MACnunu

Konad Starter Kit Giveaway!!!

2012-01-31T12:03:00.000-08:00

Huzzah! Another giveaway!! This time it is generously sponsored by NailPolishCanada!!
If you've always wanted to own a Konad kit, now's your opportunity because we'll be giving away a Konad Starter kit which contains the Konad stamper and scraper, 3 special Konad polishes and 2 image plates (M2 and M3)!!!

My own Konadicure attempt:

The winner of this little giveaway will also be entered into a draw with 10 other winners to win $200 worth of Konad products from Nail Polish Canada!
To enter, simply leave a comment at the bottom of this post.
As an added bonus, you can win an extra image plate if you visit Nail Polish Canada's Konad product page and mention which plate you would like to win in your comment.
Extra entries if you:

follow this blog;
tweet about this giveaway; or
mention this giveaway on your own blog.

Winner will be picked on February 14, 2012 using the Random Number Generator on Random.org.
Sorry Canadian & US residents only.
Good luck!!

Rimmel - The Kate Collection lipstick swatch and review

2012-01-19T13:44:00.000-08:00

Brit drugstore brand recently released a new collection of lipsticks called The Kate Collection.

No, not the Duchess of Cambridge but the Lady Kate of Croydon.

Rimmel sez:
" FALL IN LOVE WITH YOUR FAVOURITE SHADE, THERE ARE 7 TO CHOOSE FROM.

Amazing alluring shades developed by Kate for RIMMEL. Exclusive signature pack, smooth on pure London class with the Iconic Lasting Finish Kate lipstick. A true chic treat. Unique, sexy and unconventional, just like Kate.

Black Diamond brings incredible new levels of light reflective elements. Creating gorgeous, hypnotizing tones that make you look, then look again. Wow.

Get ready to fall in love with your new signature colour that capture all the flair, edge and timelessness of Kate’s unique look."

Nunu sez:
I believe these have been spotted in US pharmacies like CVS already, however, there is still no sign of them in Canada. Again I got mine from my friendly Brit smuggler Vicky.
I have shade 05 - a bright corally pink.
There's really no difference in formula between these Kate lipsticks and the usual Rimmel Lasting Finish lipsticks. They have the same weird smell and the same neither drying nor particularly moisturising formula.
It glides on easily, is nicely pigmented and lasts a good 4 hours between meals.
It is also thankfully free of the annoying glitter/shimmer that some of the Lasting Finish lipsticks have.
I don't quite recall how much I paid for mine, perhaps 5 quids? Rimmel Lasting Finish lipsticks are usually about $6 in Canada and regularly go on sale at London Drugs for $2.99.
Buy if you're a Kate fan, it's on sale, or you're in need of a nice bright coral lippy and have no aversion to weird scents.

Swatches:

Revlon Colorstay 16 Hour Eyeshadow quad - review and swatch

2012-01-17T21:05:00.000-08:00

I'm really excited with the flurry of new drugstore makeup that has been cropping up. I've been impressed with most of the offerings, especially the L'Oreal Infallibles and the Revlon Lip Butters, and I am anxiously awaiting some newer products, such as the Revlon Photoready Mousse and the Maybelline Bouncy blush, to arrive on my local shelves.
One of the newer products you would have seen in Canadian pharmacies is the Revlon Colorstay 16 Hour Eyeshadow quad.
Revlon sez: "Silky smooth, blendable powder shadow that won’t crease fade or smudge.Wears up to 16 hours. Color coordinated quads provide expert mix and match ability for your most gorgeous eyes ever. Available in 16 beautiful quads. Ophthalmologist tested. Non-irritating."

Swatches of Revlon Colorstay 16 Hour Eyeshadow in 505 Decadent palette:

Nunu sez: I received the Revlon Colorstay 16 Hour Eyeshadow quad in Decadent a few months back at the London Drugs Revlon Almay beauty event. Decadent consists of warm neutrals - a pink highlighter, a warm golden sand, a peachy pink and rusty maroon.

I held back on reviewing this palette because warm neutrals does not my deathly pallor suit. I had swatched the Inspired palette (blues and greens) back at the beauty event and was severely disappointed with its chalky texture and lack of pigmentation.

Unfortunately the Decadent palette fell victim to the same problems as the Inspired palette. The swatches above might look acceptable but they are from multiples swipes as I tried desperately to build up the colour enough to be visible for a photo.

Pigmentation is dismal and texture was chalky. The highlighter shade was ULTRA frosty with visible fallout.

I have no idea whether or not it would last 16 hours as advertised as I didn't even bother to go beyond swatching.

Each palette goes for $8-13.

Do not recommend. Go directly to Jail, do not pass Go, do not collect $200.

Barry M Croc Nail Effects

2011-12-29T14:47:00.000-08:00

Tired of the whole crackle nail fad? I thought I was but then I saw this post by Vicky and was instantly seized by the lemming monster.
Instead of cracking vertically like most crackle polishes, the Barry M Croc Nail Effects creates a pattern reminiscent of a reptilian hide as it dries. A thin coat would give you the smaller "scales" you see in Vicky's post and a thicker coat will give you bigger scales. I guess this means if you want an ultra realistic pattern, you would do a thin coat on either sides of the nail and then a thicker coat along the crown of the nail.
Whilst crackle polishes tend to have the same consistency as cottage cheese, the Croc Effects polish is very thin and easy to control. It also dries glossy instead of matte.
The application process (dude, did I just call putting on nail polish an "application process?!) is also slightly different to applying a crackle polish. Crackle polish can only be applied to dry nails, but the Croc Effects polish must be applied to nails that are still slightly tacky in order for the pattern to develop. It takes a while for the pattern to finish developing so hold off that top coat for a few minutes.
I found that it worked best over polishes that are 1 coat opaque, metallics and frosts in particular create a really good contrast. For my NOTD I used Orly Rage - a beautiful rose gold metallic.
Barry M products are unfortunately not available in Canada but you can purchase the Croc Nail Effects for £3.99 from their online shop which ships internationally. Those in the UK can find it in Boots and Superdrug.

Revlon Lip Butter swatch and review

2011-12-26T21:02:00.000-08:00

So the Revlon Lip Butters have finally made its way into Canadian pharmacies. It's been available across the border for quite some time but I've never been able to pick any up as the displays were always either empty or the colours I wanted have all been opened and tested.

In Canada, these retail for just under $10 each. I've seen them go on BOGO and 50% off at various pharmacies so don't ever pay full price if you can avoid it xD.

I first came across the full line of 20 colours during the Revlon, Almay London Drugs Beauty Event. I received Red Velvet from the event's swag bag and Sugar Plum as a Christmas pressie from my friend Eva.

Left: Red Velvet. Right: Sugar Plum

Revlon sez:

"- Buttery Balm + Shiny Color
- Buttery balm with beautiful shiny color to give you baby soft, healthy glowing lips94% of women felt lips were softer, smoother, and instantly hydrated.

- Hydrating mango, shea and coconut butter formula boosts lip moisture by 156%
- Pampering gel formula provides super charged hydration and glides on lips buttery smooth
- Sheer to medium color with buttery shine
- Available in 20 luscious shades"

Nunu sez:

Before Revlon Lip Butters came into my life, I thought the Maybelline Baby Lips were the shizzle. I take that back, Revlon Lip Butters are the shizzle.

Whereas the Maybelline Baby Lips were more balmy, the Revlon Lip Butters felt like an ultra moisturising lipstick. The finish is high shine and almost jelly like. Think Dior Addict and you're pretty much bang on. The Lip Butters are also way more moisturising than the Maybelline Baby Lips balms. Texture wise, the Maybelline Lip Balms are rather hard and waxy, the Revlon Lip Butters really apply smoooooth like buttahh (Dorothy I'm saying this in your ghetto way xD)

Darker shades tend to wear for longer and will stain lips slightly, but on average I had to reapply every 2hrs or so.

The price makes me wince slightly but the quality is superb. I would not hesitate to buy when they goes on sale.

Red Velvet is a true red and Fig Jam swatches mauve on my lips.

Swatches from left: Red Velvet and Sugar Plum

Red Velvet:

Sugar Plum:

Bonus Christmas NOTD:

Quo by Orly - Wine & Dine and Sinful Colors - All About You

Do you like my Christmas present?xD

Rimmel HD Glam Eyes review and swatches

2011-12-25T10:43:00.000-08:00

Thanks to the kindness of Vicky, my smuggler of all things across the pond, I managed to get frostbitten paws on two of the Rimmel HD Glam Eyes palettes before they hit Canadian shores.

I believe these have recently cropped up in pharmacies in the US and go for around $5 a pop. I have yet to see these in Canadian pharmacies but if the Revlon Lip Butters are anything to go by, we should be seeing them sometime in the new year.

Packaging is in the usual meh plastic compact with a see through lid. A duo ended sponge applicator is included.

The true standout of these palettes is the ingenious way in which the shadows are arranged to form the shape of the Union Jack/British Flag. As an ardent lover of all things Pommie (except for their horrid food), the palettes made me squee a lil xD.

There are a total of 6 colour combinations: English Oak - warm neutrals/browns; Black Cab - smokey greys; Royal Blue - blues; Purple Reign - purples; Green Park - greens; and True Union Jack - a mixture of bright fuchsia, blue and white. I picked up Green Park and Purple Reign.

Left: Green Park. Right: Purple Reign

Green Park swatches:

Purple Reign swatches:

Texture wise the shadows are incredibly soft. I did these swatches using the included sponge applicator and it made huge dents in the shadow. The finish is akin to a MAC Veluxe Pearl - a smooth pearly sheen.

The above swatches are all 1 swipe and the pigmentation, as you can see, is utterly amazing.

Wear time was impressive too, I wore the purple palette sans primer for work and it stuck around from 7am-7pm with no creasing although it had faded slightly.
The one thing that really annoyed me about this palette was that apart from the shadow in the main cross pattern, the shadows the four corners were next to impossible to get to because they are SO TINY! You'd probably have to use the corner of the smallest brush you have to get anything out.

For $5 each, these palettes just can't be beat and I am so hauling one of each when they hit Canada!

MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!

May all your wishes come true!! I hope you all spent it with your loved ones, consumed large quantities of food glorious food and got lots of presents!!!

Yet more L'Oreal Color Infallible swatches

2011-12-22T21:37:00.000-08:00

Exactly what the title says, I have yet more L'Oreal Color Infallible swatches to share with you.

Sahara Treasure, Gold Mine, Bronze Goddess, Emerald Lamé, Black Onyx and Golden Mahogany (a colour I don't own) all recently arrived on Canadian shores as part of the L'Oreal L'or L'or L'or collection. All Night Blue is from their permanent line.

Swatches from left: Black Onyx; Bronze Goddess; and Emerald Lamé.

It was insanely difficult to correctly capture Emerald Lamé. For some odd reason, greens tend to throw my camera off kilter. The photo below is blurry but is the one that best shows what Emerald Lamé truly looks like - light emerald green with an intense golden flash.

Swatches from left: Gold Mine; Sahara Treasure; and All Night Blue

Gold Mine was a bit difficult to swatch - it is a sheer pale gold.

For your ease of reference, here are swatches of the other Color Infallibles in my collection.

Swatches from left: Endless Chocolat; Permanent Kaki; Purple Obsession; and Time Resist White.

From left: Burning Black; Hourglass Beige; and Flashback Silver.

What my current collection looks like:

I still refuse to buy the light blue, peach or black ones. Or the dodgy matte ones.

Weekend in poor quality cellphone pictures

2011-12-13T15:17:00.000-08:00

We were getting too comfortable in our relationship with Sushi Garden as our go-to cheap sushi joint so we decided to try out somewhere different but close to our abode.

The first potential was SushiHolic. We got there at 7:40pm only to discover it was packed and there would be a 20-30min wait and that the restaurant closes at 9pm.

Our second option was Sushi Moto which is located at 2221 Holdom Ave, right across from the Holdom skytrain station.

Cute paper lanterns above our booth

Someone's collection of figurines. I love this type of restaurant decor, it gives it such a personal touch and nosey diners like us enjoy snooping through the collection. I love that they put a light saber on a stand that's normally for a katana xD

Takowasabi - raw octopus marinated in fresh wasabi:

I'm not usually a mollusc fan but was intrigued by the menu's description of the dish. It was our first time trying this dish and we are now HUGE fans!! It was amazing!!!! chewy pieces of octopus in a savoury wasabi and pickle marinade that you scoop onto sheets of roasted seaweed. This is a MUST EAT item!

Saba (mackerel) sashimi. I love saba and for $9 that is a lot of sashimi!

Spicy chopped scallop roll and negitoro roll:

Baked scallop:

Again, not being a mollusc fan this was in fact Mr. Nunu's order. He gave me a couple of spoonfuls and I really regretted not ordering one for myself!! It was creamy savoury awesomeness!
I somehow forgot to take a photo of it, but we had another roll called the "Lion King" roll which is a California roll topped with baked tuna and tai and finished with a drizzle of misonnaise. It was interesting but not a standout.
I really recommend trying this place if you're in Burnaby! They also have very reasonably priced beer/sake and sushi combos! No TV or I'd totally be here for all the playoff games.

