Tuesday, December 7, 2010

Rock and Republic Cosmetics sale- get eyeshadows for less than $6

Dear fellow makeup junkies:

I know you have probably done all your shopping and don't need any makeup anyways BUT this is an AWESOME DEAL!!!! Trust me on this one. Rock and Republic- famous for their jeans also make lovely, finely milled and highly pigmented makeup. And now, you can get a $40 blush for $7.95! How??? Well, accept a referral from me, a friend, or I suppose, from yourself, buy at least $75 worth of cosmetics and get 50% off plus $25 off and $0.99 cent shipping. WHat??? Okay, I know that sounded confusing- I explain some more below:

When you shop per a referral email, you automatically get $25 off your purchase of $75 or more. You must go the website via the referral email and sign up..the $25 credit is automatically added to your cart. To get a referral, you simply go to the website and open an account with Rock and Republic then e-mail yourself a referral. Or you can e-mail me and I can just send you a referral: nanvue97@gmail.com That way, you're not opening up two accounts. Plus, if you buy via my referral, I get $25 credit too! Awesome huh?

i.e. you shop cosmetics--blushes are $40 a piece (order 2 to be at $80) or
buy eyeshadows at $28 (order 3 to be at $84) the goal is to be over
$75

THEN

in the promo code box, enter "ROCKCOSMETICS" which will save you an additional 50%!

s&h is only 99cents

Items I would recommend:
ANY blush or
Eyeshadows:
Fatalistic - gorgeous, smooth, black
Lost - bit of sparkle medium-dark cooler brown
Sabotage - very much like the lighter side of NARS Rajasthan, but more golden
Fiend - very pretty dark peacock type of blue



I got 2 blushes for only $15.99!!! That's $7.95 per blush for a blush that is normally $40 a piece.
($80 - 50% =$40 -$25 referral credit= $15)

Let me know if you want me to refer you for that $25 credit. Just e-mail me at: nanvue97@gmail.com

I just got my blushes and they are amazing- lovely packaging and lots of product! Enjoy and be sure to let me know what you get!

Makeup sales- Tarte and Urban Decay


Monday, December 6, 2010

FOTD





Here's a look I recently did. I used a new dark eyeshadow from Makeup Forever in my crease: Bronze 84. It's a really dark brown/green color. Love the color for the crease since I can smoke it out as well. I've been in search of good crease colors because I am finding I need more definition in that area. What colors do you seem to turn to for the crease?



I also wanted to get MUFE in Orange Coral Matte 5 (matte vibrant coral) so I can do this black/coral/white eyeshadow look. Next time. I just love that color combo- so classic looking. Best inspiration I could find for the black.coral look is this dress. Pretty huh?

Monday, November 29, 2010

Loreal- Selected items are 75% off at CVS

I bought a ton of blushes, lipsticks and foundation - all for less than $3 each. Check out the sale or come over for a makeup day! Enjoy.

On Sale:
All Endless Color Lipsticks
ALL Pro Manicure polishes
All Color Pressos
All HiP Shine Struck Liquid Lip Colors
All True Match Feel Naturale
Light Softening Compact Powders and Blushes
ALL True Match Naturale Gentle Lip Conditioners
All HiP Pigments
All HiP Kohl Liners
Select True Match Foundation shade

Stila- 80% off. Great deal- goes til 12/3

Smudge pots are $8 and selected brushes are only $8. Great sale! Check it out.

Wednesday, November 24, 2010

My favorite makeup website of all time

Yep, 30% off EVERYTHING at BeautyTicket.com on Cyber Monday, 11/29, using this code: CYBER30. And if you read the fine print, the sale starts at 12AM, so get your fingers ready because you know things will set out quickly.

I just got bunch of Paula Dorfs lipsticks but can't wait to try getting some Bliss stuff on Monday! So exciting. Share your haul!

Monday, November 22, 2010

Bare Escentuals Sale at Sephora- 20 percent off

The get-started kits are now only $48. Sale ends Nov. 30th. This nine piece set is usually $60. I haven't been a huge fan of mineral makeup because it just seems to cake up on my very dry skin but I have friends who love it. Mineral makeup provides lots more coverage and can be so fun to blend. If you already use Bare Escentuals, let me know what you like about it. If you don't already use it, this set is a great starter set. Enjoy!

