tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14455613375377176912024-03-05T01:15:46.862-10:00Katsu BeautyAll Things Beauty from KatsuChiikaKatsu Chiikahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08839911458005731418noreply@blogger.comBlogger42125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1445561337537717691.post-92675141174595562013-07-18T18:32:00.002-10:002013-07-18T18:32:15.564-10:00Sigma 20% Off<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I know it's been a while, but I want to do this quick post to let you know <a href="http://www.sigmabeauty.com/?Click=18288" target="_blank">Sigma Beauty</a> has a 20$ of code next week. Hopefully I can share with you some new treasures I recently picked up. This would also be a good opportunity for anyone new to the brand to pick up some brushes. Overall, I like Sigma brushes, but I did notice in my recent order, some of the brushes had a makeover over time.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Anyway, the code is <b>SBAP20</b> Go to <a href="http://www.sigmabeauty.com/?Click=18288">SigmaBeauty.com</a> to check it out!! They also recently launched a new eyliner line, which I have yet to try...maybe I'll also purchase next week too :)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Here are some of my favorite products:</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.sigmabeauty.com/Blending_E25_p/e25.htm?Click=18288" target="_blank">E25 - Blending Brush</a>: This is like the MAC 217. It's a good size for small eyes (like me) that you can use clean to blend any harsh lines out, or to add some kind of blending/transition color. I know people who even use this with concealers.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.sigmabeauty.com/Powder_Blush_F10_p/f10.htm?Click=18288" target="_blank">F10 - Blush Brush:</a> This is a nice, flat blush brush that I find really a good size and shape for any type of powder blush application.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.sigmabeauty.com/Performance_Eyes_Kit_p/pe01.htm?Click=18288" target="_blank">Performance Eyes Kit:</a> This is a nice kit for smaller eyes, or for those who have their basic brushes already. The brushes are on the smaller side, making them good for more precise application. If there's one brush in this set I use all the time, it's the <a href="http://www.sigmabeauty.com/E46_Shader_Inner_Corner_p/e46.htm?Click=18288" target="_blank">E46 - Inner Corner Brush</a>, which I use on the inner corners, or even on the browbone.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://ww.sigmabeauty.com/Synthetic_Essential_Kit_10_Brushes_p/smax08.htm?Click=18288" target="_blank">New Synthetic Essential Kit 10 Brushes:</a> I like the Sigmax fibers, and this kit is nice to have, especially if you use a lot of cream and liquid products. I prefer these brushes to the Bunny kit brushes because they're a lot more dense.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.sigmabeauty.com/Sigma_Spa_Brush_Cleaning_Glove_p/bc001.htm?Click=18288" target="_blank">Sigma Spa Brush Cleaning Glove:</a> This thing is pretty neat. Use it to deep cleanse your brushes, and keep your hands dry! Another plus is that it feels really soft on the insides, so when your hand starts to get hot because you have a million brushes to wash, it won't be sweaty and gross :) If you make a purchase of $30 (I'm assuming post-discount, pre-tax/shipping), you get a "mini" glove, which is actually a really shrunken down one, that's not a glove, it's just like one sided, with most of the surfaces that the big one has.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">All the brushes in the kits I named above are available separately, so don't have to commit to such a big purchase. However, if you do want to splurge, this would be the time, since it will be 20% off :)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Talk to you soon! </span><br />
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<i style="background-color: white; color: #323232; line-height: 18px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This post contains affiliate or invite links that I am able to earn commission/credit from. I would not support any company that I didn't like. What I earn from affiliate programs are going to be used to improve this blog, and bring more things for my followers.</span></i>Katsu Chiikahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08839911458005731418noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1445561337537717691.post-88950030233203833542012-11-12T15:27:00.000-10:002012-11-12T15:27:52.882-10:00OMBRE Much? The Trend<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://encrypted-tbn3.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcQkwn3CPNLKzZ2mVWYM2edbDzZZb6y3z3h0FraX2sYYMD-8HDseXA." imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://encrypted-tbn3.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcQkwn3CPNLKzZ2mVWYM2edbDzZZb6y3z3h0FraX2sYYMD-8HDseXA." /></a></div>