In other news, I needed a new storage solution for my nail polish collection. The Ikea Helmer is heralded as having the perfect dimensions for most nail polish bottles, however, it is also unforgivably ugly. I must've looked at it on at least 5 separate occasions yet I couldn't come to grips with ugliness. Not to mention that it is beige and made out of metal and would stick out like a sore thumb amongst all our black and white furnishings.

Finally Mr. Nunu discovered these Ikea drawer inserts that we could add to our Expedit bookcase and they worked out pretty well. The drawers come in a set of 2 for $40, and each drawer can house about 60-70 bottles of polish.

I end this post with the reason why I can't have blog sales. Everything we own is covered by a thin coat of cat fur and saliva.

Now I'm off to find me a mixer so I can bake my Christmas cookies!

NOTD - Starry night in Provence

2011-12-08T08:40:00.000-08:00

Steve from NailPolishCanada braved a gaggle of giggly, makeup obsessed girls to attend our 2nd annual Vancouver Beauty Blogger meetup and I'm so glad he did because now I've discovered one more place where I can feed my nail polish disease!
Let's face it, Canadians don't have access to half the cool polish brands that Americans do, so we resort to e-tailers who either jack up prices or charge us an arm and a leg to ship to our poor deprived igloos.
NailPolishCanada.com changes all that. It is Canadian owned (in Vancouver of all places! OMG! West Coast has something cool!), has reasonable prices and, best of all, free shipping on all order over $29.
For example, Zoya (A.K.A. They Who Won't Ship To Mooseland), retails for $8 on the Zoya website, NailPolishCanada's Zoya prices range between $5.50-$8.75!
Zoya, CND, Spa Ritual, OPI, China Glaze, Color Club, Essie, Seche Vite, LCN (the magnetic ones!!), and Soulstice Spa are just some of the brands they carry.
Steve kindly provided each of us with 2 Soulstice Spa polishes to try out.
Soulstice Spa Nail Colours are vegan, cruelty free and 3 free. Usually this culminates in gloopy polish (*cough* Sparitual *cough*) but the two that I tried are amazingly smooth and easy to control.

Provence is a light lavender along the lines of CG Light As Air. It has a jelly finish, and is a 3 coater. I did not experience any cuticle pull and both polishes dried glossy and wore for 4 days with minimum tip wear.
Soulstice Nail Colours are $8.50 each on NailPolishCanada

Provence on its own:

I threw on a coat of NYC Starry Silver Glitter (micro silver glitter with larger pink and blue hex glitter in a clear base) to make this NOTD more festive xD

Thank you for introducing me to an awesome new brand NailPolishCanada!

Photographic evidence that the 2 Tines occupied the same city for 8 days A.K.A More photos from NYC

2011-12-07T12:57:00.000-08:00

2 nights ago, Tine2 whined about the lack of photographic evidence on my blog that the 2 Tines occupied the same city (and apartment!)for 8 days. I have been working some very enjoyable 14hr days lately so photograph editing took a bit of a back seat. In any event, here are more photos from our trip to New York, New York.

Did you know that you can't get cellphone signal inside New York trains? This provided exciting times for us when we tried to arrange to meet up with people whilst travelling to and from places. We did, however, manage to find Labbit in the end and she took us to a ghetto Target where her and Tine2 proceeded to bully me into buying a leopard print, kitty eared beanie. The we went to Applebees for lunch cos we're so klassy.

Tine2 and laaaabiiit:

Then we found Domo inside Bloomingdales(?!)! and after I made them go in to every F21 in the city we finally settled for a dinner of Korean BBQ. I have never seen so much banchan in my life.

We had dim sum the next day where we proceeded to throw peace signs, take photos and fight over the bill like good fobs.

Then I dragged Tine2 to the Museum of Natural History with me where I proceeded to make excited squealing sounds over every fossil. Look!! it's Tyrannosaurus Rex! EEEEEEEeeeee!

My favourite nurse standing next to my favourite dinosaur. Yes I have a favourite dinosaur and no my favourite FRIEND was not Ross!

In a hallway filled with rat and bird carcasses (creepy) we found this lil guy. I <3 opossums!

The infamous blue whale!! He is humongous and it was so hard trying to take a photo of him!

Hahah I thought this toy looks like my cat Munchie xD

Rockafeller Center

Do you think he's trying to make up for the size of something else?

St. Patrick's Cathedral. Tine2 and I both took photos of this place cos our mothers kept asking if there are (Catholic) churches in New York City. Yes there are surprisingly lots of them.

I will still insistently call it "mot-chi" xD

More Shake Shack! Delicious Shake Shack! See how the receipt says "Justine" even though I ordered under "Christine"? This was further evidence that Justine and I are the same person xD

This was before she discovered that her sausage burger was buried under a mountain of sauerkraut

Said sauerkraut mountain:

Laabbit wearing her cat dress and throwing fob signs:

Grand Central Station. There was a surprising lack of flash mobs happening.

We did find this snazzily dressed fellow though:

I whinged and whined until everyone went with me to Braai for dinner. Braai is an Afrikaans (South African Dutch) word for barbecue. Our server was from Soweto and we spoke in clicks.

Our one and only complete group photo:

My biryani(a kind of spicy stew on rice)was freaking awesome!

Koeksusters and Malva pudding:

I taught everyone the Taiwanese way of posing for sticker photos:

Note how Laabbit and I have the same cat dress but in reverse colours. Yes we are crazy cat ladies are we are proud.

Domo said this pose is called "The Starfish" and "The Jellyfish" combined.

As you can see, my obsession with the nudie bars of Time Square was still going strong:

Next installment of photos will contain Justine's birthday and our "we're too cheap so we're just gonna stay on the ferry" visit to the Statue of Liberty!

London Drugs Revlon and Almay beauty event

2011-12-06T12:37:00.000-08:00

Finally a beauty related post! I tagged along to the Revlon and Almay beauty event hosted by London Drugs a few weeks back. It was actually a bit intimidating being in a room full of media PR types who all appear to know each other so I was glad to have Sheila and Michelle to huddle with.

This event is apparently one of the first of its kind! For some reason beauty brands tend to neglect those of us on the West Coast. We're vain too! Come market to us!! xD

Up and coming products from Revlon and Almay were showcased, including the highly anticipated Revlon Lip Butters and their new Photoready mousse foundation.

Of course I immediately bee-lined towards the nail polish table. They were giving out free manicures! Sadly I still had my gel nails on or I would have jumped at the opportunity!

The new Revlon Colorstay polish collection

Oh hullo dusty green colour on the right, you are so coming home with me when I see you!

The Revlon Lip Butter, the product we have all been lusting for, has finally arrived in Canada! Look at the huge range of colours!

These babies are so amazingly pigmented!!!

and so shiny too @.@

New Almay Intense i-color palettes:

Me giving stank eye whilst being made over with the new Almay Intense i-color dual ended shadow stick:

The finished look!

Me + Michelle post makeover:

Revlon Colorstay eyeshadow palettes! I've spotted these at Shoppers Drugmart and London Drugs already!

Revlon Colorstay palette in action:

I swatched the blue+green palette and it didn't really impress me. The colours were far too chalky :( I hope the rest of the line is not like this?

Latest additions to the Revlon Photoready line! It includes a concealer, a mousse foundation and a contour and blush palette.

I was really excited about these Revlon Photoready Airbrush mousses, I'm hoping to pick one up when they arrive at my local pharmacies

I've never encountered a foundation like the Photoready Airbrush mousse. The texture is really light, coverage is light to light medium, and it has a satin finish.

Celebrity chef Anthony Sedlak was there to provide a *very* healthy dose of testosterone and much appreciated yummies.

A man who can cook. He claims to be single too!

Pan seared scallops <3

As always, I include photos of Sheila stuffing her face xD

Michelle + Sheila

Look! you too can get nails to match your bag!

I shall never be a food critic. This was some kind of cheese cracker thing with a sliver of rolled rare beef on top.

Some kind of potato cake thing with a chunk of mozzarella(?)

Dessert!! a profiterole!

Lemon meringue slice:

Chocolate mousse and macarons. I might have stuffed my bag with the latter D:

I leave you with this:

Big thanks to London Drugs, Revlon, Almay and Cynnamon for the awesome event! I'm so excited about the new products and can't wait til they hit the shelf! I hope this will be the first of many West Coast beauty events!

Seattle

2011-12-04T22:36:00.000-08:00

Last week it was New York City. This week it's Seattle.
I am a bit of a vagabond, I am constantly drifting where my whims take me.

Christmas Domo

There seems to be some kind of Hello Kitty craze going on. First it was Liberty x Hello Kitty, then Forever21 x Hello Kitty, then McDonalds came out with a Hello Kitty Happy Meal and now I spotted these in Hot Topic.

I almost bought a pair of the Hello Kitty tights but I asked myself where would I wear them to.

Especially taken for Domo, because Vikings beat up sparkly boys xD

We had dinner at Elliot's Oyster House in Seattle. I found them pricey but the quality of the food more than made up for it.

Mr. Nunu claims to be a bit of a clam chowder connoisseur so of course he had to have the clam chowder:

When at an Oyster House one must have oysters.

Dungeness crab cakes:

Geoduck tartare. HOLY GUACAMOLE THESE WERE DELICIOUS!!!

Cioppino. This was a single order but we had so much left over that we had to pack it and take it home. It contained at least half a crab along with various fish and molluscs. I found it a tad too salty but Mr. Nunu said it tasted fine to him. I shall henceforth refer to him as "salty-wet uncle".

Nunu is happy

What trip would it be without some nail polish hunting?

The next day we went to Pike Place Market and popped into Beecher's Hand Made Cheese for some...cheese xD. Little Miss Muffet would be proud!

Scooping cheese curds into boxes where they will be compressed and aged until they become cheese.

The cheesiest mac and cheese I've ever had in my life. So awesome!

We also went to the original Starbucks so I could get my Christmas drink on xD

Mmmm...egg nog latte xD

Yet more clam chowder for lunch. Also had a lobster roll hoping it'd be as good as the one I had at Chelsea Market but nope, not even close.

We decided to be really touristy and went up the Space Needle...

...and proceeded to get frostbite in our extremities in order to get shots like this:

and pretend to be all artistic by taking photos like this:

My haul for this trip: F21 x Hello Kitty shirt, Nightmare Before Christmas PJs, 2 pairs of earrings from Betsey Johnson, a furry bag (?!), a shameful amount of nail polish and Chex Mix xD

The kittehs were not impressed with the fact that we went away.

NYC

2011-11-28T17:47:00.000-08:00

In the 45mins before this photo was taken I was:
a. stuck on the tarmac for 20mins because there was no available gate for the plane to dock;
b. running from the arrival gate to collect my luggage which did not appear for another 15mins;
c. going through US customs behind a bunch of passengers from the Middle East;
d. running from US customs, dropping off my luggage, and going through airport security;
e. running from airport security to the boarding gates breaking my sandals in the process; or
f. all of the above.

Our first meal in NYC with Labbit and Domo. Do not underestimate this pizza for it cost me $25 T.T

Domo claimed that the pizzas were too big for her Domozilla stomach. She thought she'd be smart and order a panini instead. When the panini arrived it was 2x the size of her head.

We visited Labbit's work place where we acquired books with Not Suitable For Life content.

We went into a CVS located inside an old bank. It was odd to say the least.

We acquired wing rings from Accessorize and formed the Wing Ring Club.

I made Tine2 go with me to the Museum of Natural History. We got charged student admission and Tine2 rolled her eyes a lot when I pointed and squealed at every dinosaur fossil. BTW that is the fossil of a Deinonychus - what Mr. Spielberg tried to pass off as a Velociraptor.

I think that little guy in the front is totally giving me Pucky face.

Because Springboks, Kudus and Wildebeest roam in my back yard.

Sushi in NYC.

Mr. Jobs passed away the second day we were in NYC. iSad.

Shake Shack Burger!!! Twas delicious!!!

Crazy Labbit eating her chips dipped in ice cream.

I was amused by the number of strip joints and sex shops in the Time Square area. A number of these establishments advertised "peep shows" involving "real girls" and a few of those had job offer signs. I was sorely tempted to walk in and ask how much did they pay and what did the work entail.

Domo presented us with 2 bottles of O Positives. They were extremely yummy. I subsequently lugged the empty bottle home much to the confusion of the airport screening people!

The temperature hit 30C for the last few days we were there. This resulted in numerous pit stops for bubble tea and froyo.

A very ironic shop placement. (For those who don't know, Jenny Craig is a celebrity endorsed weight loss program)

All Tine2 wanted to do on her birthday was visit MUJI. She wants it to be known that she almost fell to her death and became alligator feed taking this photo.

