Thursday, March 15, 2012

A tale of the broken blush...

Once upon a time a blush arrived straight from Australia... shattered...


Such a beautiful color...  No worries though, this is how I fixed it!

Step #1:  I scraped the palette out into a bowl and further crushed it back into powder.

At this point, I thought I would put into a sifter jar... if I had one.  Plus I wanted to try this out.  I've watched youtube videos on it before but of course couldn't find the one I was looking for until just now as I write this!  lol

Kandee Johnson shows how to fix pan eyeshadows quicker and simpler here.  But I like to complicate things, so here was my method.

Step #2:  I cleaned out the palette with 70% isopropyl alcohol to sterilize it and get it ready for the blush.


Step #3:  I made a blush/isopropyl paste.  I didn't measure, but it should be a thicker paste that you can spread back into the palette.


Step #4:  Smooth the blush paste into the palette.  Mine sort of poured in.  :)


Step #5:  Mine was a bit too wet, but it worked out fine.  I could have left it like this but I wanted to press a pattern on to it.  I didn't feel like going the my fabric stash for some muslin so I grabbed a papertowel and a piece of cardboard to press the wet blush.  I like the pattern it made.


Step #6:  Let dry!  I set it out on the window sill in the sun.



Step #7:  After it is dried thoroughly overnight, enjoy your newly fixed blusher!


I think next time I will try Kandee Johnson's way as she crushed the powder in its pan and then added the alcohol.  It's less messy and less wasteful.

This is what I had left over from my blush paste.  However, there is definitely plenty left over for me.  The reality is, I will never ever finish this blush before it expires as it is super pigmented.


So there you have it!  Don't throw your broken blush or eyeshadow away!  You can fix them so easily.

Good luck!

Wednesday, March 14, 2012

Fun with Emerald Black

So I saved the best for last...

Models Own Emerald Black which I will be wearing this weekend in honor of St. Patrick while eating some brown bread dunked in an boil of corned beef and cabbage.

It is a shimmery emerald green in a black base.  It is dark, gorgeous and of course green!  I was so disappointed the first couple of times that I wore because of the "bubble issue."  So annoying.  But I thought, why not layer and cover it up?  Strange thing is, the bubbles are gone!  lol  Whatever noxious chemical gasses that were trying to escape did apparently and now I have bubble free polish!  Yay!  It still is pretty stinky though but *sigh*...  beautiful!

I also wanted to show off some more green from my collection!



From left to right:  Models Own Emerald Black, Sinful Colors Green Ocean, Finger Paints Motley and Nostaligic Underground


 Nostaligic Underground

Sinful Colors Green Ocean

 Finger Paints Motley


I have 2 layers of Emerald Black on my nails.  On my index finger is just Emerald Black.  Middle has Green Ocean, ring has Motley and pinky has Underground.







Isn't it funny how much Green Ocean and Motley look on the nail but how different they look in the bottle?   Green Ocean has some lighter blue flakies which makes it appear brighter and it is thicker as most Sinful Color polishes are.

I believe Green Ocean should be in Walgreens now!  But I wouldn't know because I haven't been in a drugstore in months. :)  Last year I rushed out only to find an empty display but I will keep my fingers crossed for you.  I'm sure ebay has you covered, that's where I scored mine last year.  But if you have Finger Paints Motley, I'm not sure that you need it though.

And now that my bubble issue has resolved, I get to wear Emerald Black all by itself!

Only 2 days more to go!

Tuesday, March 13, 2012

All About the Green

Green polish that is!  I'm drawn to greens, blues and purples.  Green is my favorite color of the bunch.  And it probably wouldn't surprise you at all that I have a ton of green polish, more so than my comparing teals post.

Be prepared for a lot of photos...

I didn't do this in any particular order but I did start off with my favorite, Rimmel #286 Rags to Riches on my thumb.  


Left to right:  Rimmel Rags to Riches, Orly It's Not Rocket Science, Milani 3D Hi-Tech, WnW Ocean Grotto and ZOYA Yara


Sorry about the "claw" photos...  :)  I started with Rimmel on the thumb and went in order...



