New glasses: Derek Cardigan 7008 Blackout

I decided to take advantage of the free glasses deal from Coastal.com. I mean, it wouldn't hurt to have a backup pair laying around right? I decided I wanted big(ger) lenses compared to my D&G 5010 eyeglasses and chose these babies.

Size comparison to Carmex Lip Balm. Notice the division and multiply signs? :D 

 An "=" on the sides 8D

 Flexible spring hinges to fit those that have big heads like mine :P

And it all came with a case, glass wipers, anti-reflective lens cleaner, and tools in case the screws become loose.

It was my first time ordering from Coastal and I had to admit I was a bit sketchy on why they were offering free glasses (even though I had to pay for $15.43 for shipping and handling/insurance) . I came to the conclusion that with this type from promo and the awesome service I received, they won me as a customer with the way they do things. My reasons?

1. They have the "Try on View" option that lets you upload a picture of yourself with the glasses on which I find very useful. Go onto the site and play with it now. I dare you!
2. My order was shipped the next day at standard shipping (5-7 days), but right before they shipped it, they decided to upgrade my shipping to 2-3 days! WHATT?? How generous :) So I was able to receive my order just two days! Amazeballs.
3. They have awesome goodies that comes with the package (i.e. the lens cleaner and tool).
4. Their website is very well organized which makes finding the perfect glasses easy peasy.

The Best Blackhead Remover Ever!: TheFaceShop Black Head EX Nose Clay Mask

WARNING! This is NOT pretty!

NASTAYYY, but it works!

I've used this product for a little over a year now and a few things I've noticed is that, from my own experience, it works best on the cheeks right after a steamy hot shower. I have a hard time removing blackheads from my nose (maybe it's just stubborn). Another helpful tip is that if you put too thin of a layer, it won't peel nicely, and if applied to thickly, then girllll, you're just wasting product.

I bought this from Sasa.com but it's currently sold out :( I've tried to find it at The Face Shop store in Koreatown, CA, but it's never there and I don't feel comfortable buying skincare products via eBay!

Review: e.l.f. Zip Zapper

What: "This special clear formula helps to fight and prevent acne, reduce redness and swelling, minimize pore size and clear skin. Zap zits away with the unique blend of Salicylic Acid, Tea Tree Oil, Witch Hazel and Camphor."

ACTIVE INGREDIENT: Salicylic Acid 1%

OTHER INGREDIENTS: Water, Witch Hazel (Hamamelis virginiana) Distillate, Alcohol, Melaleuca Alternifolia (Tea Tree) Leaf Oil, Polyacrylamide, C13-14 Isoparaffin, Laureth-7, Cinnamomum Camphora (Camphor) Bark Oil

... Natural ingredients! :)

Where: I purchased mine at my local Target, but you can also purchase this online.

Price: An unbelievable price of only $1.

Application: I just roll it onto areas that have pimples after I cleanse my face (morning & night). It only takes a few seconds to dry; afterwards, I just go on with my routine.

Pros:

- The application process only takes a few seconds as all you have to do so roll it on. So it's great if you're always in a rush or do not want to hassle with an hour skincare routine.

- Works fast! My pimples were noticeably reduced in swelling and redness after the first use. It takes 2-4 days for my pimples to go away now! Without products, it would take over a week!

- Since it's so inexpensive, you won't be losing much if it doesn't work out for you.

- Packaging is as thick as a fat highlighter, so it takes little room to carry around.

Cons:

- The first time I used it, it stung my skin for a few seconds, but it didn't sting my little brother when he first used it. So I guess it depends on your skin. (It doesn't sting now)

- It does have a smell to it but I don't personally mind it at all.

- As you can see on the left picture, I noticed that there was these brown stuff below the rims of the applicator. I have NO idea what it is.. it was there when I opened the package. But I washed it so it's clean now... I took the risk and used it anyway, and.. well.. no bad side-effects here! Hehe.
- Since this contains some alchohol, it tends to be a bit drying or makes your face tighter. So moisturize afterwards (even though you should already be doing that).

*I noticed that it ONLY works on pimples and does nothing for blemishes.. Boo! But it's fine since it doesn't claim to do anything for blemishes ;o I like this product so much that I bought some backups of it just in case Target decides to not carry it anymore ;)

Review: Coty Airspun Loose Face Powder

Front

Back

I don't have the money to spend on high-end products as other girls do, so I'm always on the look out for a good quality setting powder for my make-up since my face is like an oil spill in just hours, even if I retouch. I looked high and low, and found a bunch of great reviews on this product, so I decided to give it a try :) If I don't like it, I can always return it, right?

Price: The cost ranges from $5~7 dollars.. depending on where you purchase it. I got mine for $6.xx.

What: This loose powder has been around since 1935-- that's almost a century! If they have been around this long, they must be doing something right. This loose powder claims to "hide tiny lines, wrinkles, and blemishes and gives a new softness to your skin". There are two kinds of packaging~ I have the new one. I have no idea what the old one looked like.