Each kit includes and get free-shipping by entering promo code GETSTARTED at checkout.
- 2 x 0.06 oz bareMinerals SPF 15 Foundation (see shades below)
- 0.06 All Over Face Color in Warmth (in all kits)
- 0.06 oz Mineral Veil (in Fair, Light & Medium kits)
- 0.06 oz Tinted Mineral Veil (in Tan, Dark, & Deep kits)
- Full Flawless Face Brush
- Flawless Application Face Brush
- Maximum Coverage Concealer Brush
- a How-to instructional DVD
- BONUS - Exclusively for SEPHORA : 0.05 oz Prime Time Foundation

Tuesday, November 16, 2010

Too Faced- Family and Friends 20% off


Just discovered Too Faced is having sale- it ends 11/17 at midnight- code is:
10GIFT. I highly recommend the primed and poreless face primer- unlike Smashbox or Makeup Forever primers, this one is tinted a light nude color. You can wear it under bronzers and foundation powders, or alone. I've heard people usually just wear it by itself then add blush for that finishing look. It also contains antioxidants and retinol, making it a healthy product for your skin too. The retinol will help firm the skin.

I am officially done with my makeup shopping for 2010-2011. My favorite buy so far is my Bobbie Brown blush. Will post looks soon. Did you buy anything during Sephora's VIB sale? I would love to know and see what you think of your new products!

Monday, November 1, 2010

Wet N' Wild Haul
























Along with cheap lip-liners from my local mall in Sacramento (that being Florin Mall) during my high school days, I have fond memories of the Wet N' Wild makeup line. Back in the days, it was all about brown lipsticks and black eyeliners- cheap and intense for serious high school dances. Well, Wet N' Wild has come out with some new products and I picked up a bunch today at Walgreens because they were 50% off. Everything shown here only cost me about $50. Now, I already love the eye shadows- the six color palette in Vanity being my favorite so far.

Here is my test: Every Monday is date night. Tonight, we went to see "Hereafter." A real tear-jerker directed by one of my favorite directors- Clint Eastwood. A very lovely film- I highly recommend it. Made me think about my dad and where he is now. It's a film that focuses on the lives of three individuals who deal with death in different ways: George (Matt Damon) is a blue-collar American who plays a "psychic." Marie (Cecile De France), a French journalist, has a near-death experience when she is caught in tsunami. And Marcus, a London schoolboy, who loses the person closest to him. I cried tons to say the least. But more importantly, how did my Wet N' Wild eyeliner hold up? Well, the photo of me at the top is me at 11:30 p.m., getting ready for bed. No touch-up after crying at the movies. Eye-liner is still intact- and this is NOT even the waterproof liner either.

Also, the lipstick I am wearing is to die for- I wore 901BP (very pinky shade) with lip shimmer in 102P. It turned out very "cute-Barbie" without being too gaudy the way some pink lipsticks turn out. Anywhoooo- as I was saying, even after I cried at this movie, the liner stayed put. This is a good sign. So I recommend you pick up one of the lovely colors and try it for yourself.

Sunday, October 31, 2010

I want!!! Shu Uemura Blinged Up Eyelash Curler



It's simple- I want this eyelash curler. It's not even available on the Shu website- I think it is only available in Malaysia at this time???

Pretty eyes




Here are some pretty eye makeup for your viewing pleasure. This was for daytime wear so I went very natural.

I've been practicing my eye makeup on hooded eyes and had my friends Linda, Ly and Monica over for testing. Part of the challenge is doing the eye makeup so there is no transfer of eye shadow, eyeliner or mascara to the lid and/or below the eye. I applied my Urban Decay primer potion all over the lid then topped it off with MAC's paint pot in Soft Ochre. I then layered on eye shadows. All the ladies are wearing some combination of Wet n Wild's Color Icon Eye Shadow Palette in Vanity. Such an impressive and affordable little palette. It cost me only $2.49 since it was half off at Walgreens. The colors are complimentary to each other and quite pigmented. I then accented those neutral shades by adding red eye shadow from Napolean Perdis or purple eye shadow from MAC in the crease. I used a super fine eyeliner brush to apply Stila smudge pot as eyeliner- top and bottom. I also lined waterline with white eye pencil to open and brighten up the eyes. I used my Shiseido eyelash curler on Monica (top left) and Linda (top right) and it worked great. On Ly (bottom), I curled her lashes by using spoon method. The spoon method involves taking a metal spoon and using it to curl lashes like you curl gift ribbon. A little tricky but seemed to work for Ly's lashes which are short and close to the lid. I didn't want to try eyelash curler since I was afraid I would pinch her eyes.

