A new project loosely based on Project 10 pan by lollipop25? I believe it was her anyways  it is a products reduction for me. Project R… and here are the products that I plan to finish:

 These ones are self-explanatory… I personally don’t reach for these colors a lot but I would love to repurchase a full size of cranberry which is pretty good. ^_^ Blackberry is too dark for an everyday look and everyone raves about Kitten but I don’t like the strong vanilla scent that comes with this lipgloss. As you can tell I’m almost done blackberry which is positive and I have used up a lot of Kitten which is also positive. I am on the way to finishing these ones though I wouldn’t mind keeping cranberry for special occasions… sadly the lifespan of these lipglosses is only a year after opening the packaging. Ah well must finish quickly and the best as I can they were expensive. >.< $38CDN for a set of 8.

 Here are the product names

1. Covergirl Wetslicks Lipgloss in Clear Radiance -  Just regular clear lipgloss… this was bought with a coupon same goes for the Amazemint one too… I use this for tutorials and stuff.

2. Covergirl Amazemint Wetslicks Lipgloss in Slaphappy – Bought with the clear lipgloss it’s pretty good but I don’t wear gloss that often everyday therefore I must try to finish it up as best as I can. I would not repurchase this one… not as good as I expected.

3. Covergirl Fresh Complexion Concealer in Light-medium(?) – I don’t remember the shade because it fell off for some odd reason but this one is a pretty good concealer just not my shade. It’s a little too pink I believe for my skin tone but I still use it to correct my blemishs. I think I’m 3/4 done it.

4. Wet ‘n’ Wild Megalash Mascara – A really clumping mascara I would not repurchase but it does the job of keeping my lashes curled.

5. Covergirl Wetslicks Fruits Spritzers in Guava (yum)  – This was a yummy flavor but I don’t find myself reaching for it very often… but still pretty yummy.

6. Nivea Lip Care Caregloss and Shine – Bought about 3-4 years ago and I know I should throw it out but I really liked this gloss back then. I like it because it actually moisterizes the lips and gives it a gloss sheen as well. Not bad for a lip balm but for me I don’t like the stickiness of it.

7. N.Y.C. Lipstick in Petal – Bought for everyday but a little too sheer and light on me. But I still use it for practicing and designing looks.

8. N.Y.C. Lipstick in Blossom – Bought specifically for a tutorial coming up soon. I still haven’t mastered the techniques for this look yet but it will come out soon!

10. Rocky Mountain Soap Company Green Apple Lip Butter – just finished this product yesterday I had this one for over 2 years and the smell was gone but the moisterizingness of it was still in it. I use it every night as a nightly moisterizer good stuff! I’ve already repurchased a replacement.

And as you can tell I can’t count properly…. yeah… positive… but anyways these are the things that I would like to finish. Anyways, these are the products that I have included… I forgot to take a photo of the face products that I would like to use up but that can wait until another beauty related update. After I finish the products I know that I probably won’t be buying anymore glosses and just focus on stuff that I would wear everyday. Well, we’ll see how the project goes on and I hope to get everything done to the best of my abilities!

Parabens are an extremely controversial ingredient used in most skin care/hair care/ shaving creams/makeup products as a cheap and readily accessible preservative to keep products fresh (free of mold and other bacteria) and extend the shelf life. It is thought (by some) to have estrogenic effects that can lead to cancer when exposed to the ingredients for long periods of time. You can look on the back of your products and locate which items contain parabens; they are called methylparaben, butylparaben, isoparaben, or propylparaben.

Although “going paraben free” is cerainly a preference, as a marketing/PR student and a make-up artist I think this is a big joke to get people to spend more money on more costly products that have a shorter lifespan, bringing the consumer in more frequently to purchase more expensive products which are by no means any better than the ones containing parabens. Which in fact, have been around for 50 years and are a NATURALLY derived ingredient deemed safe by the CTFA (cosmetic, toiletry, and fragrance association). However, certain companies (in my opinion) have created a huge marketing niche by targeting consumers who think they are doing the smart thing by spending more money for “safer” ingredients; when in fact what some brands should do instead is some clever PR about why their use of parabens are safe for consumers.

However, some of my favorite cosmetics companies are paraben free. These companies include (but are not limited to): Lorac, Smashbox, Burt’s Bee’s, Tarte, Stila, and Too Faced.