I dinged my thumb!  Oops.  No top coat here, just a base coat.  Love the holo on the Milani.  I haven't worn that one in forever!

Next up are some ZOYA greens.  I was given 3 of them from the lovely Marnie or MsGoldgirl on youtube!
ZOYA gifted her a box of polish and she then decided to share the love by giving me Holly, Ivanka and Rina!  I already had Ivanka and Rina and they will be in my niece's hands in a couple of weeks. Shh...  Don't tell her. ;)  Green just happens to be her favorite just like her aunty!



From left to right:  Holly, Apple, Ivanka, Rina, and Edyta.


I love Edyta but I couldn't help but notice that ZOYA Edyta is a lot like Revlon's Mistletoe.  I'm not sure if I compared these before so here it is again if I did!  They look different in the bottle, but very similar on the nail.  The Revlon formula needs a little thinning...  The glitter/shimmer is a touch finer in the ZOYA formula.


ZOYA Edyta is on the pinky and middle, Revlon Mistletoe is on the index and ring.



In the next lot, a couple of these could be considered teal but they were not included in that post so here they are now!  Okay the first one was but it stood out a little green next to all the teal.


From left to right:  WnW Diving for Pearls, WnW Cost is no Issue, SC Nail Junkie, Cult Nails Toxic Seaweed, China Glaze Glittering Garland


SC Nail Junkie is so goopy. I swear it has been years since I wore this.







Another lovely grouping...  Left to right:  OPI Don't Mess with OPI, Models Own Golden Green Beetle Juice, Revlon Emerald, Orly Lucky Duck


I love the color shift on the Model's Own.  Much improved from the first time I wore it.  It was full of bubbles.  Stinky polish though...


And the last bunch but certainly not least!


From left to right:  SC Mint Apple, Huemorista (Etsy) Herbal Steam, Huemorista Clover Fields, NYC Hint of Mint

I am really feeling all of these colors for the spring.  SC Mint Apple was just recently given to me I think I might do a full mani soon with this one.

I forgot, well maybe didn't forget but Herbal Steam is a lovely green with a blue shift.  The formula is amazing.  I need to get some more Huemorista.  There are a ton new collections in the Etsy Shop!  Yay!




So what do you think?  Have you picked our your favorite(s) of the lot?

I will go with of course, Rimmel Rags to Riches, Huemorista Herbal Fields, Orly Lucky Duck, Cult Nails Toxic Seaweed...

Oh I just love them all and I have a couple more to show you tomorrow!!!  :)


Sunday, March 4, 2012

February Empties!

It's so crazy keeping all the bottles and boxes and actually seeing the product I go through!  Sickening really.  Talk about needing to seriously do some simplifying.

Again, as like last month, most of these had been started before the start of the year, some way back in the summer.   One almost 5 years ago.  I will explain that one.  :)  Waste not want not!

I'm trying to decide is I should keep all empties for the entire year for a huge photo op in December.  That might be a little crazy and it might take up my entire makeup/quilting/craft spare bedroom.  And I don't want the hubby to think I am anymore crazier than I already am to him.  Some I will definitely keep to remind me to repurchase.  Because like I said on December 31st, 2011, I will not buy anything until that said item needs to be repurchased.

1.  I will live off my stash for the next 12 months, the entire year of 2012 or until it is used up.


I have failed already, but for the most part, I've been really good!  :)

So here they are in no particular order.  Oh and since I never did individual reviews on last January empties, I will do mini reviews here.


 1.  John Frieda Precision Foam Color in 10N:  I really liked this.  My hair of course did turn a bit brassy but I used a couple applications oRoux Fanci-Full Temporary Haircolor Rinse Ultra White Minx and it looked fine.  Fine meaning, it didn't look like a professional job from a hair color expert but I rarely see a true "expert."  I stumbled upon maybe 2...ever...in my entire career of hair dyeing. I will repurchase.


 2.  Lumene Radiant Touch Refreshing Tonor:  Tonor is one of those things that I know that I need, yet I don't think I ever truly see results/benefit of using it.  But I do...  I have another one of these that I am currently using.  After this I will either make my own rose water one or I want to try the Lush Tea Tree one.