Tine2's birthday cakes from Tine1.

Our dinner from Whole~~paycheque~~foods.

The "poof" is alive and well.

I got assaulted by 2 check patterned peacoat wearing neighbours inside Zara.

Our taxi would inevitably pull up next to taxis carrying signage like the above.

Proving how much of a cat lady I am, I made friends with the neighbourhood kittehs.

My last meal in NYC - Lobster roll from Chelsea Market. Omg it was so good!!

I took the above photo at Newark airport to remind Domo that she needs to send me cupcakes.

Deborah Lippmann Holiday 2011 Do Ya Think I'm Sexy and Adopt A Polish

2011-11-11T21:58:00.000-08:00

Please read this post with this video on full blast.

Nikki from Nail Polish Canada nonchalantly asked me the other day if I would like to review a polish from the new Deborah Lippmann Holiday collection. I sent back an email full of garbled expletives and exclamation marks. A week later, this little bottle of wonder arrived. (By the way, I am totally convinced they have a bunch of elves in their employment. How else can you explain polishes arriving 1 day after they've been mailed??!!)

From thumb: Deborah Lippmann Do Ya Think I'm Sexy; over China Glaze Frosty; over China Glaze Cleopatra; over NOX Twilight Black Tie; and over OPI Black Shatter and Cleopatra.

Damage:

$22 from NailPolishCanada

Review:

Named after Rod Stewart's 1978 hit, Do Ya Think I'm Sexy consists of medium sized red hexagon glitter suspended in a clear base. I don't know if this polish is intended to be worn alone or as a top coat, but in order to get complete coverage, I had to do 2 coats and then strategically blob more glitter particles where it looked a little bald. Layered, it looks best over a dark base as a light base tends to make the red glitter, to quote Justine, "look like measles". Layer it over a gold foil or glitter for a really festive look! Personally I prefer it alone, the scale like look of the glitter pieces makes me think of some glorious red reptile xD

This needed a good 2-3 coats of top coat for a smooth finish.

Wear time is surprisingly long for a glitter. Most glitters tend to chip off in chunks on the 2nd or 3rd day but this one wore for a solid 5 days before I removed it. Removal is a bitch so foil the heck out of it.

While some might find Do Ya Think I'm Sexy to be more craft glitter mess than mullet shaking, Lycra clad sex god, I really love how it looks on its own and it's definitely going to make more than one appearance on my fingers this holiday season!

So, do ya think I'm sexy?

Adopt A Polish!!!

How would you like to take this family of four home with you?

Or how about her?

All these polishes and more are waiting for you to take them home with you!

Every day, thousands of nail polishes are abandoned or abused. They are not sticky, or old, they are fine, new polishes. They are stuck on a shelf, and all they desire is to be used, and maybe taken for a night on the town.

You can help by applying to adopt an in-need polish. By doing nothing you are ensuring the agony continues. These are new polishes and there is no charge to adopt, all you need to give is your much needed love.

Tell Adopt A Polish why you'll be a good parents to these sad polishes and you could take them home! Visit adoptapolish.org for more info!

Bourjois Healthy Mix Serum Gel Foundation review

2011-11-07T16:07:00.000-08:00

Another day, another foundation review.

Bourjois Healthy Mix foundation has a bit of a cult following in the UK where it has been available for quite a while. It never quite reached American shores but is available on ASOS for around $14 with free international shipping. The serum version came out in the UK sometime late last year and finally landed on the shelves of Shoppers Drug Mart about 2 months ago.

Damage:
CAN$27 from Shoppers Drug Mart
Promises:
Give your skin a radiance boost with Bourjois’ Healthy Mix Serum Gel foundation – made from a vitamin-rich fruit therapy formula for an even complexion and an instant anti-fatigue result!
Its fresh and instant blending gel texture blends and glides onto the skin for an even, natural finish with no mask effect. Imperfections are erased, signs of fatigue are smoothed and the skin’s radiance is boosted for up to 16 hours*. Made from an instant anti-fatigue vitamin-rich fruit therapy formula with litchi, goji berries and pomegranates. Available in 6 radiance-boosting shades. Tested for you:
69% more radiance after 4 weeks of use!** And…it’s good for my skin!

· Hypoallergenic, lets skin breathe

· Dermatologically tested

Tested for you** :

• Complexion is perfectly even => 97% agreed

• Skin looks rested => 94% agreed

• The complexion is radiant => 89% agreed

• The product feels light feel on the skin => 91% agreed

*Scientifically tested on 10 panellists.

**Tested on 100 consumers for 4 weeks

Review:
I got this foundation in shade 52 Vanille and it is a perfect match for my NC15-20 (Justine did an awesome job guessing my shade! <3). Ladies who are lighter than me will be happy to hear there is shade 51.
It is billed as a "gel foundation" but I don't find the formula very gel-like, instead I find it very similar to Diorskin Nude - light and slightly runnier than normal foundations. It blends beautifully and leaves a slightly dewy, natural looking finish. I do feel that my skin looks brighter when I have the foundation on.
Coverage is medium at best, it won't cover up dark scars but will cover up redness and uneven skin texture nicely.
Perhaps due to the runnier formula, the oil control and lasting abilities of this foundation are rather weak sauce. At around the 5th to 6th hour of wear I begin to notice shiny patches where the foundation has disappeared. Setting with a powder helps but that also takes away the lovely glow this foundation imparts.
As doggedly against fragranced products as I am, I find the light floral scent of this foundation rather pleasant and soothing. Yeah, soon I'm gonna like roses.
At $30 after tax for 30mls of product, I feel the price is a bit steep and definitely not drugstore budget friendly.
Has anyone else noticed that more and more foundations are now coming out in that size? I still remember days when foundations came in 50ml bottles...
I love this foundation, it gives a beautiful finish and my skin looks healthy and glowing when I wear it. I do wish it had better staying power and oil control. I would recommend this foundation to people with dry skin or those who live in regions with dry winters.

Swatchey swatch:

Without foundation:

With foundation:

Close up of finish:

7 Deadly Sins Challenge - Greed

2011-11-03T12:18:00.000-07:00

Yasumi rounded up the troops recently for another makeup challenge. This time the theme was the 7 Deadly Sins.
Yasumi's Wrath:

Jian's Gluttony:

Yumeko's (snobby bitch) Pride:

Justine's Envy:

Vicky's Sloth

Catharine's Lust

And finally, my take on Greed.
Justine gave me the idea of using Midas and his golden touch. Let's just say I went very happy with the gold dust and Photoshop filters.

"My precious, my precious Marygold!" cried he.
But Marygold made no answer.
Alas, what had he done? How fatal was the gift which the stranger bestowed?
The moment the lips of Midas touched Marygold's forehead, a change had taken place.
Her sweet rosy face, so full of affection as it had been, assumed a glittering yellow color, with yellow tear drops congealing on her cheeks.

Oh, terrible misfortune! The victim of his insatiable desire for wealth, little Marygold was a human child no longer, but a golden statue!

Quo by Orly 18 Piece Mini Nail Polish Gift Set

2011-10-30T23:56:00.000-07:00

At last! After being taunted mercilessly by Rasilla and Sparkled Beauty's photos I finally managed to track down this nail polish set just in time for Shoppers Drug Mart's bonus points redemption!
Quo is available exclusively at Shoppers Drug Mart. The set contains 18 mini polishes. Each bottle contains 4.4ml of product and the set retails for $39.
Unfortunately I have no nail swatches for you yet as my Halloween mani is still in full force. Will try get some skittles swatches out for you guys sometime next week?
If you're interested in obtaining your own set, I can confirm the set's availability at the Shoppers on No. 5 and Cambie in Richmond, and the Shoppers at Old Orchard Centre in Burnaby.
In the meantime, enjoy the photos!

Swatches from top left to bottom right: Very Vixen (jelly); Mystic Night (shimmer); Garnet (glass fleck shimmer); Precious (glitter); Turquoise Moonlight (glass fleck shimmer); Celestial Star (glass fleck shimmer); First Class (foil); Filthy Rich (foil).

Swatches from top left to bottom right: Sapphire Sparkle (glass fleck shimmer); Cold Stone (shimmer with holo glitter); Rock Show (glass fleck shimmer); Rock Star (shimmer); Red Hot (jelly); Wine & Dine (shimmer); Old Hollywood (jelly); Love Game (duo-chrome)

Swatches from top left to bottom right: Cold Stone (shimmer with holo); Rock Show (glass fleck shimmer); Rock Star (shimmer); Night Sky (glitter); Wine & Dine (shimmer); Old Hollywood (jelly);Love Game (duo-chrome);True Love (creme)

Inglot AMC Lip Gloss in 544

2011-10-30T01:06:00.000-07:00

I SERIOUSLY tried to limit my makeup purchases whilst in NYC, but when faced with 2 enablers, the words are strong but the will is weak.
We found the Inglot counter after encountering a Macy's SA who vehemently denied the fact that they carried the brand. Therefore, from hence forth it shall be referred to as "Inglot" as it obviously does not exist.

Swatch:

Lip swatch:

Orange flash:

Damage:
$16 from "Inglot"
Promises:
N/A
Review:
I think I only need to say 3 words to make you buy this:
Dude.Its.Holographic.
This is just as well because "Inglot" isn't exactly too forthcoming with details for these lipglosses other than the fact that it contains no parabens. I guess this way you don't have any expectations of it ironing your clothes.
BUT IT'S HOLOGRAPHIC!!! A HOLOGRAPHIC LIPGLOSS!! HOLOGRAPHIC!!!
Yes, there is that all important factor.
The sole reason why I bought this lipgloss was because of that mesmerising holographic duo-chrome you see in that first photo. (BTW, is the proper term holographic or duo-chrome? I can't decide). I was so amused by this that I couldn't stop poking at it at the counter, and in the end, Justine just exasperatingly told me to either buy the darn thing or she was leaving without me.
In the tube, 544 (awesome name!) is a hot fuchsia pink with a white, green and orange flash. Sadly, the holo qualities gets lost outside of the tube. Swatched on my hand, the holo is only visible from a certain angle or if I poke or disturb it in some way. On lips, the orange flash is only fleetingly visible that instant you press your lips together.
Formula is non-sticky, but quite slippery. As a result wear time is rather short, I would say 2-3hrs max?
There is a slight cherry scent to this gloss and it comes with a doe foot applicator.
If you've got the $16 to blow, then I would say buy this just to amuse yourself, but if you don't, then rest assured it doesn't look special on.

Zoya NOTDs plus discount code

2011-10-26T11:52:00.000-07:00

I finally got my grubby paws on some Zoya polishes! Since Zoya is country-ist and doesn't ship to igloos, I had to ship them to Domo and pick them up from her while I was in New York.

I ended up getting Dannii, Davina, Ki and Jem. At $8 each, they were a little outside of my comfort zone for nail varnish.

Zoya Ki (purple flash)

Zoya Ki (green flash)

Zoya Ki was originally released with the Suede collection of 2010.
It is a smokey purple green duo-chrome that mostly appears as a deep plummy purple until you tilt your fingers in just the right way, then BAM!, you get hit with a flash of gorgeous peacock green.
I know the imagery conjured up won't be appealing, but this colour reminds me of beetles and flies xD. Nonetheless, it's absolutely gorgeous for Autumn.
Formula is kinda eh tho, it's really thin and sheer and for total opacity you need a good 3 to 4 coats. Drying time is also a bit slow so unless you have the patience of a saint it's gonna bubble.
For some odd reason, Zoya varnishes seem to have a short wear time with me, I got tip wear by the 2nd day.

Zoya Jem

Zoya Jem was released in the Fall 2011 Mirrors collection.
It is a deep jewel toned plum with lots of gold shimmer that makes me think of rich velvet a la the Renaissance. It's one of those "glowy" colours that look light in the middle and dark on the edges. I am not usually one for vampy colours but even I can't deny Jem's gorgeousness.
Formula is 1 coat opaque(!!!) with some tip wear by the 2nd day.
I am tres tres joyeux to be able to offer you an exclusive coupon code which will entitle you to 50% off the retail price of either Ki or Jem from NailPolishCanada.com. This makes them $4.38 each!!!
All you have to do is enter "MACNUNUKI" if ordering Ki, or "MACNUNUJEM" if ordering Jem in their coupon code box.
In addition to Zoya, they also sell tons of other nail polish such as OPI, China Glaze, Deborah Lippmann, Color Club, and Orly. Remember, shipping is free for all orders over $29!
Dang it, I really wished I knew about Nail Polish Canada earlier, cos then I wouldn't have had to go through all the trouble of ordering these from Zoya T.T. Oh well, at least now I know.