Lately, I have been feeling a bit “duped” by the cosmetic industry as I start to research the products that are sold for $50 in comparison to comparable products at a drugstore for $5 and find virtually all of the same ingredients and the same results. I think we trust brands and we assume that if something comes with a steep price tag it must be the best; top of the line; creme de la creme. Not so.

In fact, I would like to update you that everyday I get compliments on my lashes. And it is just my little secret that I am not wearing the $30 mascara, but instead I am wearing the $5.99 Loreal Voluminous.

Stila’s shade, Kitten is the universally flattering pink-champagne shade that looks great on everyone.

Stila Kitten Collection

Stila Lip Glaze – Kitten A$42.00
This is a global best seller ever since it was launched over 12 years ago. Stila’s website describes that it shimmers like the finest champagne – and it does! The moisture-rich gloss contains ultra-fine pearl shimmer that provides amazing shine and gives an ultra-lacquered finish in a non-sticky formula. It’s also enriched with Vitamins A, C and E for additional skincare benefits. Apply for a sophisticated shine, or touch it over any lipstick for a dazzling effect.

Stila Smudge Pot – Kitten A$42.00
The Smudge Pot is made with real crushed pearls. It is ideal as an eyeshadow, liner or even cheek highlighter. Smudge-proof, water resistant and illuminating. I am a fan of the Smudge Pot anyway and am really excited that they have introduced this seriously meow worthy colour.

Stila NEW Limited Edition Kitten Collection A$58.00
This is the ultimate all-round gift set featuring an Eye Shadow AND a Lip Glaze in the shade, Kitten. The Eye Shadow formula has staying power and does not crease or smudge.

This colour really does suit everyone.

Love Kirst xx

In this new category I’m going to give you some recommendations about internet shopping! First on the list is Non Pareil Boutique.

Featured products/brands:
This awesome webshop has a great array of products available. I always buy my NYX Cosmetics products from them, but the also sell Milani, LA Colors, Red Cherry false lashes, Stila and much more!

Product prices:
They offer products for a great price, NYX for example, is cheap! Cherry Culture is way more pricey!

Shipping:
Their (international) shipping is fairly cheap & quick! They ship out your order very fast and everything will arrive in great condition. All my items are always very neatly packed.

Go check them out! Click on the image to browse around the website and start shopping!

Your beauty addict,
Natasja

FTC Disclaimer:
I did not receive products for free from companies mentioned in this blog post. I bought everything myself. I’m not getting paid or compensated by companies mentioned in this blog post. I’m not affiliated with these companies. Everything that I say on this blog is my own personal opinion and they’re not influenced by others.

Welcome to Monday Make-Up! Today we’re looking at one of my absolute go-to pieces: A black smudge pot.

When I was 14, we didn’t have those snazzy Youtube videos with make-up tutorials, and because my mother never wore much make-up, I didn’t really learned how to apply it. Thankfully throughout high school I picked up a few tricks here and there, but was always pretty terrible at eyeliner.

Then one day, a friend showed me her smudge pot. For those who don’t know, a smudge pot is basically mooshed up eyeliner in a creamy form that you use a brush to put on your eyelids. While it’s not ideal for lining your lower eye rims, it creates a sleek look on top.

“]

The smudge pot creates a great 50's era look, with basic black swoops on top. [Dita Von Teese

I immediately fell in love with the smudge pot! The handiness of it is amazing:

-It lasts for freakin’ ever! I’ve carried that thing through 115 degree Arizona heat and it’s just fine.
-It’s easy to put on quickly, and easy to take off and fix mistakes. Dab a little Vaseline or Aquaphore on it and it comes right off.
-It doesn’t clump or smudge! At least the brands I use, Stila and MAC.
-A small, angled brush makes it easy to apply thick and thin lines.

Not only that, but MAC offers it in tons of different colours. I have the purple, and sometimes I only put that on my eyelids and it looks just fine.

Though some girls have the eye pencil liner down pat, for those of us who don’t, there’s the smudge pot. Check out Sephora or Ulta for some!

Sephora describes the texture of Stila’s Jewel Eyeshadow Palette ($32) as delivering “sequin-like reflection” to lids.  How bad can that be?