So, ombre is no news right now, but I wanted to give a few thoughts on it...what makes it work, what doesn't. Anyway, for those of you living in a cave, ombre is the term for hair color that goes from a dark color (usually at the roots) to a light color (usually at the tips).<br />
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So in my eyes and experiences, I think there's two ways to go about the trend. There's either dark roots or light tips. Now, I know, that may confuse a few, but here's what I mean.<br />
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Dark Roots:<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://encrypted-tbn0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcQvTffu8KhoxAr3IWdzEfZH-IKvucz6giuDgu0ZXo_y4ZBc7AJecg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://encrypted-tbn0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcQvTffu8KhoxAr3IWdzEfZH-IKvucz6giuDgu0ZXo_y4ZBc7AJecg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">courtesy of funmiogunja.com</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://encrypted-tbn1.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcSTVyrxv4sita4d8NbOAfyuNSW40Z4MaWHXhbRWVvTZ0IHtV5sKuw" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://encrypted-tbn1.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcSTVyrxv4sita4d8NbOAfyuNSW40Z4MaWHXhbRWVvTZ0IHtV5sKuw" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">courtesy of allthingsjenni.com</td></tr>
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Light Tips:<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://encrypted-tbn3.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcQkwn3CPNLKzZ2mVWYM2edbDzZZb6y3z3h0FraX2sYYMD-8HDseXA" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://encrypted-tbn3.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcQkwn3CPNLKzZ2mVWYM2edbDzZZb6y3z3h0FraX2sYYMD-8HDseXA" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">courtesy of paperyandcakery.com</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://encrypted-tbn1.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcTnjaZVPvG5q3R5bzL68fQaP7Eh297mVewwyo35c-wCdKiTtWvUCw" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://encrypted-tbn1.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcTnjaZVPvG5q3R5bzL68fQaP7Eh297mVewwyo35c-wCdKiTtWvUCw" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">courtesy of glamour.com</td></tr>
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Don't really know if that makes sense, but I just see it as different placement of the fade. I personally think that this works best by using your natural color at your roots. I think there are people who actually place their color on their roots, but it kinda defeats the lazy element of this technique, by making it more maintenance---either way it's up to you. I think that people with naturally lighter hair, pull off the dark roots better, and those with naturally darker hair pull off the light tips better. This is all my opinion, though.<br />
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Of course, with trends, we always have trends gone wrong:<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://afroboudoir.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/Teyana-Taylor-ombre-hair.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://afroboudoir.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/Teyana-Taylor-ombre-hair.jpg" width="180" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Courtesy of <a href="http://afroboudoir.com/">http://afroboudoir.com</a></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://static.becomegorgeous.com/gallery/pictures/ciara_blonde_extreme_ombre_hair_color_becomegorgeous.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://static.becomegorgeous.com/gallery/pictures/ciara_blonde_extreme_ombre_hair_color_becomegorgeous.jpg" width="143" /></a> </td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Courtesy of Getty Images</td></tr>
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Both of these ladies have fallen victim to a colorist that didn't catch the concept of FADE! Making the colors blend together is the key to make it look "natural"<br />
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There's different ways to achieve the look. If your hair is naturally on the lighter side, you can probably get away with playing with permanent and/or semi-permanent color. If you have darker hair like me, you probably have to go the bleach route. Bleach isn't as scary as it seems, to me. it's just a lot of conditioning, and your hair will be ok (kinda).<br />
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Do you like the ombre trend? Is it over already, or did you never like it in the first place. I think it's a great way to change up your look without the commitment of a full head of color :)Katsu Chiikahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08839911458005731418noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1445561337537717691.post-34967563433704988652012-05-11T10:07:00.000-10:002012-05-11T10:08:03.797-10:00Mother's Day Sales<a href="http://www.magazines.com/mothersday?afd_number=17469" target="_blank"></a>Ok, I know this is last minute, but since my inbox has been bombarded with these emails, thought I'd share. Most of these are Mother's Day specials, but some I threw in too so that you have a variety to look at :) Some interesting things in case <i>your </i>last minute gift ain't as great as you think either :)<br />