Using disposable mascara wands I got from Walmart, I completed the eye look by applying Christian Dior "Diorshow" mascara to each lovely lady. They were all great sports. Come over anytime ladies!

Scariest Zombie nightmare EVER!




I have to say, I look pretty darn gross for a zombie. I had to warn my friends as they arrived for my Halloween party so they would not be scared out of their skins. I actually had no costume makeup so I ended up creating colors by taking an unused foundation and mixing in powder shavings from unused eyeshadows. Thankfully, I had a true red eyeshadow to make the bloody color. I applied the makeup by using a loofah-like bath sponge. This mixing thing worked great since I didn't have to worry about sticky, waxy costume makeup on my face all night.

The thrift store I went to had no wedding dresses so I ended up buying this awesome blue dress and being a Prom Zombie. I made the sash by going to Joanne's Craft and Fabric Store and picking up a spool of wide white ribbon. At first, I wrote the letters on the sash with red marker but it didn't look scary enough so I traced the letters with red lipstick then lightly rubbed lipstick into the ribbon to create a smeared blood look. It turned out great!

The next night, I went more sexy and pretty. My false eyelashes were from Makeup Forever (109 Janet- dense black). They were fun but actually felt heavy- whatta workout for my lids! I worked on all my friend's eye makeup. But best part- they all are wearing MAC's Viva Glam V lipstick! And it looked so different on each of them- thanks Christie for the lippie!

It was fab Halloween. Can't wait for next year. What was your costume? Send me pics to post!

Tuesday, October 26, 2010

Spooky Halloween


I am such a fraidy cat that Halloween is my least favorite holiday! But this year, I am going to try to be scary. I've been looking for wedding dresses so I can be a zombie bride. I found the perfect wedding dress at the Salvation Army but it's a bit small and tight on top. Robin suggested I just wear tube top underneath and leave the back open. My dress is going to be torn up and bloody anyhow. We'll see- I'm gonna stop by tomorrow night and see if it's still there. I think the makeup will be challenging and fun. Everything I've been reading up on zombie makeup sounds pretty gory- rotting flesh, peeling skin, and dried blood. Gross huh? Well, I'll be sure to post a pic. If I am not a zombie bride, I think I'm gonna go with a zombie prom queen. Just thinking about it all sounds so creepy. Trick or treat!

Monday, October 25, 2010

Winter Skincare Regime



It's been quite windy today and my skin feels so grimy from all the dirt. All throughout summer, I was able to stick to a basic moisterizer with SPF. But with winter, I've been searching for a nourishing but creamy moisterizer for my ultra dry skin. Yesterday, I picked up a jar of M.A.C.'s Studio Moisture Cream. Just tried it today and so far, I love it. It's very moisterizing without feeling heavy. It also gives my skin a nice, radiant glow. Give me a few more days and I will let you know how my makeup sits on it.

Here are some tips for taking care of your skin in the winter. Cold and windy weather can dry out your skin so you need to use a good moisterizer that provides a protective barrier. I apply my moisterizer right after I shower or wash my face so as to seal in the moisture. You also want to take care of your lips so they don't get chapped and bleed. My everyday routine is to wet a cloth towel and scrub my lips in the morning and night. I then apply lip balm. My favorite lip balm is C.O. Bigelow's Lemon Lip Balm. For more intense lip care, make a small mix of sugar and petroleum jelly and rub in on your lips for a minute then wipe off. The sugar crystals will help peel away any chapped skin.

Stay warm this winter!

Sunday, October 24, 2010

Winter Vacay!