Eyes glimmer as sparkles dance across eyelids. The pigments, enhanced with crushed jewels, impart eyes with unparalleled shimmer and buildable color for elegant drama.  Pump up the volume on smoky eyes with the sparkling black  or eggplant shades. Enhance defined eyes with the light pink shade, laced with silver shimmer. The gold shade is subtle enough to use as a browbone highlighter, or as a base for smoky eyes.

The continuation of previous Long Lost Haul post… More Stila, of course. Tired yet of it?

The Babies

Here’s the stuffs from Holiday 2009. Bold Beautiful Palette (yes, featuring Stila Girl!) and Lip Glaze Set.

Holiday 2009 Stuffs

Pens. I love Stila ‘pens’.

Pomegranate Crush mini as a gift from the seller. Love it!
Cherry Crush lip & cheek stain.
Convertible Eye Color in Port (x2, don’t know why I ended with 2. Damn!), and Forest.
Stila Kajal Liner in Rose Quartz and Aquamarine. I think both are LE.

The Pens

Just My Luck Palette in Lucky Peach.
Italian Ices Palette in Tre.
Nordstorm Special Anniversary Duo Palette….I think. Not too sure of what it is
Perfectly Plum Palette.

Palettes

Stila Deluxe Palette.
Stila Rose Moon Palette. After I see this pic, I think it’s not the December haul! But anyway….picture taken.

Both are LE too BTW. Aside from 4 eyeshadows, blush, and lipgloss/lipcolor, it also comes with 3 brushes (fluffy eyeshadow brush, flat eyeliner brush, and lip brush). They’re flimsy, but good enough for travel!

Deluxe Palettes..

Stila Pretty Pink blush/highlighter duo. Heard it’s like Benefit Dandelion, but haven’t tried it yet. It seems to have very low pigmentation.

Stila Snow Lilies Palette. It’s the sister of my Stila Glacier Ice Palette. Both are LE.

Lookbook, Duo Blush/Highlighter

I think we’re looking at ‘Asian’ releases here. The Warm Trio, Cheek Duo.

The single pan is from the permanent collection though, it’s Stila Matte Eye Shadow Pan in Batura.

Rounded Single, Duo, Trio

I’ve tried several and I think this batch is not as satisfactory as I want it too….some palettes are too warm, some are slightly too sheer But still usable, I hope.

Merry Belated Christmas, my dear readers! I hope that your Christmases were filled with joy and all-American values. As for myself, I took part in the time-honored Christmas tradition of Jewish families going to the movies because nothing else is open. I saw “Nine”, a musical, which I liked quite a bit, although if you ask me Kate Hudson was totally unnecessary, because frankly that woman is obnoxious. I understand that apparently her mother Goldie Hawn was very charming, but as far as I am concerned the only child of a celebrity who is in any way tolerable is Sean Astin, mostly because he autographed my copy of “The Goonies”.

It looks pretty much like this, except for the part where SEAN ASTIN AUTOGRAPHED IT.

Anyway, I bring up Nine because one of the characters had some pretty fierce makeup action going on. Check up on it:

Hmmm, that’s actually not exactly the look I was thinking of, Fergie-Ferg, although I did very much enjoy your performance as the town prostitute. It seems only fitting, considering that your husband Josh Duhamel is currently being accused of adultery by/with a number of strippers. FOR SHAME, JOSH DUHAMEL.

Wipe that smirk off your face, you shmuck.

Not that many people know this about me, but I have a somewhat unreasonable love of Fergie-Ferg. This has become sort of an issue with my boyfriend. We’ll be in the car, listening to the radio, and a Fergie song will come on. Delighted, I turn the volume up and start singing. He changes the station. I change it back. He changes it again, a little more forcefully. This usually ends with at least one of us in tears.

The main reason for my love is the story of the now-legendary concert where Fergie peed her pants onstage. Let’s face it, folks, that is really nothing short of awesome. And to continue to perform even after that? Talk about dedication, which apparently is a concept that her HUSBAND doesn’t undestand. SPEAKING OF YOU, JOSH DUHAMEL, Sarah Ferguson is a SAINT. I would go so far as to call her the MOTHER TERESA OF OUR TIME. Feel free to quote me on that one, Ferg. Do not phunk with her heart, Josh Duhamel, or else you will no longer be mixing your milk with her coco puffs, because her lovely lady lumps are in very high demand, if you know what I mean, WHICH I THINK YOU DO. Also, please stop making Fergie so depressed that she makes terrible music. “Meet Me Halfway” is bloody awful. It’s like her throat has been comfort eating.