NYX Soft Matte Lip Cream review

2011-10-24T12:12:00.000-07:00

The lovely Georgina didn't just help us buy brushes, she totally totally snuck in some extras!
She overheard me whining about not picking these lip creams up during IMATS and she surprised me with 2 of them! Another great example of how whining always pays off xD

Swatches from left: Monte Carlo; Antwerp; and Chanel Rouge Allure Laque in Ming

Antwerp:

Monte Carlo:

Damages:

$6 from NYXCosmetics and $4.50 from CherryCulture
Promises:
"Neither lipstick nor lip gloss—this is matte lip cream. A new kind of pout paint that goes on silky smooth and sets to a matte finish. Soft Matte Lip Cream is surprisingly durable and, unlike some matte lipstick formulas, also moisturizing. Available in 11 lip colors
INGREDIENTS: Pentaerythrityl Tetraisostearate, Dimethicone, Beeswax, Glyceryl Behenate / Eicosadioate, Phenoxyethanol, Dimethicone / Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Talc, Methyl Methacrylate Crosspolymer, Silica, Aluminium Starch Octenylsuccinate, Isohexadecane, Disteardimonium Hectorite, Propylene Carbonate, Parfum. May Contain: CI77019 (Mica) / CI77891 (Titanium Dioxide), CI15850 (D&C Red 6 Na. Salt), CI15850 (D&C Red 7 Ca Lake), CI15985:1 (FD&C Yellow 6 Al Lake), CI19140:1 (FD&C Yellow 5 Al Lake), CI45410 (D&C Red 28 Al Lake), CI77491 (Iron Oxide Red), CI77492 (Iron Oxide Yellow), CI77499 (Iron Oxide Black), CI77742 (Manganese Violet), CI77891 (Titanium Dioxide)."
Review:
2 words: Lip Mousse.
Seriously that's what these feel like; feather light yet packs a punch of long lasting colour. I wore Monte Carlo for 4 hours before it started to fade.
I'm really surprised that despite being a matte finish, these didn't dry out my lips or horribly emphasize my lip lines. I found that also the level of matte-ness depends on the shade, Monte Carlo had a bit of a sheen to it whereas Antwerp was completely matte.
Antwerp is the kind of nude pink I seem to have accumulated 50 different tubes of. It's close to Chanel Rouge Laque in Ming but of course Ming is a gloss.
Monte Carlo is a blue toned red that turns raspberry as it fades. It is my first red lip product and I've fallen completely head over heels in love with it. It's perfect for Autumn paired with subtle eyes and chunky knits xD.
These have a caramel/vanilla scent that isn't too awful and fades relatively quickly.
For $4.50 you really can't go wrong with these lip creams. Heck those Maybelline Baby Lips balms in my previous post cost around the same! Remember to pick these up at IMATS as NYX offers a 20/30% show discount!
Thank you so much for these Georgina!
Now I want Addis Ababa and Milan T.T *cues whining*
P.S. Yes I'm well aware that I still haven't posted my NYC pics. They will have to wait as I've sprained my back over the weekend doing something stupid at pole class and now if I sit for too long a periods of time (i.e. editing photos) my back freezes T.T

Maybelline Baby Lips Lip Balm Review

2011-10-19T12:10:00.000-07:00

Hunting these babies down was one of my top priorities while I was in New York. Yes, clearly "exciting" is a an adjective seldom used to describe my life.
After visiting about 100 different Duane Reades, CVS, and Rite Aids, I finally managed to find 2 of these lip balms (well...I actually found a Cherry Me in a previous Duane Reade, but as a testament of my love, I allowed the other 'Tine to have it xD).
I got Pink Punch and Cherry Me.

Left: Cherry Me. Right: Pink Punch

Swatches:

Pink Punch:

Cherry Me:

Damage:
$3-4
Promises, Promises:
"No more basic lip balm:
• Visibly renewed lips and 8-hr hydration
• The secret: Exclusive lip renew formula with SPF 20
• Protects and moisturizes lips for a full 8 hours
• After 4 weeks, lips are visibly renewed and reborn
• 6 varieties"
Review:
For a lipbalm, these are sure pigmented. They are at least as pigmented as (if not more!) those silly $30 Chanel Rouge Coco Shines. In fact, when I wore Pink Punch, it managed to stain my lips bright pink for the rest of the day.
The formula is light, doesn't feel waxy, and moisturises quite well. My lips are soft and smooth after application.
The packaging promises "clinical strength" and '8hr hydration", I'm not sure which clinic they tested this at, but their standards must be quite low as I don't find it any "stronger" than other lipbalms. The 8hr hydration promise also falls flat as I find myself needing to reapply every hour or so.
These lipbalms are scented according to their names, the scent reminds me of hard boiled sweets so it's not unpleasant. Unfortunately, Cherry Me does vaguely smell of cherry flavoured cough syrup :/
The SPF 20 makes it awesome for those long gone sunny days at the beach.
For those lazy days when you can't be bothered with lipstick but need a bit of colour on your lips, this $4 tinted lip balm can't be beat.

The one where I forgot what I'm wearing in my FOTD....

2011-10-17T21:25:00.000-07:00

Yes it's finally happened, I'm losing my mind.
This is why I gotta take a photo of the products I used otherwise by the time I get around to typing up the post, I'd have totally forgotten what I've used.
Who are you people? What am I doing here?
Oh look a chocolate biscuit.

If I reeeeally dig into the back of my mind, I think I used L'oreal Infalliables in Hourglass Beige, Permanent Kaki and possibly the Chanel Ombre Perlees green shade. No idea what I used on my cheeks or lips though. Judging by the perfect finish of my skin here I am pretty sure I used Chanel Matte Lumiere foundation.
This lame excuse for a post is up until I emerge from editing my NYC photos.
p.s. after the last disastrous post where I inadvertently changed my skin dark olive, I'm now experimenting with absolutely zero mucking about of skin colour. Let me know if this is better.

Apothica gift card winner!

2011-10-13T17:32:00.000-07:00

The Random number generator has made it's choice!
And the winner of the $25 Apothica gift card is...

...Rena from Scope Kawaiiness!!!

Congratulations Rena! Please email me at nunu@macnunu.com with your details.
Thank you to everyone who entered!

New York, New York.

2011-10-03T16:13:00.000-07:00

I wanted to start this post with "By the time you are reading this, I will be..." but it sounded too much like a suicide note xD.
Choi! Choi! Choi!
After much debate on what to pack, frantic last minute packing, lost passport drama, and wallet-ache from the awful CAN$ to US$ exchange rate, the Travelling Tines are finally departing tomorrow.
We'll be in NYC for just over a week during which we will say "Eh" a lot and will ask for directions to the closest "washroom".
We will also be visiting our beloved Labbit and Domo. The four of us are going to gorge ourselves on food and drink after which we will go shopping.
Oh and somewhere in between all that, we will be doing intellectual things like visiting museums and other tourist traps.
Do any of you have any recommendations on things to do in New York?

See you in a week!! Happy Thanksgiving to all my Canadian readers!! I'll be sure to share photos when I'm back!
Remember to enter my Apothica giveaway!

Giveaway!! Win a $25 gift card from Apothica.com!!!

2011-09-26T10:59:00.000-07:00

Apothica is a premium online beauty boutique whose list of brands seems to go on and on like Celine Dion. Between itself and its 2 partner sites, SkincareRX and Skinbotanica, it must surely carry every single beauty product known to (wo)mankind.
In addition to its impressive inventory, they also offer live help from licensed estheticians, a huge sale section and reasonable international shipping rates. U.S. orders over $49 even get free standard shipping!

Twas a sad sad day when Sephora decided to discontinue carrying Cargo Cosmetics. I was a huge fan of their LE eyeshadow palettes and heard good things about their Blu_Ray series of foundations. I looked forward to hoarding more of their products but alas the only other shop near me which stocks the brand don't seem to get any of their LE collections.
Luckily Apothica came to the rescue!
Look! Look! The Lumieres du Monde eyeshadow kit from the 2010 holiday collection! I lusted after this last year but it was nowhere to be found! Yet here it is on Apothica and for the bargain price of $18.50!!

The Cargo Liquid Powder $22. Something I've been curious about for the longest time; goes on as a liquid, finishes like a powder.

Another item I've been wanting to try; the CheekActivator $32

Apothica has very generously offered one lucky reader the chance to win a $25 gift card which can be spent at either Apothica, SkincareRX or Skinbotanica.
Simply do any one of the following to enter:

Option 1: Facebook

Visit Apothica.com
Write on Apothica’s Facebook wall about what you think of Apothica
Bonus: Opt in to Apothica’s Newsletter

Option 2: Twitter

Visit Apothica.com
Tweet about Apothica on your own Twitter Account
Bonus: Retweet Apothica’s tweet about this giveaway

Option 3: Blog

Visit Apothica.com
Write something on your blog about what you think of Apothica
Bonus: Write about the brand I highlighted and link it to Apothica

Then simply leave a comment at the bottom of this post letting me know which of the above you've done!
Contest is open internationally and ends on October 11, 2011.
Good Luck!!!

Win a weekend getaway for 2 to New York City courtesy of Kiehl's!

2011-09-20T13:10:00.000-07:00

2011 marks the 160th Anniversary of Kiehl's. Yup, it's been 160 years since the very first Kiehl's Apothecary opened on Pear Tree Corner!
To mark this momentous event, Kiehl's has released 4 of their all time customer favourites in limited edition packaging:

The collection features:

While this greasy pirate is personally on the oil-free version of the Ultra Facial range and loving it, I am told that the original Ultra Facial range works a treat for dry skin, and that the Calendula Toner smells like Crysanthemum tea...mmmm...Crysanthemum tea.
Even more exciting is the opportunity for Canadian Kiehl's fans to win a weekend getaway for 2 to New York City or their ultimate wish list of Kiehl's essentials! To enter, simply visit Facebook.com/KiehlsCanada to participate in their "Send Kiehl's a Birthday Wish" contest.

Step 1: Publish a photo/video along with your birthday wishes for Kiehl's

Step 2: Create a wish list by choosing your favourite products (psst! may I suggest the Line Reducing Concentrate and the Midnight Recovery Concentrate?)

Step 3: Fill out a short contact form

Step 4: Share your Kiehl's birthday wishes on Facebook and Twitter, and sign up for the Kiehl's Canada newsletter!

New York, New York is where it all began for Kiehl's, and when yours truly is in the concrete jungle where dreams are made of come October, I shall make it a point to visit their flagship store.

Kiehl's Canada will also be hosting a series of exciting in-store events from tonight through September 30. Follow them on Twitter @KiehlsCA for updates!

Weekend getaway - Harrison Hot Springs

2011-09-16T21:28:00.000-07:00

My apologies for the humdrum and gathering dust on this here blog this past week. It was kinda sorta our anniversary so Mr. Nunu and I snuck away for a few days of much needed quiet time.
Harrison is located in the Fraser Valley about a 90mins drive from downtown Vancouver. The picturesque village is famous for its natural hot springs and for being the home of the Sasquatch - yes as in Bigfoot.
While there, we did as little as possible, venturing outside only in search of food or for a sunnier spot to flop down our embarrassingly pale city dweller bottoms. We came back looking like Dr. Zoidberg and a bit uncertain as to how to operate a rice cooker.
The resort that we stayed in had 3 outdoor and 2 indoor spring fed pools. The water temperature varied between 26C to 40C. We basically hopped from one pool to the next until we got tired at which point we just lolled about on the lounge chairs. Yes it was a blissful few days.

The weather was absolutely gorgeous during our stay:

We stayed at the Harrison Resort and Spa:

This backdrop of woody mountains was our view:

Yes I actually managed to get a tan! I no longer look like a corpse!

I managed to sneak a photo of the indoor pool when no one else was there xD

We ate at the Crazy Fish Bistro on our first night. The food was a bit pricey but since it's a tourist area that's to be expected. The fish was a bit dry and overcooked imho but the crab cakes were amazing!

Crab cakes:

Crazy Fish Hot Pot:

Trout fillet (yes that is a piece of grilled watermelon xD):

Next meal was at the Wild Cat Grill. Casual food but pretty tasty and the prices were unbeatable!

Crab stuffed mushroom. Yes there's mushrooms under all that cheese!

This is called a "Silly Billy" and it consists of 2 breaded veal cutlets topped with mushrooms on a baguette:

I had the "Cat's Meow" which was a rotisserie chicken breast with pesto sauce and baked with cheese...mmmm cheese.

Those on my Twitter were regaled with my breakfast in this....uh....charmingly quaint "restaurant". Dude I saw someone smash a pie for breakfast. An apple pie.

This is the Canuck version of "eggs & bangers":

We then decided to take an impromptu hike...

signs of Autumn:

To the beautiful Bridal Veil Falls:

Very aptly named no?

Just so you know, I climbed all the way up in flip flops!!! I nearly died ok.

I leave you with this photo of me breaking the law:

Regular posts resumes next week.