Okay, yes, I am thinking about where to go for Winter vacation. We have to travel according to Hong's school calendar and I am thinking somewhere tropical. We've been doing aerobics and yoga through the Madison School and Community Recreations Program and I am looking good- gotta maximize my bikini-acceptable body asap! So where to go? Send me ideas. Maybe Hawaii to visit Angela? Miss ya girl! Or Miama- I've never been there and could use some good food and dancing. I would love to go to Rio de Janeiro and lounge on the world famous beaches of Ipanema. Anyone have a friend in Rio we can crash with?

Winter = Cute Boots



Since I moved to Madison from CA five years ago, my favoritest part of Madison is the winter- truly and honestly! I love the snow. I love the cold flakes of snow on my face. I love getting that cool winter bitten red on my cheeks. But the best part is getting to wear cute boots!

Here are some boots I am eyeing- way over my budget but a girl can dream. On Saturday afternoons, when not prepping for a trial, I babysit a lovely boy named Jack. I even calculated how much babysitting I would need to do to afford the boots. As you can see, I babysit Jack out of love, not for money since by the time I could afford the boots, winter would likely be over.

Left: Giuseppe Zanotti Denim Boxer Boots ($1,295.00 or 36 Saturdays of babysitting)
Right: Tory Burch Dabney Wedge Tall Boots ($495.00 or 14 Saturdays of babysitting)

Friday, October 22, 2010

Sephora Purchase List





























Here's my purchase list from Sephora's Family and Friend Sale. I am utterly sad that Sephora no longer carries Shu Uemera eyelash curlers- the best curler ever. I've gone through three in my lifetime. But now I will have to try the Shiseido eyelash curler. I hope it won't disappoint me. Anyone already have it and have comparative reviews to share?

Have fun shopping. Please share your wish/purchase list with me- I would love to see what everyone else is getting or wants to get!

Face:
Laura Mercier/Secret Camouflage/SC-2
MAKE UP FOR EVER/HD Microperfecting Primer/7 Pink

Tools:
Shiseido/Eyelash Curler/Eyelash Curler

Blush:
NARS/Blush/Dolce Vita
Bobbi Brown/Blush/Pale Pink
Illamasqua/Powder Blusher/Disobey
Illamasqua/Powder Blusher/Sin

Eyes:
Bobbi Brown/Long-Wear Gel Eyeliner/Graphite Shimmer Ink

Thursday, October 21, 2010

I'm Alive!





After shopping for my Sephora wishlist items, I am once again inspired to blog. Sephora's family and friend sale is on now- 20% off any purchase.* (see fine print below) The online code is FF2010 and you can use it multiple times. As soon as I recieve my goods, I will be posting! Lots of blush- Illamasqua (Sin and Disobey), Bobbie Brown (Pale Pink), NARS (Dolce Vita), MUFE HD Microperfecting Primer in Pink, etc. I am most excited about my purple blush from Illamasqua- SIN. Doesn't that name just sound so fun and mysterious? Can't wait to try it out! Whose gonna be my model?

Anyways, used Sephora sale to stock up on Christmas gifts. I also picked up some new makeup brands at Sally's Beauty Supply Store this evening. They carry this product by Palladio- Natural Rice Powder for the face. The product is supposed to be great at setting makeup and absorbing oil. Pretty inexpensive- costs me $4.99. I will test and let you all know how it works. I am comparing it to my MAC prep and prime finishing powder which is over $20 a pop.


Yesterday, after my cardio and yoga class, I went to my local Target and bought some Maybelline makeup on clearance. It was a combination packet of the Dream Smooth Mousse Foundation in buff and Dream Mousse blush in rose petal. I've already tried the blushes but never the foundation so I bought the duo- only $4.98! I have to say, I've used the foundation the past two days and I just love it. Here is a photo of me after a long day with the foundation. Seriously, it is long-lasting. It sits on top of my Smashbox primer and MAC fix-spray and set with my MAC powder. The blush comes with a little sponge in an attached compartment. The little sponge is actually quite good.

Okay, lots to come. Please continue to check me out and let me know if you want reviews of any products or have any questions.

*Fine print: Sephora.com Friends & Family 20% off offer valid through 11/03/10 at 11:59pm PST/PDT with any mechandise order on Sephora.com. Enter promotion code FF2010 in the promotion code box during Sephora.com checkout to receive your discount. Not valid in retail stores, previous purchases, on Canadian online purchases, nor with the purchase of eGift certificates or gift cards. Cannot be used in conjunction with other promotion codes. A print out of this email is not a substitution for the Friends and Family cards in store. Sephora reserves the right to end or change this promotion offer at any time.