Anyway, the real makeup inspiration in Nine was to be found on the very lovely and talented Marion Cotillard. She was working a modified Audrey Hepburn, meaning a relatively thin cat eye combined with strong brows and pink lips. Observe:

So elegant! So classy! I’m inspired, dear readers, and I will probably be (attempting to) work a similar look in the upcoming weeks. If you’re interested in trying it out yourself, I highly recommend the Lancome Artliners. These are the best liquid liners on the market. However, they are vastly expensive at $29. I am currently trying the Kat Von D Tattoo Liner, which is available at Sephora for $18. Like the Artliners, it has a felt tip. I have had no issues with it. However, the Tattoo Liner actually only contains 0.02 ounces of product, while the Lancome eyeliner contains 0.04. So to get the same amount of product as the Lancome eyeliner, one would actually have to spend $36. If you do not wear liquid liner all that often, then 0.02 ounces may be plenty.

Some feel that the liquid liner look can be a bit harsh at times. For these lovely ladies, I also recommend trying gel liners, such as Bobbi Brown Long-Wear Gel Eyeliner (extremely high quality, wide range of colors, $21) or Stila Smudge Pots (much bigger size than Bobbi’s, so you’re getting more for your money, $20). Both of these are very good; I have worn both brands in the sweltering heat of Israeli summer and had no problems with smudging. Oh, Lancome also has a new line of gel liner, but I do not recommend anything to my readers that I have not tried myself. Gel liners can take a little work to get used to, but the end result is beautiful and looks a bit more modern than liquid liner.

Disclaimer: I have owned all of these liners at some point, and bought them at either Sephora or Nordstrom.

So, inspired by a conversation with my buddy Siobhanny over dim sum last night (still hoping for that sponsorship Ping Pong!) about our love of perfume, how our tastes have changed and evolved over the years, and how powerfully we associate scent with people and places (she once said she knew I was on the same tube platform as her because she could smell my Michael Kors wafting in front of her), I thought I’d list the perfumes I’ve worn over the ages.

Ah perfume, you are my crack ...

As I compiled the list, it was fascinating to feel how many memories came back. I have loved perfume since I was tiny – I always associate my mother with La Perla perfume, for example, and when I revisited East Asia late last year for the first time since my childhood the scent of durians and, bizarrely, household cleaner that they used in Bangkok airport – transported me back to my eight year old self almost instantly.

But, hey,  I could go on, but why when I can list all the perfumes wot I have known? Let the madness begin!

Ages 12 to 14 – disdaining my friends’ childish fondness for Anais Anais (baby sick) or Rive Gauche (cat wee) I opt for the big eighties wallop of Ysatis by Givenchy. People, amazingly, think I’m sophisticated, apart from the embarrassing moment when I go to get a refill and ask for ‘Ysaaaaatis’ in a Brummie accent only to be told by Ms Rackhams lady ‘you mean, Yis a TIS, madam’. Hmph. Glamour image then tarnished by decision to wear ‘Nirvana’ Impulse spray. Because I liked Nirvana …

Late teens – Sun Moon Stars by Karl Lagerfeld. Wierd perfume this, on the musty end of musky, but the bottle was cute and blue and round with suns and moons and .. you get where I’m going …

Uni – a somewhat lamentable Calvin Klein face – Obsession because an ex liked it (it’s like being punched in the face with a wetsock filled with spices) and Contradiction, which another ex said smelled like pic and mix sweeties. Finally opted for Eternity because it seemed classy. And by classy I mean dull as dishwater.