Sana Konuka Bubble Face Wash Review

2011-09-14T12:32:00.000-07:00

Damage:
$10.99 at Artie Beauty or $11.40 on Sasa
Promises to:
"Sana Konuka Bubble Face Wash is a velvety face wash which can remove dirt thoroughly. With nano-particles of high purified rice Ceramide which is rich in vitamins and minerals, leaves the skin clean, soft, moist and transparent.
Sana Konuka Bubble Face Wash also protects the skin and improves its immunity against impurities. Gentle to skin, no fragrance, no coloring and no mineral oil are added."
Review:
I'm on a Sana kick lately. You can't blame me, as they have some seriously awesome products at very budget friendly prices.
I picked up the Sana Konuka Bubble Face wash because I've been intrigued with face wash nets for a while but being too lazy to create my own foam, it seemed like the next best thing xD.
The Sana Konuka face dispenses as a thick foam thanks to a special dispenser nozzle. The only other foam cleanser I've tried was the Aveeno Foaming Cleanser and compared to the Aveeno, the Sana foam is less dense and retains more of a "bubble" quality whereas the Aveeno produces thick dense foam that feels not dissimilar to shaving foam.
I've heard that some find the Sana too harsh and leaves their skin feeling tight, so those with sensitive or ultra dry skin might want to avoid it. On my combination skin it gives me that "squeaky clean" feeling which I quite enjoy for Summer xD.
As you can see in my little experiment below, the ability of either foam cleansers to remove makeup is quite shite hence I only use it in the morning when I don't have any makeup on.
Overall, I like the Sana Konuka Bubble Face wash and the novelty of washing my face with bubbles amuses me greatly but being the lazy, can't-be-bothered-with-two-different-cleansers type, I don't think I would repurchase this.

Left: Sana Konuka Bubble Face Wash. Right: Aveeno Foaming Cleanser

Assortment of waterproof and non-waterproof makeup:

After Sana Konuka Bubble Face Wash:

After Aveeno Foaming Cleanser

Sleek Pout Polish Review

2011-09-07T22:29:00.000-07:00

I got some pretties in the mail courtesy of the generosity that is Vicky:

Sleek Pout polish in Monte Carlo; Electric Peach and Pink Cadillac:

Swatches from left: Monte Carlo; Electric Peach; and Pink Cadillac

Monte Carlo:

Electric Peach:

Pink Cadillac:

and for comparison, MAC Pink Fish:

Damage:

$6.50 from Sleek

Promises to:

"A tinted lip conditioning balm formulated with natural oils such as Almond Oil, Shea Butter, Avocado Extract and Vitamin A, C and E to help condition the lips and lock in moisture. It also includes SPF15 to help protect the lips from sun exposure. Using a lip brush or fingers, apply a small amount to the upper and lower lips for a sheer wash of colour and gloss. 10g"
Ingredients:
Ascorbyl Palmitate; Avocado Oil; Bis-Diglyceryl Polyacyladipate-2; Black Iron Oxide (CI 77499); Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane; Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea Butter); Diisostearyl Malate; Ethylhexyl; Methoxycinnamate; Ethylhexyl Palmitate; Jojoba Oil; Methylparaben; Microcrystalline wax; Miristyl Lactate; Octocrylene; Polyisobutene; Propylparaben; Prunus Amgdalus Dulcis (Sweet Almond Oil); Red 29 AL Lake (CI45410); Red 7 Ca Lake (CI 15850); Red Iron Oxide (CI 77491); Retinyl Palmitate; Titanium Dioxide (CI 77891); Tocopheryl Acetate; Triticum Vulgare (Wheat Germ Oil); Yellow Iron Oxide (CI 77492)

Review:

This is Sleek's $6.50 answer to MAC's $18 Tinted Lip Conditioner. Both are are potted balms that offer moisture, SPF15, and colour in one swipe. The Pout Paints are, however, far superior in pigmentation. In my test run, each application lasted at least 3 hours as long as I didn't eat. They also stained my lips so that fading wasn't as obvious.
The finish of the PPs are also much glossier and more akin to that of a lipgloss. I'm also happy that the finish is non-sticky! Texture wise it is creamy and moisturising.
The only thing that takes marks off is the packaging; potted balms are not the most convenient on-the-go and some would balk about the hygiene factor.

NYX HD Studio Photogenic Foundation review

2011-09-03T21:06:00.000-07:00

Promises:
"Our most advanced foundation uses light-diffusing ingredients that render skin smooth, poreless and flawless—even under most high-definition technology. HD Studio Photogenic Foundation is also infused with tri-peptides that promote collagen production, reduce the appearance of wrinkles and help rejuvenate skin. Ideal makeup for everyday use, professional shoots or anytime you’re in the spotlight."
Damage:
$15 on nyxcosmetics.com and cherryculture.com. For Canadians, NYX is also available at Save-on-Foods, Rexalls and Pharmasave.
Ingredients:
Deionized Water, Cyclopentasiloxane, Diethylhexyl Maleate, Butylene Glycol, CETYL PEG/PPG-10/1 Dimethicone, Cyclopentasiloxane/Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate, Dimethicone, Kaolin, Sodium Chloride, Orbignya Oleifera Seed Oil , Sorbitan Olivate, Disteardimonium Hectorite, Sorbitan Sesquioleate, Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone crosspolymer, Cyclomethicone/Dimethiconol, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Polymethyl Methacrylate, Phenoxyethanol, Triethoxycaprylylsilane, Propylene carbonate, Chlorphenesin, Fragrance, Hydrogenated Vegatable Oil, Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Silica, Alumina, VP/VA Copolymer, Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose, C12-14 Pareth-7 , Amodimethicone, Adipic acid/ Neopentyl Glycol Crosspolymer , Salicornia Herbacea Extract, Copper Peptide-1, Acetyl Hexapeptide-8,and Palmitoyl Pentapeptide-4. MAY CONTAIN: Titanium Dioxide (CI 77891), Mica (CI 77019), Zinc Oxide (CI 77947), Yellow Iron Oxides (CI 77492), Red Iron Oxides (CI 77491), or Black Iron Oxides (CI 77499).
Review:
I picked up this foundation at IMATS purely based on Temptalia's review. It was around $11 ($15 regularly) and she compared it favourably to the MUFE HD Foundation. I seem to have a chronic allergy to everything that MUFE makes, I'm not sure why, but everything I've tried from MUFE either breaks me out, gives me the itchies or burns T.T. Total sadness.
The foundations come packaged in a plastic pump bottle. The pump is top notch and doesn't clog up or have dispensing issues. I'm kinda meh over the plastic bottle but I guess it's good for travelling.

There are a total of 8 shades available and I picked up shade 01 and 02. I had to get both because neither one on its own would match my NC15 going on to NC20 skin tone. The shades in the range vary schizophrenically between being pink and yellow based. Shades 01, 03, 06 and 07 are pink based and shades 02, 04, 05 and 08 are yellow based. This wouldn't be such a big problem if only there wasn't such a huge difference between the shades of the same base. In addition there are also no colours suitable for darker ladies.

Swatches from top: 01 Nude and 02 Soft Beige

01 Nude and 02 Soft Beige blended out:

As you can see from the swatches, shade 01 is a very light pink based ivory that is much too light for my Summer skin but would probably be perfect for me in the Winter. Shade 02 is a much darker yellow based beige, it's around the NC20 zone and is currently a match for me.

Without foundation:

With NYX HD Studio foundation on:

Coverage is medium and buildable. As you can see it evened out my skin and covered most of the redness and blemishes. The foundation is a bit runny so you need to pay a bit more attention to application or risk streakiness. The finish is a bit dewy, not overly so that you look greasy, but just dewy in a very natural way.

I have no idea if it's really HD quality but the formula is SPF free so at least you won't get a funny white cast if you take flash photographes.

On me the foundation lasts around 6-8hrs before fading around my T-zone.

With flash:

With powder on top (I swear I am not really this disgustingly pale, it's just the lighting T.T):

After approximately 10 hours of wear blotting once:

Overall, a very good foundation for $15 if you can find your shade!

Kiehl's Pampered Pooch Collection, Hobo Puppeh's first review!

2011-09-01T23:16:00.000-07:00

I was just lying there, taking a snooze, minding my own business...

When all of a sudden, my ferocious and unwilling to be bathed self was unceremoniously dumped into a tub of the wet stuff!!
I was sudded up and dunked, and scrubbed and rinsed, and brushed and blown, until I looked like this:

Ohmaidog!! They've turned me into a girl!!! HALP!! my sexy machismo scent is gone!! Do you know how long I had to roll around in the park to make me smell like that?!

Look at this blinding shade of white I have turned!

My girlfriend is gonna dump me cos I smell too girly!! and it's all your fault!

These 3 bottles are to blame!

Indignant dog is indignant

Indignant dog may be indignant, but we couldn't be happier with the Kiehl's Cuddly Coat shampoo and conditioner.
We often wonder if Lucky is indeed a dog and not a skunk because he sure smells like one. He will, without fail, find the stinkiest spot of the park and proceed to log roll all over it. There's a reason why we've nicknamed him "Hobo Puppeh", the smellier and dirtier he is, the happier he is.
The Kiehl's Pampered Pooch range is soap free and PH-balanced which comes as good news for those doggehs who need to be bathed more often or those who have sensitive skin. It is also has Chamomile flower extract which gives a lovely lingering scent. Actually we find the scent so intoxicating that we've been burying our face into Lucky's coat at every opportunity much to his disgust!
The conditioner detangles and leaves his coat amazingly soft. Oh so squishy soft....*nuzzle nuzzle*...oops sorry got distracted there, but seriously, his coat is SO soft! He is more like a small walking cloud really.
Everything rinses clean with minimal effort and whites are left bright with no yellowing.
We're also fans of the Spray-N-Play Cleansing Spritz which is a rinse free shampoo intended for use in-between baths. As the HoboPup deems a walk unsuccessful unless he comes homes with brown feet, with this spritz, we no longer have to first wet his paws, apply shampoo, and rinse whilst holding him awkwardly in the basin.
I highly recommend these products for the pampered pooch in your life!

The shampoo, conditioner and spritz is available as a kit on Kiehls.com for $44. Kiehls Canada does not appear to sell the kit but you can buy the shampoo and conditioner separately for $20 each and the spritz goes for $16.
A PR sample of the products were provided.

Please sir, I want some more

Kiehl's Metrotown Opening

2011-08-30T21:53:00.000-07:00

I was very kindly invited by Rebecca of NKPR to attend a sneak preview of Kiehl's new store at Metrotown a day before it was open to the general public. Whilst there, I was given an in-depth history of the brand, a tour of the store, and treated to an amazing one-on-one skin consultation by the knowledgeable Donna Paty.
Did you know that Kiehl's started out as a small family owned apothecary (old talk for pharmacy/chemist's) in New York's East Village back in 1851? Today, their New York flagship store resides on the very same spot.
They meld together their age-old pharmaceutical knowledge with the very best ingredients from nature to bring you naturally derived products which deliver effects. Many of their products are also alcohol and paraben free which is good news to those who are sensitive to these ingredients.
What was most impressive to me was their level of service. Each store has a dedicated consultation area where their highly trained staff can recommend products based on the customers' skincare concerns and needs. I am also most impressed with their very generous samples! This way you can try everything before you buy. On top of that, they offer a 100% money back guarantee!! If you're not happy with the product, you can bring it back for a full refund!
Enough babble and onwards to the photos!!

I love their store's eclectic decor and that vintage chandelier is simple gorgeous!

A vintage motorcycle is on display inside every Kiehl's store as a monument of former owner Aaron Morse's intense love of motorcycles.

The original Kiehl's team:

A scrapbook of interesting tidbits on the original store. The pear stands for Pear Tree Corner where the original Kiehl's Pharmacy was located and where the Kiehl's flagship currently stands.

Unlike many skincare brands, Kiehl's doesn't leave the menfolk stranded! In fact, 30-40% of their customers are men. They have a dedicated line of products for men and best of all, no girly packaging! Maybe one day I can get Mr. Nunu to try something other than soap eh?

3 of Kiehl's collection of Dermatologists Solutions

Limited Edition New York Heritage Collection. Customer's favourites in special 160th anniversary packaging.

Skin consultation area:

Donna Paty, National Education Manager:

Getting educated on what is healthy skin. Damaged skin barrier = loss of natural oils and moisture resulting in oily skin and no protection again irritants! The key to healthy skin is adequate moisture!!

I was extremely fascinated by their healthy skin test! They press one of these tabs on your forehead and one on your cheek and depending on how much oil transfers onto the tab they can determine the condition of your skin!

I've got a normal to oily forehead and normal to dry cheeks!

My personalised Kiehls skincare regime!

Vanessa and Christine (who has an awesome name and also rides a Harley in stiletto boots.)

I really really really want that chest of drawers in my house. I can squirrel all sorts of stuff in there xD

What I came home with at the end of the day.....I feel guilty...I really do.

Thank you so much Kiehl's and NKPR!! I had an absolutely fantastic time! I learnt so much from Donna and I really look forward to trying out the various products and writing about them. All the best on your latest opening!