 3.  Target Brand hand sanitizing wipes:  These were on clearance and they were crap.  I need a quick wipe of the hands during my morning beautification process (lol) but these barely cleaned my hands and the first wipe would always be dried out.  I will not repurchase.


 4.  Olay wet cleansing cloths:  These were...good...  Not as good as my Noxema.  I bought the Noxema ones on clearance, I hope that they are still in stores.  I'm working through my last box now.  :(


 5.  Julep Facial for Hands Glycolic Hand Scrub.  I love, love, love this...  This is so expensive for me.  I did get this in my first Julep box but I think realistically, I will only use this again unless it is given in another box but since I gift them out, my chances are slim!  


 6.  Chella Anti-Fatigue Eye Mask Kit:  Another pricey one but I can justify the purchase of this one.  I saw results straight away.  It was cooling and comfortable and I was left with super soft skin around my eyes as well as slightly minimal reduction of my fine lines.  So worth it!


 7.  Herbal Essences Hello Hydration Moisturizing Conditioner:  It's nice, but not something I want to use on my hair anymore.  I prefer serums and oils for conditioning now.  I actually used this as shaving cream.  Works like a charm!


 8.  Philosophy Happy Birthday Beautiful  vanilla birthday cake shampoo, shower gel and bubble bath.  I received this as a gift from Sephora for my birthday last April.  I haven't taken very many baths since our move...  I so miss our deep garden tub...  So I started using it as a shower gel and a couple times as a shampoo.  It has a lovely scent, exactly the way it is described, but since I enjoy lathering myself in rose or lavender scents, this won't be repurchased.


 9.  LUSH Lavender shampoo bar:  Love this.  Didn't love it in the metal tin I bought to go along with it.  After a few uses, the bar stuck to the tin, I could no longer take it out and frustration ensued as I would have to pick out pieces to lather up.  When I do repurchase this, I will not put it in the tin!

10.   RoC Retinol Correxion Sensitive Eye Cream:  I bought this on clearance at CVS over the summer.  I loved it until it started rubbing off my face.  Then I just used it at night.  It definitely works.  It is something I would repurchase.

11.  Jouer lip enhancer conditioning lip treatment:  Smoothed on my lips in the morning and at night.  It's lovely but not something I will repurchase.

12.  Lumene Sensitive Touch Eye Makeup Remover:  I've gone through at least 5 bottles of this remover.  It's very nice and works great however if your eyes are dry, it will burn them if you are careless and get it in the eye!  lol  If I get a coupon at CVS, I will repurchase for sure.

13.  AVON Haiku Perfumed Skin Softener:  I really want to start using more natural products.  I could just feel the parabens seeping into my skin with this one.   This is probably a bit harsh, but it was too chemically for me andiIt was actually drying.  Lovely scent, a bit strong though.

14.  Gilette Sensor 3 pack of 4 disposable razors:  These are definitely 10 steps up from the Daisies I used growing up.  Minimal razor burn with these which is huge.  I've been through 2 packs of these and I will repurchase with a coupon for sure.

15.  Lumene Sensitive Touch 5 Minute SOS Cream:  This cream had a variety of uses for me...  Face, hands, feet, my son's eczema flareup, my other son's red chapped cheeks...  I won this from a CVS twitter giveaway.  This will be repurchased.

16.  CVS Premium Cotton Ovals 80 ct.  I have a few of these that I am working through.  I will repurchase. They are a necessity!

17.  Bare Minerals well-cared for brush conditioning shampoo.  Yes this is the product that I have had for 5 or 6 years.  Crazy I know.  I would save this for really washing my brushes and switch on and off with baby shampoo.  Baby shampoo does not keep the brushes as soft as this one.  I'm currently trying out the e.l.f. brush cleaner.  If that one works out, I will skip the Bare Minerals.  If not, I will go back to the tried and true!

18.  boscia Revitalizing Hydra-lift:  I got this as a free gift from a drugstore.com order.  I love this.  I used it as my morning moisturizer.  I have no idea how much this costs, I'm assuming it is quite pricey for my budget.  But I would love to have another one of these.

19.  Vasoline Intensive Lotion:  Great stuff, mostly used on the kids and my hands.  If I have a coupon, I will repurchase.