23 to 28 – a veritable smorgasbord of perfume, including Stila’s Creme Bouquet (WHY did they phase that out?) until I discovered my Eden, Jo Malone, through my aunt. From there is has since been a long love affair with Wild Fig and Cassis (for the sexy moments) or Pomegranate Noir (for the reeeaaallly sexy moments), Nutmeg and Ginger (for winter), Orange Blossom (summer), Gardenia (now cruelly discontinued, still my favourite Gardenia) and various others that have flitted through my life and made it smell so damn good. I probably should just hand over about 10% of my salary every month to them …

28 to, cough, later: I’ve gone niche, baby. No common or garden ‘Stella’ or other such drivel for me. I like small, artisan houses or big, high end, perfumes. I fell in love with the beautiful smell of the sensual  resiny smell of oud after two years in the Middle East, then spent a lot of money trying to find perfumes with it. I settled for Tom Ford’s Bois Morocain (not technically oud but similar), then for summer am currently in love with Jardin Clos by Dyptique (summer flowers in a spray) and Marc Jacobs Splash in Fig (all cab drivers comment on this perfume, FACT). I’m also coveting L’Artisan Perfumeur, Le Labo and Byredo and trying to find the money (and bank manager) to pay for it …

So, my life in perfumes so far. A great intro is the book ‘Perfumes’ by Luca Turin and Tania Sanchez, but what are your favourites? What perfumes have guided you through your life? Answers in the comments (male or female) please!

How’s it going, my lovelies? I’m supposed to be studying, but I wanna give you a quick review on Stila Natural Finish Oil-Free Makeup ($38). Check it!

Pros:

• Perfect color match, plus a huge range of colors.
• Medium coverage, but can be thinned out for a sheer finish or layered for more coverage.
• Although it provides a lot of coverage (for me), it really does look natural once blended in.
• Photographs well.
• Semi-matte finish.
• Great staying power, lasts all day on my oily skin, even after using blotting tissues.

Cons:

• Not a slap-and-go type of foundation. It took me longer to blend this in because it’s quite thick.
• The packaging. There’s no pump, very unsanitary and hard to control the amount you want. Dear Stila, PLEASE put a pump dispenser on this thing!
• There’s no added fragrance, yet it has a weird smell to it. Kinda like… a mild paint? I don’t know what it is, but it’s not very pleasant.
• It made me break out along the hairline and cheeks, and I rarely breakout on my cheeks. No bueno.

Final thoughts: I really like the coverage and the perfect color match, but won’t be buying again because it makes me breakout.

Still love you, though, Stila!

Well…that’s me. I took photos of my haul, then forget about it These lot dated back to November 2009. Le Sigh!

Stila Stuffs

Barbie Loves Stila in 1980 Foxy Doll.
Barbie Loves Stila in 2000 Jewel Doll.

Stila Runway Look (Fall 2008 LE?).

Stila Day To Night Talking Palette.

Stila Eye Shadow Duo in Fandango, Tatiana, Dragonfly.

Stila Mandarin Mist Trio (this one was LE….Summer 2007? But later made permanent in the name of Champagne Glow).

Stila Cheek Color Pan in Eclectic.

Stila Lip Glazes and Lip Glaze Sticks. My goodness….I can’t name the color now. It’s been thrown into my lipglosses bucket. I’m pretty sure one of the Lip Glaze Stick is Blackberry, but I’m not really sure of the other one. I think it’s Plum.

2 of the Lip Glazes are from the Barbie Loves Stila paint can (Foxy, Jewel), and I think the other one is Fruit Cake.

Stila Duos, Trios, Quads...

And I restocked my skin care. Another sunscreen spray by Paula’s Choice (review coming soon, I hope!), my HG Paula’s Choice Super Antioxidant Concentrate, and Acnes UV Tint SPF30/PA++.

Skincare Stuffs

I have some December 2009 haul too….hope I can take picture of it soon hahaha.

Have a great weekend, ladies!

Stila #30 Double-ended Shadow Brush

The bonus was it was also only half the price. I have bought almost all of my makeup brushes from eBay. At first I was worried that they wouldn’t be the real thing but I have found that all the brushes I have bought are of proffessional quality – and only a fraction of the cost!

This brush is really easy to use and blends to perfection. You can just slap a bit of eyeshadow on with the thicker side and easily blend with the other side. The results are fabulous and I could not recommend this brush enough.

Love Kirst xx

Gift sets at Stila are 25% off! The deal ends at midnight tonight so get to shoppin’!

76. The Metro-Boston Library System only lets you request holds on fifty books at a time, which is why I have a list of 99 waiting-to-be-helds.