Sana Hadanomy Collagen cream and lotion review

2011-08-27T19:17:00.000-07:00

The packaging is so terrifyingly cute and pink that Mr. Nunu whimpers a lil every time he sees it in the bathroom. Onwards to the review!

Cream:

Promises to:
"Sana HADANOMY Collagen Cream, icy cold to the touch, gives skin a refreshing feeling. It contains 1000 mg of micro collagen, hyaluronic acid, acerola extract and honey. By applying it before sleep, you will be given moisturization overnight. The cream with mild, natural floral scent will leave your skin moister and more supple next morning."

Lotion:

Promises to:
"Sana HADANOMY Collagen Lotion, a gel-type toner, contains 2 kinds of collagen, making it sink deeply into skin in an easier way. The moisturizing effect is greater. It delivers a light floral scent. Applied before sleep, it hydrates skin all night long. It preps skin for a make-up of closer fit on the following day."
Damage:
$12.99 -$16.99 at Artiestyle (use promocode "Macnunu10" for 10% off your order of $20!)
Ingredients:
Micro collagen, hyaluronic acid Na, honey, acerola extract
Review:
Collagen, other than being the main component of Pamela Anderson's lips, is a protein that essentially glues the body together. As we get older (like I am) the collagen in our bodies degrade and all sorts of fun things head south. Jowls? I has em.
Unfortunately collagen also cannot be absorbed through skin or our digestive system. Yes, all those bowls of chicken feet/pigs feet/fish swim bladder soup that our Asian mums forced down our throats with promises of "it'll make you prettier!"actually did diddly squat and we could've eaten a steak instead.
So disregarding the 1000mg of collagen contained within these products, we come down to the core question, are these products any good at moisturising?
The answer is yes.
These products plumped out the lines under my eyes caused by dehydration (yes dehydration, they're not crow's feet damnit!). However, like all topical treatments, the effect doesn't last ad infinitum. If you're looking for something to boost your hydration level then these products definitely do the job.
If you're looking for a rich moisturising cream then this cream definitely won't do as it's more gel-like in texture. It's very cool and soothing and spreads very easily, however, it does leaves a sticky residue. And that brings me to my biggest qualm with the products, both the lotion and the cream leave a sticky residue on the skin that NEVER goes away! My face remains sticky to the touch even 1/2hr after application!! This bothers me because I use this cream in the morning and my face just remains weirdly sticky until I put something on top of it like foundation or loose powder. The lotion on its own isn't as sticky as the cream but it definitely does not absorb completely like my Hadalabo lotions do. Texture wise, the lotion is the thickest I've ever encountered but still spreads easily.
People who are bothered by germs will hate that the cream comes in a jar. Me? I'm more a "big germ eats small germ" person so it doesn't bother me.
Although they describe the products as having a floral scent, I don't really detect any.
I've been told that these products absorb better on drier skin so I am personally retiring these to my winter regime. Overall these products give a good boost of moisture, do not break me out and are very reasonably priced. However, the stickiness stops them short of LOVE for me.

Before:

After:

Maybelline Color Sensation High Shine lipstick review

2011-08-24T23:13:00.000-07:00

I am quite late on the train again but I recently discovered these Maybelline Color Sensation High Shine lipsticks.

Damage:
$3.99 - $8.99
Promises:
Mirror-like color from micro-mirror pigments. Creamier feel from nourishing honey nectar.

Swatches from left: Glisten Up Pink and Coral Lustre

Glisten Up Pink:

Coral Lustre:

Review:
I must say I'm very impressed! I think these might be the "drugstore" (looks shamefully at Vicky) answer to Dior Addicts. The formula is pretty moisturising, the colour pay-off is good and the finish is very true to name.
These lipsticks cling well but my lips don't feel dry even if I don't wear any balm underneath which is always a good thing for parched pirate lips.
Wear time is a around 2-3 hours, depending on how much you eat or drink.
These have a fruity scent, think lip balm? but with the faint chemical smell that is prevalent in drugstore cosmetics.
The only dislike for me is that the formula contains glitter (the "micro-mirror pigments"?) and once the colour wears off you are left with a bunch of stray glitter on your lip. Not a very attractive look.
There are currently 8 colours in this line and for around $5, it's a worthy buy.

Harry Potter Challenge: Beauxbaton version

2011-08-21T23:30:00.000-07:00

Yes I was one of those who disturbed your movie by bawling her eyes out. I couldn't help it, the tears started when the Hogwarts teachers began putting up spells to defend the castle and didn't stop until the credits rolled.
I grew up with Harry, I have laughed with him, I have cried with him. I was at every single midnight book release, and have probably read each one in the excess of ten times. After every new film release, it was mandatory tradition that I go and re-watch all the previous films and re-read each book.
I clung desperately onto the films after the book releases ended and now that even the films have ended, I feel like my childhood is well and truly over T.T

"Harry Potter is about confronting fears, finding inner strength and doing what is right in the face of adversity. Twilight is about how important it is to have a boyfriend."
— Stephen King

Yumeko over at Bittenbefore started a Harry Potter makeup challenge to celebrate the release of the last film and a couple of my favourite Twitter ladies along with myself decided to jump to the challenge!

Yumeko's Griffindor

Vicky's Hufflepuff:

Justine's Ravenclaw:

Yasumi's Slytherin:

And finally, my off the beaten path Beauxbaton:

"Bah! Bill don't look at me, I'm 'ideous."

Do you like my wand? It's Sirius' xD

Products used:

L'Oreal Colour Infallible eyeshadow swatches part 2 and EOTD

2011-08-20T23:37:00.000-07:00

London Drugs is currently having a buy 2 get 1 free on all L'Oreal products promotion so I picked up 3 more of the Colour Infallibles xD. This is purely a swatches and EOTD post, for my full review of the Colour Infallibles range see here.
I ended up picking Burning Black, Hourglass Beige and Flashback Silver.

Swatches from left: Burning Black, Hourglass Beige and Flashback Silver

Burning Black is a blackened aubergine and is possibly a dupe or similar in colour to the Armani Eyes to Kill in No. 2 Lust Red. Texture is buttery smooth and pigmentation as you can see is amazing.
Hourglass Beige is a light golden beige. It is very similar to Time Resist White but with much better texture, application and pigmentation.
Flashback Silver is a silver lavender that reminds me a lot of Armani Eyes to Kill in No. 4 Pulp Fiction, although Flashback Silver is much lighter. Texture, application and pigmentation were all great.

I decided to play around with the Infallibles to create this slightly bonkers bold look. Yes this is how I walk around the house on Friday nights.

Colours used from inner to outer corner of eye: Flashback Silver, Purple Obsession and Burning Black.

Cheeks: Rock & Republic Contrived blush in Tease. Lips: Make Up For Ever Lab Shine in S26.

Maniacal stare: model's own.

Sana Super Quick Liquid Liner review

2011-08-19T11:56:00.000-07:00

I was fast running out of the K-Palette liner that Justine had given me so I decided to give the Sana Super Quick Liquid Liner a try.

Damage:

$11.20 from Sasa.com

Promises to:

"Sana SUPER QUICK Liquid Eyeliner Ex helps one draw extremely thin, waterproof and vivid eye lines. It allows one to draw with ease vivid black eye lines that fill in gap between eyelashes. The waterproof formula is strongly sweat-resistant, tear-resistant and sebum-resistant. It completely fills in edge of eyelid and gap of eyelashes. It is especially suitable for those

who wear fake eyelashes."

Review:

Dollywink's liquid liner (reviewed here) really opened my eyes to Asian fibre tip pen type liners. I much prefer their ease of manoeuvrability over Western type liquid liners. There is no need to constantly re-wet the nib as one does with Western type liners and I prefer the thinner tip.

Nib comparisons between Sana Super Quick Liquid Liner and K-Palette Real Lasting Eyeliner:

Swatches: top K-Palette; bottom Sana Super Quick

Swatches put under running water and gently rubbed:

Swatches rubbed vigorously:

My skin rubbed almost down to my reptilian skin.

Thick:

Thin:

As you can see from the swatches, the Sana Super Quick has a matte finish whereas the K-Palette is shiny. Pigmentation of the Sana is excellent, there is no patchiness, no drag, just solid black in one swipe.
As you can see from the photos, the Sana easily wins hands down compared to the K-Palette with regards to wear. It just does not budge once it sets. Not even in the inner corners of my eyes and there is absolutely no flaking or panda eyes at the end of the day.
Price wise, I believe the K-Palette goes for $15 or $16 so the Sana is quite a bit cheaper.
I wholeheartedly recommend this product!!

Stank eye dog:

NOTD - Take Me To Your Hidden Treasure

2011-08-17T10:11:00.000-07:00

I am having way too much fun making up these moronically juxtaposed names for my NOTDs.
This one sounds downright dirty.
I like.
1 coat of Color Club's Take Me To Your Chateau (light blue cream), 1 coat of Savina's Light Mist (semi-sheer light blue jelly) and 1 coat of Sally Hansen Hidden Treasure (rainbow flakey in a clear base).
I'm actually VERY impressed with the Color Club polish, it goes on easy for a light coloured cream, doesn't have any cuticle drag, evens out well and is opaque in 1 medium thick coat. Dries fast too. It was released as a part of Color Club's Pardon My French collection and I got the entire set of 7 polishes for $12 at Winners. The Savina jelly is kinda meh. It's difficult to get bottle colour because it applies sheer. I used it over the Color Club because I am a sucker for jelly finishes and it gives the flat cream some depth.
It's been so long since I last used Hidden Treasure and I was really curious as to what it would look like layered over lighter colours.

Under natural light:

Under artificial light:

Actual colour is the one under artificial light. Hidden Treasure adds an absolutely spellbinding quality to the otherwise boring pastel blue polish. Depending on the lighting, the flakeys go from silver, blue gradient to a full rainbow.
I haven't done any work this week because I've been too busy staring at my nails.

L'Oreal Color Infallible eyeshadow review

2011-08-15T13:40:00.000-07:00

I'm sure you've all noticed these curious little pots in my latest FOTDs.

They're the new Color Infallible eyeshadows from L'Oreal and they are simply amazing. I own 4 of these babies courtesy of 2 ladies who love me long time (Justine and Vicky I'm looking at you), and I love every single one of them.
I get the feeling that these are L'Oreal's answer to the Chanel Illusion d'ombre and Armani Eyes to Kill but I wouldn't call these "cream shadows" because they are definitely powder and there is no "bounce". Imagine a soft pressed pigment and you're close, but unlike pigments, these shadows don't kick up any dust when used.
Of my 4, only Time Resist White applied crumbly, the rest are buttery smooth and all 4 impart a gorgeous metallic/pearl finish.
I prefer to apply these with my fingers like I do with my Chanel Ombre Perlees as I find brushes tend not to pick up these eyeshadows too well. Time Resist White has the finickiest application and requires being patted on carefully but all the rest are easily swiped on and blended.
Purple Obsession, Permanent Kaki and Endless Chocolate all have AMAZING staying power. You all know me as a greasy pirate, but these will stay on my lids without primer for over 12 hours with minimal fading and creasing. With primer, they wear like iron.
My friend Justine has a couple of the matte shades that are currently only available in Europe and she apparently found them "weird". I've seen swatches of the matte shades and I find them rather inferior compared to the pearl/metallic finishes.
I believe there are currently 9 colours available in Canada, there's a couple more European exclusives that I fully intend to beg/blackmail/guilt my pommie chums into getting me. No shame here people.

Endless Chocolat:

Permanent Kaki:

From top left: Permanent Kaki; and Purple Obsession. From bottom left: Endless Chocolat and Time Resist White.

Each little pot comes with a plastic keeper which prevents any loose powder from escaping onto the lid.

Swatches from left: Endless Chocolat, Permanent Kaki; Purple Obsession and Time Resist White

Endless Chocolat: a beautiful rich chocolate brown that amazingly doesn't pull too warm. It works wonderfully on my NC20/25 skin and doesn't make me look dirty!
Permanent Kaki: Not really a khaki but more an olive. A medium green with golden undertones.
Purple Obsession: I <3 the name of this one because I truly am obsessed with this colour!! A beautiful jewel toned purple that carries a bluish tint in certain lighting.
Time Resist White: An off white. Appears beige in the pot but on skin it shows white. Colour payoff for this one is rather poor and the texture is quite crumbly. I like to use this one in the inner corner of my eyes.

Swatches from left: Purple Obsession; Chanel Ombre Perlees purple; Permanent Kaki; Chanel Ombre Perlees green.

The texture of the Color Infallibles reminded me of the Chanel Ombre Perlees quint. Both are soft shadows which leave a pearly finish so I though to compare the 2 colours which appeared the most alike. As you can see, the Chanel has a darker undertone and are "dustier" whereas the L'Oreal are brighter and lack the complex finish of the Chanel. Texture and finish wise though I still feel they are similar.
For $10, I don't think you can get better eyeshadow that the L'Oreal and I totally have Pokemon complex with them.