20.  wen by Chaz Dean MyGlam Sample.  Hmm...  I don't know if I like this.  I've tried Hair One from Sally Beauty.  I think I liked it better.  And the price of this...  I am using L'OREAL Ever Sleek right now and I really like that one which is 1/5 of the price.  it had a nice scent.  L'OREAL's scent lasts all day though.

21.  LaROCCA Pumpkin Fleur de Sel Body Polish:  This was a Beauty Army Sample.  It smelled just like pumpkin pie, like I wanted to scoop it out and eat it.  But I didn't.  :)  There really wasn't enough to properly test so I'm not sure if I will repurchase.

22.  Apothederm stretch mark cream:  Bluum sample  I did notice a difference in the appearance of my stretch marks.  I probably should repurchase but I probably won't.  Only a tummy tuck will take care of these stretches.  3 kids over 8 pounds will do that to you!

23.  Burt's Bee Shampoo & Wash:  This is the only wash that touches my babies skin and I use it on myself from time to time.  Already repurchased and always will be!

24. Rimmel Lash Accelerator Mascara:  Love this mascara and I will repurchase.  I have a lot to work through right now though.  I've had this forever.

25.  Revlon Grow Luscious Mascara:  Good stuff when combined with other mascaras.  I didn't like it on it's own.

26.  Aveeno Positively Radiant Triple Boosting Serum:  I picked this up at a Ocean City Job Lots in MA.  I think it broke my face out.  Very clogging.  I used it on my hands mostly.  Got to keep them radiant as well!

27.  Julep Pomegranate body scrub.  Super aromatic and hydrating.  I liked that I was able just to use this as a moisturizer as it left the skin with a "film."  Which is not the correct word, but for reason it is escaping me.  You can feel it like an oil but it's not greasy.  I wish I could afford to repurchase  This was in a Julep box.

28.  Mary Kay extra emollient night cream.  I love this stuff.  It works on everything.  Hands, feet, eczema breakouts, cuticles...  It lasted 3 years and now I need to find a rep and get some more!

29.  M.A.D. Skincare Youth Transformation Age Corrective Serum.  This was a Beauty Army sample and I absolutely loved it.  I'm not sure if I saw results but I liked the smell, the way it made my skin feel and I was able to use it as a moisturizer since I have oily skin.   I've stopped with all the layering I used to do thinking it was contributing to extra oil.  I found that it wasn't but there really isn't a reason to put on serums, moisturizers and primers then foundation and powder and yada yada yada.  Way too much stuff on the skin!   It retails at $54 so I will need to wait for a sale!  So worth it though.  I was pretty close to ordering but I will have to wait a few months.  :)

30. Jurlique Balancing Foaming Cleanser  Lovely cleanser and made with wonderful ingredients.  It left the skin soft and cleansed and not overly dry.

31.  eos everyday hand lotion cucumber scent.   This was a freebie in the mail sometime last year.  It is a watery consistency but after you work it in, it really leaves the hands moisturized and soft.  Good stuff.

32.  StriVectin Get Even Brightening Serum.  I used this on my dĂ©colletage which does get red and blotchy at times.  I think that this worked well.  But retailing at $89 will definitely prevent me from purchasing unfortunately.

33.  NIVEA Touch of Happiness Moisturizing Body Wash Orange Blossom & Bamboo Essence.  I just love the scent of this.  Body Wash is definitely something I can skip though.  This doesn't really seem to soften my skin.  I like using this on wet hair.  Thankfully I have a backup!

34.  Lancome Genifique Youth Activating Concentrate  This was a small sample.  I had a larger sample that I used up last month.  This stuff is a dream.  I love it.  I'm torn between this, Estee Lauder Advanced Night Repair ($52-$80) and Kiehl's Midnight Recovery Serum ($44-$68).  The Lancome retails at $60-$130.  I haven't tried the Kiehl's but there doesn't seem to be anything that my skin doesn't love from Kiehl's.  But I've seen great results with Estee Lauder and Lancome.  But I have my Elizabeth Arden Ceramide Capsules to work through right now so I can hold off.

34.  Nexxus Sleek Finish Silkening Lotion