77. I am not what you would call a Red Hot Chili Peppers fan per se — I don’t own any of their albums, I haven’t downloaded any of their songs, etc. — but there is something I find remarkably soothing about Anthony Kiedis’s voice.  It’s almost as soothing to me as Ina Garten’s (see here).

78. It’s not cool to admit this, but my favorite cookie is Chips Ahoy! Gets me every time.

79. I have a very specific pattern that I follow closely when I put on makeup.  It’s stretched out over a period of time, so it doesn’t take as long as it seems since I do things like brush my teeth and wash my eyeglasses in between stages.  First, assuming I have clean skin, I moisturize my face and neck.  Then I wait something like five to ten minutes for it to absorb.  Second, I put on a thin layer of foundation, followed by blush.  Since I am currently using a gel stain, I have to wait something like ten minutes until it too has absorbed.  Third, I dust my face with loose powder, dab on some eye shadow, line my lids with another shadow and an angled brush, curl my lashes and apply mascara.  This last step takes about five minutes.  Basically, if I caved and bought the $42 tinted moisturizer I used to use and broke out the powder blush I purchased to replace my almost-finished gel stain, I could cut ten minutes out of my routine.

80. If it were possible to start each day with a consequence-free breakfast of a fat toasted garlic bagel topped with an inch of cream cheese and a layer of smoked salmon, I totally would.  And by “consequence-free” I mean no weight gain and no bad breath.

“There is none.
For instance, you said “I know it’s probably MAC”. But I happen to HATE that brand as I find that their products work the same for me as other drug store products, and their foundations are not for my skin.

The best brand is the one that YOU like. If that happens to be CoverGirl, then that’s YOUR “best brand”. If you like the brand Make Up For Ever the most, then it’s that one. Nothing is ever going to work the same for everyone.

But even then, there really isn’t a best brand for individuals. I have never bought products solely from one brand, because as a consumer it would be pretty stupid to only choose from one brand. Go to a drug store and swatch products on the back of your hand to see which ones apply nicely. If the shadow you try is chalky, move on to another. If the liner goes on weird, try something else. It’s all about trial and error, regardless of the price or the brand name. I’ve seen plenty of reviews for 40 dollar shadows that get slammed for how chalky they are and terrible reviews for lip sticks that just don’t work. So really, price doesn’t matter, how it WORKS is what you should concern yourself. Ignore the names or the price, try the product out and if you like it buy it if it happens to be in your price range.

“In all reality, you will get what you pay for. if you opt for bargain brands (such as covergirl, maybelline, etc) be prepared for reapplication. These brands work fine, they’re just not as long lasting as say MAC and NARS might be.”

In my 4 or so years of experience with makeup, this is not true. I’ve used MAC shadows, I’ve used LORAC, I’ve used Maybelline and I’ve used CoverGirl. I’ve had expensive shadows that just don’t deliver very well, and my 7 dollar shadows last the same amount of time as my expensive shadows. I’ve actually had worse experiences with MAC than with every drug store product I’ve tried. As I said, it’s NOT the price or the brand, it’s the quality itself. Wearing my L’Oreal and Maybelline shadows, and my 6 dollar mascara and liner, my makeup lasts from 7AM to 3AM the next day. It’s all about how you USE the products. With my oily lids, the price of the product doesn’t matter, the products would still crease. So, all I had to do was find the proper primer method for me.

So, my suggestion is don’t be a makeup snob. Be willing to check out drug store brands and be open to higher end brands. Just remember that with high end brands, you will sometimes be paying mostly for the BRAND, and not the product, and that regardless of price point there will ALWAYS be duds. I’ve found very few drug store duds however, other than stumbling across a chalky shadow or two.”

[Article from The Greatest Make-Up Brand]

Let me leave you all with this…

FYI this equal to 2000USD

Check out this fabulously chic purse designed for Barbie by Patricia Field. Isn’t it just so adorable? Ya, I thought you’d think so. Barbie isn’t just for kids anymore. And that’s good news for people like myself because just because I don’t play with dolls, doesn’t mean that I can just let go my love for Barbie!

Also, if you need some beauty products to match your fab Barbie purse, check out these cosmetics by Stila!

All you Barbie lovers out there, would you buy these products? Check out Barbie Collector for more!