Sweet like chocolate FOTD

2011-08-10T11:42:00.000-07:00

Are any of you old enough to remember this song?

Sweet Like Chocolate - Shanks & Bigfoot

Yes I'm an old pirate. I still remember wandering about around the Elephant & Castle after a rough night at the Ministry of Sound, but you're not here to listen to me yabber on so I bring you today's FOTD.

Products used: Smashbox Fusion Soft Lights in Sunset, Sleek Storm palette, MUFE Aqualiner in #12, Annabelle Smudgeliner in Armour, Sleek blush in Rose Gold, L'Oreal Infalliable in Endless Chocolat and Time Resist White, Gosh Cool Lip Jam in 102, Revlon Color Burst in Soft Nude, Guerlain Parure Compact Foundation

Swatches from left: Time Resist White, Endless Chocolat, Golden brown shade from Sleek Storm, Rose Gold, Aqua Liner #12 (top), Annabelle Armour (bottom), Soft Nude (top), and 102 Lip Jam (bottom)

Method:

Pat Time Resist White on inner half of eyelid;
Endless Chocolat on outer V;
Sleek golden brown in middle of lid;
Line upper lash line with #12 Aqua Liner;
Line lower lash line with Annabelle Amour;
Mascara;
Contour using Smashbox Sunset;
Rose Gold on apples of cheeks; and
Soft Nude topped with Gosh 102 on lips.

Thank you for the my gifts Vicky!!

On a more serious note, to all my readers who live in or around the London area, PLEASE keep safe! The first hand accounts of the riots from friends and family living there is scaring the bejesus out of me. Bricks and petrol bombs being thrown, buses being burnt down, rampant vandalism, robbery, murder and assault. I hope those little shitheads get caught and pay for their actions.

DSLR 101

2011-08-08T17:24:00.000-07:00

I am writing this for my own personal reference, 98% of my photos are still pure suckage so please disregard any advice from me. Warning: this post contains rambling.

RAW mode: Please shoot in this mode, your photos will thank you for it. RAW mode means you see the image as the camera's image sensor "saw" it with no compression or processing. Photos are sharper and colours are crisper. Shooting in RAW also means that you can custom edit the settings your photo was taken with. Yes, shooting in RAW means you will have to manually process the photo before you can upload it but such is the price for quality. Most cameras nowadays come bundled with software which allows you to process RAW photos so there's no excuse not to shoot in RAW. Word of warning, buy a bigger memory card, a 32GB at the very least.

ISO: How your camera responds to light. The higher the ISO number, the more your camera is responsive to light. If you're shooting indoors or under dim lighting, crank up the ISO, if you shooting outside on a sunny day, keep ISO low. Remember, the higher the ISO, the grainier/noisier your photo, so unless you're trying to be artsy fartsy, keep the ISO as low as possible.

Aperture: The opening on your lens that lets in light. This is measured as a "f-stop". This is going to sound stupid, but the bigger the aperture, the smaller the f-stop, and the smaller the aperture, the bigger the f-stop. There's all sorts of nonsensical mathematics involved to calculate this but just remember, the smaller the f-stop, the smaller the field of focus, the bigger the f-stop, the bigger the field of focus. If you want to bring focus to a single flower in a field, choose the smallest f-stop available on your camera. If you want to take landscape photos where you want everything in focus, choose the biggest f-stop available. A word of warning, a small aperture (big f-stop, more in focus) requires lots of light, if there's not enough light, the shutter speed will be longer and you'll end up with blurry photos. If you're working under low lighting but want more in focus, you'll need a tripod.

Shutter Speed: How long the shutter of your camera remains open. Shutter speed is measured in seconds, so 1/1000s is short and 1s is long. The longer the shutter speed, the more light you let in, the shorter your shutter speed, the less light you let in. Long shutter speeds will capture movement, and short shutter speeds freeze action. This means if you need to take a photo of a fast moving subject without blurring - use short shutter speed, and if you want to take photos of dreamy waterfalls, fireworks and light trails - use a long shutter speed. Remember, depending on how steady your hands are, you shouldn't go any slower than say 1/30s or you run the risk of blurry photos. Your shutter speed can also be set to BULB. This setting allows you to manually control when the shutter closes, you'll probably have no use for this unless you intend to do extremely long exposures.

WB: White balance. Exactly what its name suggests, your camera can compensate with more cool (blue) light if you're shooting in direct sunlight to cancel out some of the yellowness or add more warmth (yellow) if you're shooting in a cloudy or shady environment. You can either go full auto (Canons leans slightly bluer) or pick a pre-set choice such as: Daylight, Shade, Cloudy etc. I tend to ignore this and leave it on auto as I usually change the WB when I process the RAW image anyways.

Exposure Compensation: My Canon displays this as a +/-meter at the bottom of the LCD display. Use this to lighten or darken your photo as needed. Useful if you're outdoors and your ISO is already on the lowest possible setting and your photos are still over exposed. Equally useful indoors if you need a brighter exposure.

Auto mode: Please for the love of all the various gods, do not shoot in this mode. This goes for all the other pre-set modes too e.g. Sports, Portrait, Landscape, Macro etc. All DOF is lost in this mode and the flash has an annoying habit of popping up. Just don't. I threw myself head first into AV and TV mode the first week I got my camera. If I can do it, anyone can!

P mode: You select ISO and the camera will select aperture and shutter speed. Good place to start learning without being overwhelmed. I personally don't find much use for this mode anymore though.

TV mode: You select ISO and Shutter Speed, and the camera selects Aperture. Good for indoor/low lighting situations, a high ISO and fast shutter speed ensures that photos stay sharp. You cannot control DOF in this mode. The brighter the lighting, the smaller your aperture will be and thus the more you'll get in focus. The lower your lighting, the bigger your aperture will be and the less you'll get in focus. If you're a camwhore, this is the mode you'll want to use as the fast shutter speed ensures that the shakiness of your hand won't result in a blurry photo.

AV mode: You select ISO and Aperture, the camera selects shutter speed. Good for outdoor/well lighted situations. Remember the smaller the aperture, the higher the ISO/the more light you'll need. I use this if I'm being anal about DOF, but if you use this indoors, you WILL need a tripod.

M mode: Manual mode. You have complete control over every single setting. I like using this when I have all the time in the world to fiddle or when I'm taking photos of things like Christmas lights or fireworks.

Next in this series: Lenses and what all those bloody numbers mean.

NOTD - Crushed Pelican

2011-08-07T23:37:00.000-07:00

So called because I used China Glaze in Pelican Grey and Crackle Glaze in Crushed Candy. Don't worry, no actual pelicans were harmed in the making of this NOTD.

Pelican Grey is a pale, true grey cream with hidden shimmer. It was released as a part of China Glaze's Spring 2011 Anchors Away collection. Crushed Candy is a bright turquoise which reminds me a lot of China Glaze For Audrey. It was released as a part of the 2011 Spring Crackle Glaze collection.
My trick to getting lots of irregularly shaped cracks is to wiggle the brush as I'm applying the crackle polish.
This manicure lasted for a week with minimal tip wear.

The thing I really HATE about crackle polish is how thick the formula gets once you open it!!! Mine is like cottage cheese right now!

Do you reckon I can pour some thinner into it?

Winner, Winner, Chicken Dinner.

2011-08-06T21:44:00.000-07:00

And the winner for this year's chicken dinner is........

Who happens to be my favourite snarky New Yorker, Etherealprey! Please email me at nunu@macnunu.com to claim your Chanel Topkapi!
To everyone else who entered, thank you for all your well wishes and for entering! Keep an eye out for my next giveaway!
Much love,
Nunu

A $2 blush that loves you long time.

2011-08-05T12:17:00.000-07:00

As is with 90% of the things that I buy, this one was as a result of Justine egging me on. I was innocently trying to convince her to try a $6.50 BB Cream we found at YokoYaya (a local Japanese dollar shop which sells products made for Daiso) when she turned around and said she'll buy a $2 blush if I buy one.
See, it's all her fault.
Ellefar, is a made in Taiwan brand which I believe is available exclusively at Daiso shops. Other than blushes, I've also seen their face powders, mascaras, and eyeliners at Daiso. I saw only 2 different colours of MultiCheek, a pink and a beige. Justine got the pink (of course) and I got the beige.

The packaging is typical of Japanese drugstore brands; a clear plastic compact complete with a useless brush which I won't even bother trying.

Packaging compared to other Japanese drugstore brands. From left: Kanebo My Featuring Colors Blend Color Cheek; Daiso Ellefar MultiCheek; Canmake Cheek Gradation.

While the plastic tray is really blah, I'm really impressed with the 3D embossing on the surface of the blush.

FOTD using MultiCheek Beige:

"Beige" is a misleading name, as the blush actually applies as a gorgeous peachy coral glow that is very reminiscent of NARS Orgasm. Pigmentation is amazing and I had to be rather careful with my application to avoid looking like a baboon bum. Unlike both the Kanebo and Canmake blushes, the MultiCheek blush is amazingly well pressed and kicks up no "dust" during use. Lasting time is around 6-8hrs.

Close up of the finish:

Swatches from left: Canmake Gradation Chocolate Stripe; Ellefar MultiCheek Beige; and Kanebo Color Cheek.

Close up of MultiCheek Beige:

One more cam whore!

I am completely flabbergasted by the amazingly quality of this blush. I really can't believe that they can produce such a finely milled and pigmented blush for $2. I think everyone within the vicinity of a Daiso should go and buy every single colour they can find RIGHT NOW!

Bitten by the green eyed monster - a.k.a. My face goes budget friendly

2011-08-02T22:01:00.000-07:00

Lately I've been finding myself more and more impressed with drugstore cosmetics offerings. I've incorporated quite a few budget friendly products to my daily arsenal and I'm constantly discovering new gems!
Quelle horreur! My face is going mainstream! The boy teases me and said that my face is "going cheap".
In all seriousness though, for the price of one high end foundie, I can buy an entire basketful of drugstore fun, and if they're duds I won't be too disappointed.
Today's FOTD uses only drugstore products. I cheated a bit and used a mixture of Asian, European and North American drugstore buys, but most of the products retailed for under $10.

Products used:

Sleek Storm palette; Canmake Chocolate stripe; NYX Grinding Blush in Georgia Peach; Revlon Color Burst in Soft Nude; NYX Concealer in a Jar in 04; NYX HD Foundation in No. 1 and No. 2; Sana Super Quick Liquid Liner; Maybelline Falsies mascara; L'Oreal Color Infallible eyeshadow in Time Resist White and Permanent Kaki.
With some smart shopping, everything in the above photo can be had for around $60.

End look:

Swatches from left: Gosh Cool Lip Jam in 102; Revlon Colorburst in Soft Nude; Infallible in Time Resist White; Infallible in Permanent Kaki; Sleek Storm palette dark green; and NYX Grinding blush in Georgia Peach.

Method:

Eyes - Pat Time Resist White all over lid, Permanent Kaki on outer V and define crease with dark green shadow from Sleek Storm palette. Line upper lash line with liquid liner and lower lash line with dark green shadow from Sleek Storm palette. Mascara.

Face - Concealer and foundation, contour with Canmake Chocolate Stripe and NYX blusher on apples of cheeks.

Lips - Revlon Soft Nude topped with Gosh Cool Lip Jam.

More cam-whoring:

We end with this:

IMATS Vancouver 2011 Final Post

2011-08-01T00:27:00.000-07:00

Yes yes, I know you're all sick of me harping on about the IMATS. I promise this will be the last post until next year. I just tried to fulfil my duties as "Press". Stop judging! xD

The student's competition is always a crowd favourite. The winner receives a $1000 cash prize as well as the opportunity to have their award winning work showcased in Make-Up Artist Magazine and next year's IMATS brochure.
This year's theme was Tribal Beauty and students had 2 hours to do the makeup portion of their work.

HOW COOL ARE THESE SHOES??!!!

Make-Up Magazine was there to MC the event.

This first entry was AMAZING! The lines were so crisp! It reminded me of Maori facial tattoos.

I really really liked her feathery hat xD

This one was my personal favourite. I thought the makeup and costume was spectacular! You'll see a better photo of it later...

The hair "horns" made me think of a Viking hat xD

Hair horn got 3rd place!!

2nd place:

Maori tattoo got 1st place! Veronica Cho is originally from South Korea and is a graduate of Blanche Macdonald college. In fact all 3 winners are Blanche Macdonald graduates!

I found this model very captivating...

I swear I wasn't being a stalker...

The winner!

"Everyone do the Lady Gaga!":

2nd place:

Those nails are INSANE! Her hairdress reminds me a big of the chicken feather duster many of us are so familiar with xD

The model and the artist:

More amazing work from Blanche Macdonald:

Work by New Image College of Fine Arts:

From Studio F/X:

And finally, what you have all been waiting for, my haul.