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<a href="http://www.lancome-usa.com/" target="_blank"><b>LAMCOME</b></a> Coupon code: FRIENDS <br />
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Friends & Family Sale: 20% off site wide, and if you use <a href="http://www.ebates.com/rf.do?referrerid=XH4m%2BsxXuXIh4sNZM3AFWA%3D%3D" target="_blank">ebates</a>, you get 7% (of the total you paid) cash back! I like Definicils mascara (waterproof of course), and their Bi Facial eye makeup remover is one of the best! Also, Jucy Tubes is always a favorite amongst beauty enthusiasts :) Just giving some ideas.<br />
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<a href="http://www.bumbleandbumble.com/index.tmpl" target="_blank">BUMBLE AND BUMBLE</a> Coupon Code: MOMSDAY<br />
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No minimum for free shipping and you get samples. I liked Seaweed Shampoo because you could use it daily, but I noticed my hair was falling out a lot more rapidly than usual, so I use it like once in a while when I want a change in scents :) their tonic spray and texturizing stuff is nice though.<br />
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<a href="http://bornprettystore.com/" target="_blank">BORN PRETTY STORE</a> Coupon Code: LOVEMOM<br />
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12% off site wide. For those of you unfamiliar, this is a nail art store, they also sell makeup and other "pretty" things. I personally have never bought anything from them yet, but they seem pretty legit if you're wondering. They have the knock-off Konad nail stamps, and claim to be better, but in the demo it actually looked the same. This is a cheaper alternative, if you don't like the high price of Konad.<br />
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<a href="http://www.maccosmetics.com/index.tmpl" target="_blank">MAC COSMETICS</a> No Coupon Code<br />
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Free shipping on any order till 11:59pm EST (why don't they ever go according to Hawaii time?). Anyway, this would be a good chance to check out their new collections that just released last week I believe? Or stock up on your favorites.<br />
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<a href="http://restaurant.com/">RESTAURANT.COM</a> No Coupon Code<br />
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Many deals going on now. If you haven't checked this site out, you should! You get extremely discounted gift certificates on restaurants in your area. Just remember that they're usually for dine-in only and not take out.<br />
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<a href="http://www.stilacosmetics.com/Default.asp?" target="_blank">STILA</a> Coupon Code: STILALUVSU<br />
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Free shipping on any purchase...may not work to HI/AK though, so beware! <a href="http://www.ebates.com/rf.do?referrerid=XH4m%2BsxXuXIh4sNZM3AFWA%3D%3D" target="_blank">Ebates </a>does 3% on the Stila website<br />
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<a href="http://magazines.com/">MAGAZINES.COM</a><span id="goog_639933043"></span><span id="goog_639933044"></span><a href="http://www.blogger.com/"></a> No Coupon Code<br />
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They have a ton of deals for $5 or less! Check it out. This is the only way I subscribe :) You just have to remember that these subscriptions auto-renew, and to totally cancel, you have to call customer service, but they're really easy to talk to.<br />
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<a href="http://areyouaniceguy.com/" target="_blank">Wong Fu Store</a> Coupon Code: congrats2012<br />
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Code is for 10% off your entire purchase. Ok, not really "Mom" stuff, but if you want to do a little shopping on the side, look here. These guys are awesome, they make videos, talk at colleges, have awesome YouTube friends, and make shirts, and awkward animals :) Hey, you could get your mom a coffee cup?<br />
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<a href="https://www.birchbox.com/?raf=odmax" target="_blank">BIRCHBOX</a> No Coupon Code<br />
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If you're indecisive, you could give the gift of samples! This is like 4-6 deluxe samples a month, and I get good stuff all the time. Gift it to your mom and she'll have a ton of stuff to get to try out!<br />
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That pretty much rounds it up. I hope you get to take advantage of these deals whether for your momma or not!<br />
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<i>This post contains affiliate or invite links that I am able to earn
commission/credit from. I would not support any company that I didn't like.