Thursday, September 23, 2010

Apologies



I recently moved so things have been hectic- no internet installed yet and makeup is slowly being organized again. I will post pics of new makeup storage soon. I also worked my second makeup artist appointment at a wedding in Spring Green two weekends ago. I did the bride's makeup, her 5 bridesmaids and 1 friend of hers. It was really fun and I got to try different techniques on different face structures and skin tones. I will post pics soon.

Thanks for your patience. If there's anything you want me to post about, let me know. I will be posting notes on affixing false eyelashes, how to create a smooth base on your face for foundation, concealer, and powder and a blog on countouring blush and bronzer. Any other requets? Let me know.

Tuesday, August 24, 2010

Personal Makeup Stash





I love seeing how people store their personal makeup- I don't quite yet have a system but here's what it looks like on a daily basis (translation- when I am messy and lazy and don't clean up). My blushes, eyeliners and pallettes are in top drawer and all my MAC paint pots are in my glass vanity. My brush belt is usually more full but some have been transferred to my travel brush case since I am heading out of town soon. Just a snap shot of my usual makeup space. I definitely need a whole powder room. One day...

Cool storage for pigments




I stopped by Dollar Store in Middleton last weekend and discovered these awesome little containers in their craft section. The containers would be perfect for pigments and other non-liquids. Here's a photo of the container in contrast to a full size MAC pigments product. You get 8 in a pack for $1.00! I also stocked up on $1 eyelashes. They work alright and for a dollar, I don't mind tossing them after one use. I also bought some LA Colors mineral eyeshadow to try out- colors were limited but they are actually really pigmented and you get a lot for the price.

Stila Haul






Whoa- blogging is tough- it's tough getting on here often to post but my goal is at least twice a week if not more. Especially now that I know I've got some regular followers. As promised, here is my Stila haul. As you can see, I went crazy on the smudge pots. Questions on products featured? Just ask.

Wednesday, August 18, 2010

Swapping












I've recently discovered this awesome blog: http://makeupalley.com/ It's a website that provides product reviews and allows its users to post photos of their makeup. The best part is that it allows its users to swap makeup! I usually swap for things like makeup brushes, eyeshadows and blushes. These are items that I think are easiest to sanitize. I sanitize brushes by washing them with baby shampoo then spraying them with alcohol when dry. To sanitize eyeshadows and blushes, I spray with alcohol and let dry. The alcohol helps to kill the bacteria on the outside so it's important to spray after each use. I suppose you could sanitize lipstick in the same way but I am just wary of items that have touched lips. Mascara is also something I do not swap for since it's impossible to sanitize once used.

Anyways, I've included a photo of some things I've received in my swaps. For the MAC eyeshadow palette, I swapped with a girl in Chesapeake, VA with my NYX cream blushes in Red Cheeks and Hot Pink. The Red Cheeks was brand new but the Hot Pink had been used twice with my Sonia Kashuk brush. For the Du Wop blue eyeshadow palette, I swapped with a girl from Fresno, CA with my NYX pinky shimmer powder, NYX cream blush in Diva and NYX cream blush in Hot Pink. And for the Laura Geller double ended face and eye brush, I swapped with a girl from Gate City, VA for my Too faced Mi Amore Blush. I've swapped with people all over the U.S. I haven't swapped internationally due to costs but would if it were a multiple swap for items I can't get here. I am awaiting a few more swaps and will post on them later- I am super exited for my upcoming Japonesque brush and MAC 226 angled brush.

Most swaps come with little extras. I always include a pack of my handcrafted cards with my swaps. It's a pretty fun way to get rid of your old or unused makeup for things you've wanted to try out. Postage averages $1.90 per swap. Let me know if you try swapping and what goodies you are getting!

I've also included some photos of me with the eyeshadow from my newly swapped MAC Take Wing's 4 eyeshadow palette. I also used some new Stila stuff I got from the awesome Stila warehouse sale. I will post on my haul from that soon. I bought so much good stuff for uber cheap. Yah for Stila- I so love my smudge pots.