (pic heavy)

IMATS HAUL

IMATS Toronto

Halloween FOTD

Monthly Favourites: October

Possible Hiatus?

Who Inspires You

Harajuku Lovers Fragrance Giveaway WINNER

BLOG SALE NOW

MAYJAH DISCOVERY

Harajuku Lovers Contest [closed]

MAC: Halloween Looks 2009

FOTD: Purples

Haul: Magic, Mirth and Mischief!

FOTD: Masquerade Masks

FOTD: Photo Realism

Monthly Favourites: September

Haul: DSquared

Volcanic Ash Thermal Mask

Giveaway [closed]

Style Black Haul

New Videos

MAC Warehouse Sale Haul

MAC Warehouse Sale Haul

GIVEAWAY!!!!! [CLOSED]

Make-Up Collection: Frangrances

Rihanna in Italian Vogue: Thoughts?

Monthly Favourites: August

Quick Review: Make-Up Art Cosmetics

Haul: Make-Up Art Cosmetics

FOTD: Neutrals

~Sanderlees~