What I earn from affiliate programs are going to be used to improve
this blog, and bring more things for my followers.</i>Katsu Chiikahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08839911458005731418noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1445561337537717691.post-20612188118578435402012-04-11T12:46:00.001-10:002012-04-11T12:47:26.684-10:00New Sigma Brushes!!!I am SUPER excited to find out that <a href="http://www.sigmabeauty.com/default.asp?Click=18288" target="_blank">Sigma </a>is coming out with two new brushes. Well, I'm more excited about one more than the other. These are the two brushes, from Sigma's Affiliate blog:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXR0vvE5iGJA5TFnJBOWu_bsZiPQLpQ01trguMst7gIvxYoT54gK2KEVtMXiZ-PahyIynat6HaKkX4edQg6hjjmXcuQdy-X8MA_Og06CbdvdK3jJTNUvZjZJtotqDt5NSGgxZAfTSwDzs/s1600/AFNL_04Apr_04-11_BrowLashSneakPeek.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="113" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXR0vvE5iGJA5TFnJBOWu_bsZiPQLpQ01trguMst7gIvxYoT54gK2KEVtMXiZ-PahyIynat6HaKkX4edQg6hjjmXcuQdy-X8MA_Og06CbdvdK3jJTNUvZjZJtotqDt5NSGgxZAfTSwDzs/s320/AFNL_04Apr_04-11_BrowLashSneakPeek.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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These are the E80 and E75 (top and bottom). They both launch, and will be in their permanent line on Monday, April 16, 2012 and are $9 and $11 respectively.<br />
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The E80 is basically a non-disposable spoolie, which I'm like, eh about, mostly because I don't use these...I know they can be super useful for taking clumps out of your lashes when you use mascara, but I am usually rushing by the time mascara comes around that I don't have time for that, plush if you use the right mascara, it's not that useful...They also make good eyebrow groomers for those who have longer hairs that you want to brush out of the way either when filling or shaping, and then when trying to put back into place, again after filling or shaping.<br />
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BUUUUUT...I AM pretty dang hyped up about the E75, which is an angled brow brush. This is one brush type that I had been hoping for a while that Sigma would do because that is like the one brush I haven't seen in their line that I felt was a necessity. The <a href="http://www.sigmabeauty.com/product_p/e65.htm?Click=18288" target="_blank">E65 </a>is actually not a very good brush in general (in my opinion) because I feel it's not stiff enough to fill brows, but not precise enough to do liner. However, I have been using that brush lately to kinda smudge my gel liner, so I guess I have found some purpose for that one :)<br />
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FYI, I have been using two other brow brushes to fill brows: Bare Escentuals brow brush, which was included with their (bad) <a href="http://www.bareescentuals.com/Essential-Brow-Kit---Dark-Blonde/Medium/masterBrowKit,default,pd.html?start=1&cgid=BE_SUB_BROWS" target="_blank">brow powder</a> (but can be bought <a href="http://www.bareescentuals.com/Brow-Brush/26377,default,pd.html?start=4&cgid=BE_SUB_BROWS" target="_blank">separately</a>), and the Kat Von D brow brush, which you can only get in a <a href="http://www.sephora.com/kat-eye-brush-set-P211911?skuId=1094200" target="_blank">set </a>at Sephora. Both are actually quite similar in performance, but the type of fibers used in them are different. Check them out if you dare...The reason I don't like the Bare Escentuals brow powder is that I have "Brunette," and that color was waaaaayyyyyy too dark for me, and I have jet black hair! I have no clue who could fit this color. Perhaps if your skin is on the darker side, maybe? I wouldn't know, I'm too light to test that theory!<br />
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So mark your calendars and grab these brushes (or at least the E75) on Monday before they run out like most of their new launches do!!! I will totally be on that bandwagon, and also probably gonna pick up the precision kit (the small Sigmax brushes), which has been on my list for a while :)<br />
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<i>This post contains affiliate or invite links that I am able to earn
commission/credit from. I would not support any company that I didn't like.