From MUFE:

From NYX:

From Royal & Langnickel:

Now what would you like to see me review first?

Vancouver IMATS 2011

2011-07-31T00:29:00.000-07:00

Thus begins the very arduous task of blogging about the IMATS. Arduous not because of the subject, but because of the sheer volume of photos I had to edit.
This year's IMATS was held at the beautiful Vancouver Convention Centre. The crowd turnout was phenomenal.

9am ticketing queue:

Somebody overslept and missed the bus. The same somebody almost went to last year's venue. Somebody, I'm not gonna say who, but somebody got stuck in a queue real bad.

Of course I was nowhere to be found on their press list, I'm lucky like that, they were lovely about it though and soon we were on our merry way.
At the exhibit hall we were confronted with this:

One monstrous queue stretching as far as the eye can see. The reward? MUFE products at 40% off retail.
Given that there were four of us, we ended up taking turns to man the queue while the rest went to shop and take photos elsewhere.
Justine and I took time to cam whore while we were in line:

NYX
The one booth that really stood out for me was the NYX booth. Never have I been in the hallowed presence of so much eyeshadow. Just look at the amount of products they had!

Yes I took about a zillion photos of their booth.
Their discounts were 30%-40% off retail, that coupled with the limited availability of NYX products in Canada made me one happy shopper. I quickly grabbed their HD foundation which has been touted as being a cheap alternative to MUFE's HD Cover along with a couple of other bits and bobs that I will show in my haul post.

Royal & Langnickel
I decided to invest in a couple of their brushes to see how they compare to the Crown brushes I bought last year. They had some beautiful sets for $70 but honestly how many brushes do I need? Don't answer that question.

Hakuhodo
Considered the holy grail of makeup brushes, these babies are handmade in Japan and have the price tags to show for it. Justine and I both reckon that had they their lacquer collection in stock, we'd be much poorer by the end of the day.

Ben Nye
I'm happy to see that Ben Nye greatly expanded their booth from last year and had actual products for sale this time. I love the bright colours in their collection.

Make Up For Ever
After a mere 2 1/2hrs wait, we were finally at the front of the MUFE queue. Seriously ladies, next year, do you think you could PLEASE go to your nearest Sephora or The Bay and swatch to your heart's content the day before the show? Just make a wish list, hand it over to the nice exhibitor people who'll fill your prescription and then all you have to do is pay for it. It's much less time consuming than swatching at the booth with 100 others behind you. By the time we made our purchases, they were already completely sold out of Aqualiner #8 (light purple) and several of the Lab Shine glosses. There are rumours of exchanges being possible at Sephora and MUFE free standing counters but you didn't hear it from me *whistles*.

Beautiful demo by the MUFE artist:

Nigel Beauty Emporium
A new exhibitor to this year's show. I was most taken with their human hair lashes which sold for an insane 7 pairs for $10. If I was a false lashes person I would haul by the bucket load. Unfortunately I am more a chicken wings person.

Temptu
Once again Temptu was there to demonstrate some lovely airbrush work. Did you know you can airbrush eyebrows?!

Eve Pearl's presentation.

Eve Pearl's booth:

Look at some of her makeover results! Amazing no?

Yaby
Liz Yu herself was there to (wo)man the booth this year. I'm happy to report back after some swatching that their eyeshadows have a much more complex finish and apply better than the Coastal Scents palettes that I had previously likened them to. I was sorely tempted to pick up a few of their single eyeshadows but I have nowhere to put them and I REALLY don't need more eyeshadow. For about $2 you get a penny sized amount of eyeshadow. Not bad really.

Another new exhibitor to this year's show was Vivid Cosmetics. I found their triangular palettes really interesting!! Very sci-fi xD

Then of course there was Crown Brushes. Their brushes are much more budget friendly than Royal & Langnickel. However, I do feel some of their brushes are not as soft in comparison. I really recommend their eye brushes but steer clear of their duo fibre brush as it just never stops shedding! This year they had a more complete line of products - I think they had all their brush lines there as well as their colour cosmetics collection.

Graftobian was there with their range of HD and theatre makeup.

Lit Cosmetics
Enough glitter to make Ke$ha a very happy girl.

Naked Cosmetics
I bought 2 of these sets last year.

Eye Kandy
"Go insane, go insane, throw some glitter make it rain"

Naimie's
I was quite sad that they weren't selling the Unii palette this year :(

Next up! Student's competition and my haul!

Meishoku Detclear Bright & Peel Fruits Peeling Jelly

2011-07-27T23:50:00.000-07:00

Every now and then, I buy products that I don't really understand or need purely because I am intrigued by its name. Mr. Nunu calls this "the power of advertising", a.k.a. "a fool and her money are soon parted". I merely compare it to his want for a 3D TV.
It was as a result of one of these occasions that I came to own the Meishoku Bright & Peel Jelly.

Promises to:
"MEISHOKU Delclear Bright & Peel Fruits Peeling Jelly is a rinse-off exfoliator empowered various berries. Blended with fruit extracts, it loosens burdened skin by removing cuticles hacked by melanin. Therefore, it reveals skin’s natural white and translucent complexion. It also optimizes the benefits of later skin care products. The appearance of black-heads and acne is reduced while sebum secretion is controlled."

Damage:
$12.50 for 180ml from Sasa.com

Ingredients:
water,glycerin,carbomer,steartrimonium chloride,glycosyl trehalose,hydrogenated starch hydrolysate,fragrance,lactobacillus/pear juice ferment filtrate,butylene glycol,citrus aurantium dulcis (orange) oil,vaccinium myrtillus extract,salix nigra (willow) bark extract,saccharum officinarum (sugarcane) extract,malic acid,tartaric acid,glycolic acid,citrus aurantium dulcis (orange) fruit extract,citrus medica limonum (lemon) fruit extract,acer saccharum (sugarmaple) extract,salicylic acid,pyrus malus (apple) fruit extract,rubus idaeus (raspberry) fruit extract

Review:
Honestly? I doubt the efficiency of any product that has such a short contact period with your skin.
I think the idea behind this gel is that the various fruit extracts added together gives your skin a very light chemical peel? I have no idea.
You're to apply this a clean dry face, upon application, the gel turns into a weird clumpy jelly. This supposedly means it is removing the loose and dead skin cells on your face. I tend to use this in the mornings after a hot shower on days when I don't use any cleanser.
There is a smell, a fruity chemicals mix, it's not strong and it doesn't linger so it doesn't bother me.
I don't really see less blackheads or sebum and when I do breakout it's mostly hormonal so I can't really speak to this peel's intended effects. My face is a bit brighter after the peel but this effect doesn't last.
I recommend you save your money, use a cheap scrub and rub leftover watermelon rind on your face.

troll booger

Before:

After:

IMATS Vancouver 2011 quickie update!

2011-07-23T22:33:00.000-07:00

I just got back from IMATS and thought I'd throw up a quickie photos only post so those who are still debating whether to go or not tomorrow can see what they'll be missing. Full write up will follow shortly.

Yaby eyeshadow singles were only $2 each!!

The NYX booth was AMAZING. I totally dropped a wad of cash here.

2 hours in a queue for this moment at MUFE. The 40% off was SO worth it though!

Lashes were 7 for $10!

Royal & Langnickel brushes, more $$ was left here.

1st place:

2nd place

3rd place:

"Do the Lady Gaga!"

The IMATS is coming!!!!

2011-07-22T16:14:00.000-07:00

This weekend kicks off the Vancouver leg of the IMATS! Are you going to be there?
This year I will be going as a "Press Member" with 3 other very special ladies.
On my haul list are the MUFE Aqua Liners and their Duo Mat foundation, at 40% off it's an amazing deal. I'm also hoping to pick up a couple more brushes from Crown and Royal and Langnickel.
I am sad to see that both NARS and MAC have pulled out of this year's list of exhibitors, but I'm excited for the addition of NYX!
I shall report back tomorrow! In the meantime, here are the links from last year's show:
Part 1
Part 2
Part 3

Go Smile Smile Whitening System review

2011-07-17T22:10:00.000-07:00

Included in my bag of swag from the ebeauty.ca event was this interesting little kit:

It promised to turn me from this:

to this:

The method of application amuses me to no end; first you have to remove the tube from its cardboard sleeve, flip it around, and reinsert it back into the sleeve with the sponge tip exposed...

...then you have to squeeze the tube to break the inner glass vial which contains the whitening gel.
Basically, I was about to paint my teeth with a tiny glow stick.

Once you have broken the glass vial, you squeeze the tube until the sponge tip becomes soaked with the whitening gel (excuse my flakey lips and yes my top and my bottom teeth don't align):

Then you paint the gel onto your not-so pearly whites:

Then you run around the house with your lips peeled back like an angry primate while flapping your hands furiously in front of your mouth.
That last step might or might not be necessary.
Day 1:

Day 7:

Can you see a difference between Day 1 and Day 7? Can you see ANY difference never mind 86 frikken dollars worth of difference??!! Because dear god that is what they are selling this kit for at Sephora.

In addition to not whitening my teeth, it also stung like a b!tch wherever the gel got onto my gums. Not surprising since one of its main ingredients is hydrogen peroxide...as in the stuff you used to turn your hair a nice crispy orange back in high school before you knew what toner was.
The application, while amusing, is actually highly impractical. The sponge tip is way too big to use on the narrower bottom teeth, even if I just used the edge of it, I had to risk the gel getting onto my gums and bringing pain and profanity.
Another flaw of the system's design is that it is impossible to get the gel onto the back teeth so even if this did whiten your teeth, you'll have white teeth in the front and ogre teeth in the back.
This product was a complete fail for me and I would advise that you keep your hard earned money.

Birthday giveaway.

2011-07-14T14:59:00.000-07:00

Another year older and none the wiser. Growing old but not growing up.
As is tradition, here is a giveaway to celebrate the anniversary of my birth.

As always, the prize is fantastic:

One winner will get the Chanel Topkapi quad plus extras*.
As always there are rules:

Giveaway is open to international readers;
Entries close at 12:00pm midnight on July 31, 2011;
Must be a follower of this here blog;
To qualify, leave a comment under this post with your answer to this question - "What was the most memorable birthday you had and why was it memorable?"
Winner will be drawn using Random.org.

Spread the word and GOOD LUCK!!

MACnunu

Konad Starter Kit Giveaway!!!

Rimmel - The Kate Collection lipstick swatch and review

Revlon Colorstay 16 Hour Eyeshadow quad - review and swatch

Barry M Croc Nail Effects

Revlon Lip Butter swatch and review

Rimmel HD Glam Eyes review and swatches

Yet more L'Oreal Color Infallible swatches

Weekend in poor quality cellphone pictures

NOTD - Starry night in Provence

Photographic evidence that the 2 Tines occupied the same city for 8 days A.K.A More photos from NYC

London Drugs Revlon and Almay beauty event

Seattle

NYC

Deborah Lippmann Holiday 2011 Do Ya Think I'm Sexy and Adopt A Polish

Bourjois Healthy Mix Serum Gel Foundation review

7 Deadly Sins Challenge - Greed

Quo by Orly 18 Piece Mini Nail Polish Gift Set

Inglot AMC Lip Gloss in 544

Zoya NOTDs plus discount code

NYX Soft Matte Lip Cream review

Sponsored - Vasanti Liquid Cover Up - Foundation and Concealer in 1

Maybelline Baby Lips Lip Balm Review

The one where I forgot what I'm wearing in my FOTD....

Apothica gift card winner!

New York, New York.

Giveaway!! Win a $25 gift card from Apothica.com!!!

Win a weekend getaway for 2 to New York City courtesy of Kiehl's!

Sponsored - EOS Adult Blue Circle Lenses

Sponsored - DHC Lip Cream Review

Weekend getaway - Harrison Hot Springs

Sana Konuka Bubble Face Wash Review

Sleek Pout Polish Review

NYX HD Studio Photogenic Foundation review

Kiehl's Pampered Pooch Collection, Hobo Puppeh's first review!

Kiehl's Metrotown Opening

Sana Hadanomy Collagen cream and lotion review

Maybelline Color Sensation High Shine lipstick review

Harry Potter Challenge: Beauxbaton version

L'Oreal Colour Infallible eyeshadow swatches part 2 and EOTD

Sana Super Quick Liquid Liner review

NOTD - Take Me To Your Hidden Treasure

L'Oreal Color Infallible eyeshadow review

Sweet like chocolate FOTD

DSLR 101

NOTD - Crushed Pelican

Winner, Winner, Chicken Dinner.

A $2 blush that loves you long time.

Bitten by the green eyed monster - a.k.a. My face goes budget friendly

IMATS Vancouver 2011 Final Post

Vancouver IMATS 2011

Meishoku Detclear Bright & Peel Fruits Peeling Jelly

IMATS Vancouver 2011 quickie update!

The IMATS is coming!!!!

Go Smile Smile Whitening System review

Birthday giveaway.