Where: You can find it at just about every drugstores, Amazon, or at major retailers like Target and Walmart. I purchased mine at Walmart.

Blended into the skin with the puff that came with the product.

Pros:
- Absorbs my oil and mattifies my face. I have super oily skin so I do have to reapply once or twice more during the day.
- I have a lot of acne scars and blemishes, and this powder just smooths everything out.
- Doesn't leave a *white cast* as you can see from the picture after I blended it into my skin.
- Affordable!
- Has a puff that you can use on the go.
- The container is sturdy and plastic.

- They have a wide range of colors to match your skin~ You can buy translucent just to be safe as I did :)


Cons:
- It does have a kind of fragrance that reminds me of old-school makeup that my grandma uses. It might be bothersome to others, but it's nostalgic to me. To give an idea, it reminds me of baby powder.
- Might get messy since it's in a sifter packaging--but what loose powder isn't messy?
- The packaging is a bit bulky, so it might take up a lot of room when on-the-go.
- I'd have to reapply after a couple hours

Hair Dye: Revlon Colorsilk in Dark Soft Brown

Click to Purchase

I'm the type of person that likes change. I annoy myself to the point where I piss myself off if I stay the same for too long. I have this need to always be different; to stand out from the crowd. I'm always changing. I would dye my hair a different color--the craziest color I've ever done was pink, and girllll, I loved it! I would change my fashion style, hairstyle, my nail polish color changes every week, and how drastic I would do my make-up. It wasn't long ago that I decided to chop off 14inches of my hair into an A-line Bob. *I donated the hair to Locks of Love btw, it's a good cause :)* Now I'm growing out my hair to chop it off all over again, haha! 

Well anyway, it's been a been two months since I last dyed my hair, so I decided to go *normal*. My go-to hairdye brand has always (9 years) been Revlon Colorsilk (if I do it at home and not at a salon). 

Pros:

- Affordable~ it costs $3~4. Which is great for me since I dye my hair so much.

- Easily accessible- found in all drugstores, Walmart, Target, Amazon

- Large range of colors

- Has a collection made specifically for darker hair (purple box)

- Works great!

Con:

- Smells... but what hair dye doesn't?

Anyway.. no more chatter. Here's the before:

Before- My hair was bright orange-red

and....... AFTERRR! dundundundunnnnnn!

After! It's a dark rich brown.
The hint of red is expected since my hair was so bright before ;)

One box of hair dye is enough for my "thin" shoulder length hair. I quoted "thin" because my hairstylist thinned out my hair :P Mmm.. the color looks.. normal right? Haha~ well, I'm not used to it. I think darker hair makes people look more pale ;o. Full profile picture coming soon... when I have makeup on, eheh ;)

My Roots- Before

My Roots- After

SEPHORA COLLECTION Color Slim Palette - Eyes

Purchased for $6 (Originally $10)--Can be found online or instores. The pictures really do no justice for the colors :( But that's what you get with a regular digi-cam.

Pros:

- This palette is SUPER DUPER SLIM, making it perfect for on the go. For reference, it's just about the same size as regular business card and slim just like an iPhone.

- The price! HELLO! 6 bucks is like drugstore price!

- Great pigmentation; I played with all the colors and every shadow has great payoff. For some reason, the color shows best on the eyes, but not when swatched on my arm ;o

- Very versatile! You can go for an all natural look with the soft browns in the morning, and at night, put some of the black on for a smokey night out :)

Cons:

- The colors don't have names :( I personally want to repurchase number 2 :(

- The mirror is wack! It warps my face! It's like those cheapo mirrors you get with any little girl's makeup play set.

- The black and green eyeshadow has like CHUNKS of glitter-- I'm scared it might get into my eyes.. especially since I wear contact lenses

Here's the link if you want to purchase the palette: http://www.sephora.com/browse/product.jhtml?id=P272314&categoryId=S6300&shouldPaginate=true

Crown Brushes: Set 620 - 15 Piece Professional Set w/ Designer Case

Price: $43.99
Colors: black, pink, and bronze

Set Includes:

Chisel Powder • Chisel Blush • Angle Blush • Foundation

Angle Blender • Oval Shadow • Blending Fluff • Flat Liner

Concealer • Lash Fan • Brow/Lash Groomer • Angle Liner

Oval Lip • Mini Smudger • Round Crease • Faux Reptile Case

Pros:
- Nice variety of brushes for those that are starting out.

Cons:
- The clutch smells of factory plastic~ Of course, the smell would fade eventually.
- The (black bristled) brushes BLED black ink. I had to wash them around 17 times to get the brushes to stop bleeding.
- Brushes WERE soft~ after the many washes to get the black ink from bleeding.
- Quality is just OKAY. I don't think it's worth the price I paid for it (and I paid for a discounted price of $29.99).

Favorite brushes of the batch:
- Eyeliner brush: it's super thin which is great for lining my small eyes and synthetic, so it's easier for me to clean.
- Mini smudger: great for my small creases!

Here's the link if you guys are interested: http://crownbrush.us/