What I earn from affiliate programs are going to be used to improve
this blog, and bring more things for my followers.</i>Katsu Chiikahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08839911458005731418noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1445561337537717691.post-80767583089859700032012-03-07T21:49:00.003-10:002012-04-03T09:24:39.501-10:00Sigma Performance Eye Kit Promo Look<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.sigmabeauty.com/v/vspfiles/assets/images/hp_03mar_03-05_performancelaunch.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 630px; height: 755px;" src="http://www.sigmabeauty.com/v/vspfiles/assets/images/hp_03mar_03-05_performancelaunch.jpg" alt="" height="425" border="0" width="550" /></a><br /></div><br /><br />I <a href="http://katsubeauty.blogspot.com/2012/03/new-product-curiosity-sigma-performance.html">blogged </a>about <a href="http://http://www.sigmabeauty.com/Performance_Eyes_Kit_p/pe01.htm?Click=18288">this kit</a> launching yesterday, and I wanted to share a look I did in honor of this look.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v426/saranwrap74/Katsu%20Beauty/SigmaPerfEye/InspirationLook/?action=view&current=ee280e02.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v426/saranwrap74/Katsu%20Beauty/SigmaPerfEye/InspirationLook/ee280e02.jpg" alt="Uploaded from the Photobucket iPhone App" height="300" border="0" width="400" /></a><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v426/saranwrap74/Katsu%20Beauty/SigmaPerfEye/InspirationLook/?action=view&current=6036edf3.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v426/saranwrap74/Katsu%20Beauty/SigmaPerfEye/InspirationLook/6036edf3.jpg" alt="Uploaded from the Photobucket iPhone App" height="300" border="0" width="400" /></a><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v426/saranwrap74/Katsu%20Beauty/SigmaPerfEye/InspirationLook/?action=view&current=2fa4dec3.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v426/saranwrap74/Katsu%20Beauty/SigmaPerfEye/InspirationLook/2fa4dec3.jpg" alt="Uploaded from the Photobucket iPhone App" height="300" border="0" width="400" /></a><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v426/saranwrap74/Katsu%20Beauty/SigmaPerfEye/InspirationLook/?action=view&current=74fc3c66.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v426/saranwrap74/Katsu%20Beauty/SigmaPerfEye/InspirationLook/74fc3c66.jpg" alt="Uploaded from the Photobucket iPhone App" height="400" border="0" width="300" /></a><br /><br />Here's my attempt at recreating the promo picture...pose and everything!<br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;">Really, with this look you can use anything...as long as you have the right colors. I thought this was a fun look to do. The only thing that gave me real stress was the liner. My eye shape does not allow for that inner corner technique because my crease it hooded (it joins my eye at the inner corner). I knew it would be troublesome, but because the picture had it, I wanted to put it in. Of course if you have the same concern, you can skip that inner corner eyelining and do the rest...just make sure to highlight in the corner!<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: left;">What I used:<br /><br />Eyes<br /><ul><li>Too Faced Shadow Insurance (Original)</li><li>Urban Decay Eyeshadow Primer Potion (Eden)<br /></li><li>Crown 88 Matte Palette (silver, pink, black, beige)--you can really just use any matte/satin colors...kind of generic colors</li><li>theBalm Eyeshadow (Sassy)<br /></li><li>Buxom Lashliner (Leatherette)</li><li>Urban Decay 24/7 Waterproof Liquid Eyeliner (Perversion)</li><li>Rimmel London Soft Kohl Kajal Eye Liner Pencil (Pure White)</li><li>L'Oreal Double Extend Eye Liner Pencil (Black Crystal...only the highlight side used)</li><li>Revlon Photo Ready 3D Mascara (Washable, Blackest Black)</li><li>Blinc Mascara (Black)</li><li>Ardell Whispies<br /></li></ul><p>I used the Too Faced Shadow Insurance all over the lid for crease protection. Then the UD primer just from lashline to crease to even out coloring. Next, pack on the pink on the inner thrid of the lid (from inner corner till before your iris, the colored part of your eye, starts), take a light silver and shade the rest of the lid. Blend out any harsh edges. Add your highlight color and use Sassy to make the brow area more white. Next with the gel liner, draw an exaggerated line, angled upwards. Then blend upwards with your black shadow. Then with the liquid liner draw out the shape int he inner corner (as you can see, with a hooded eye crease, it can get tricky), then under the eye (be careful not to hit the lashes), and finish with a second wing under. Fill the space between your "wings" with the white pencil, making them precise, and blend out the outside so it doesn't look like a triangle. Take the cream color eyeliner and line under the black liquid to emphasize the liner. Curl lashes, add mascara and false lashes.</p><p>Face</p><ul><li>Neutrogena Healthy Skin Foundation (70)</li><li>MAC Mineralized Skinfinish Natural (Medium Plus)</li><li>Cover Girl Cheekers Bronzer (Golden Tan)</li><li>Tarte Amazonian Clay Blush (Blushing Bride)</li></ul><p>Foundation: all over, set with pressed powder. Used bronzer as a contour, and blush on the apples.<br /></p><p>Lips</p><ul><li>MAC Kissable Lip Color (Flaunting It)</li></ul><p>Apply...DONE!</p><p><i>This post contains affiliate or invite links that I am able to earn commission from. I would not support any company that I didn't like. What I earn from affiliate programs are going to be used to improve this blog, and bring more things for my followers.</i></p></div></div>Katsu Chiikahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08839911458005731418noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1445561337537717691.post-58122930467998654832012-03-06T14:42:00.004-10:002012-03-06T21:35:59.366-10:00New Product Curiosity: Sigma Performance Eye KitI wanted to share with you all the new brush kit by Sigma. It's the <span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame- color:rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469);" ><a href="http://www.sigmabeauty.com/Performance_Eyes_Kit_p/pe01.htm?Click=18288">Performance Eye Kit.</a> <span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">I am very interested in these new brushes and can't wait to get my hands on one! I just wanted to show you what's in this kit, and some of the brushes that I'm particularly intrigued by.<br /></span></span><br /><br /><a href="http://a248.e.akamai.net/origin-cdn.volusion.com/pyadh.znbtu/v/vspfiles/photos/PE01-2.jpg?1330943519"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 387px; height: 550px;" src="http://a248.e.akamai.net/origin-cdn.volusion.com/pyadh.znbtu/v/vspfiles/photos/PE01-2.jpg?1330943519" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br />These are all eight pieces. Unfortunately this kit does not come with a holder like the <a href="www.sigmabeauty.com/category_s/135.htm?Click=18288">Make Me Up</a> or <a href="www.sigmabeauty.com/category_s/141.htm?Click=18288">Bunny </a>Kits :( However, they are eight brand new brushes that I think many people (including myself) could find quite useful!<br /><br /><a href="http://a248.e.akamai.net/origin-cdn.volusion.com/pyadh.znbtu/v/vspfiles/photos/PE01-6.jpg?1330943519"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 550px; height: 447px;" src="http://a248.e.akamai.net/origin-cdn.volusion.com/pyadh.znbtu/v/vspfiles/photos/PE01-6.jpg?1330943519" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />This brush doesn't entirely impress me, mostly because I find comfort in my <a href="http://www.blogger.com/www.sigmabeauty.com/product_p/e55.htm?Click=18288">E55 </a>and <a href="http://www.blogger.com/www.sigmabeauty.com/product_p/e60.htm?Click=18288">E60</a> brushes, but this looks like a nice natural hair brush that can apply washes of color to the lid.<br /><br /><a href="http://a248.e.akamai.net/origin-cdn.volusion.com/pyadh.znbtu/v/vspfiles/photos/PE01-4.jpg?1330943519"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 550px; height: 447px;" src="http://a248.e.akamai.net/origin-cdn.volusion.com/pyadh.znbtu/v/vspfiles/photos/PE01-4.jpg?1330943519" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><br />This brush to me is an interesting concept. I have never seen a brush made for this purpose (or really any purpose, which I'll explain at the end). In the past, I've used the E30 to apply color to my inner corners, if it's clean, if not I turn to my finger or whatever is clean that can reach there.<br /><br /><br /><a href="http://a248.e.akamai.net/origin-cdn.volusion.com/pyadh.znbtu/v/vspfiles/photos/PE01-5.jpg?1330943519"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 550px; height: 447px;" src="http://a248.e.akamai.net/origin-cdn.volusion.com/pyadh.znbtu/v/vspfiles/photos/PE01-5.jpg?1330943519" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><br />I'm not too sure if this brush will turn me away from my <a href="http://www.blogger.com/www.sigmabeauty.com/Blending_E25_p/e25.htm?Click=18288">E25</a>, but if it's like any other of Sigma's blenders, I'm sure it will be good!<br /><br /><a href="http://a248.e.akamai.net/origin-cdn.volusion.com/pyadh.znbtu/v/vspfiles/photos/PE01-7.jpg?1330943519"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 550px; height: 447px;" src="http://a248.e.akamai.net/origin-cdn.volusion.com/pyadh.znbtu/v/vspfiles/photos/PE01-7.jpg?1330943519" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><br />This brush looks like what it would look like if <a href="http://www.blogger.com/www.sigmabeauty.com/product_p/e40.htm?Click=18288">E40 </a>and <a href="http://www.blogger.com/www.sigmabeauty.com/product_p/e40.htm?Click=18288">E45 </a>had a love child.<br /><br /><a href="http://a248.e.akamai.net/origin-cdn.volusion.com/pyadh.znbtu/v/vspfiles/photos/PE01-9.jpg?1330943519"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 550px; height: 447px;" src="http://a248.e.akamai.net/origin-cdn.volusion.com/pyadh.znbtu/v/vspfiles/photos/PE01-9.jpg?1330943519" alt="" border="0" /></a> <a href="http://a248.e.akamai.net/origin-cdn.volusion.com/pyadh.znbtu/v/vspfiles/photos/PE01-10.jpg?1330943519"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 550px; height: 447px;" src="http://a248.e.akamai.net/origin-cdn.volusion.com/pyadh.znbtu/v/vspfiles/photos/PE01-10.jpg?1330943519" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><br />I'm hoping that these brushes will have a more precise tip than the <a href="http://www.blogger.com/www.sigmabeauty.com/product_p/e15.htm?Click=18288">E15</a>, and I look forward to finding out!<br /><a href="http://a248.e.akamai.net/origin-cdn.volusion.com/pyadh.znbtu/v/vspfiles/photos/PE01-10.jpg?1330943519"></a><br /><br /><a href="http://a248.e.akamai.net/origin-cdn.volusion.com/pyadh.znbtu/v/vspfiles/photos/PE01-11.jpg?1330943519"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 550px; height: 447px;" src="http://a248.e.akamai.net/origin-cdn.volusion.com/pyadh.znbtu/v/vspfiles/photos/PE01-11.jpg?1330943519" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><br />I'm thinking that this is a brush that's in between <a href="http://www.blogger.com/www.sigmabeauty.com/product_p/e05.htm?Click=18288">E05 </a>and <a href="http://www.blogger.com/www.sigmabeauty.com/product_p/e10.htm?Click=18288">E10</a>. I never liked either, so I'm crossing my fingers with this one :)<br /><br /><a href="http://a248.e.akamai.net/origin-cdn.volusion.com/pyadh.znbtu/v/vspfiles/photos/PE01-8.jpg?1330943519"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 550px; height: 447px;" src="http://a248.e.akamai.net/origin-cdn.volusion.com/pyadh.znbtu/v/vspfiles/photos/PE01-8.jpg?1330943519" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><br />This reminds me of a narrow <a href="http://www.blogger.com/www.sigmabeauty.com/product_p/e20.htm?Click=18288">E20</a>. My personal one is not very dense, and I kept forgetting to inquire with Sigma if it was supposed to be like that, but I am hoping this brush is a bit more dense, but I may end up using it as an inner corner brush or an outer corner brush because of its size.<br /><br />SO...what do I think? I hope that these don't sell out too fast because I would like to pick one up next month when I have more funds, but overall this kit looks pretty neat. I felt like Sigma's aim was to target makeup artists, but ironically these brush names are spelled out purposes for what they do/where they are supposed to be used. I found it a little weird, but if you take a step back, it makes sense because the rest of their brush line has more broad/vague names that it would be weird to name them the same as others...<br /><br />Have you ordered a kit yet? Hope to be seeing some reviews of these brushes soon, but if not, I hope to be doing one in the near future :)<br /><br /><div><br /></div><i>This post contains affiliate or invite links that I am able to earn commission from. I would not support any company that I didn't like. What I earn from affiliate programs are going to be used to improve this blog, and bring more things for my followers.</i>Katsu Chiikahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08839911458005731418noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1445561337537717691.post-22590989184669152642012-02-01T22:24:00.003-10:002012-02-02T14:25:33.040-10:00theBalm Nude&apos;Tude Palette Review (sans Swatches)I know it's been forever and a day (more like forever and a year)...but I wanted to share with you my thoughts on theBalm's Nude'Tude palette. It's an eyeshadow palette that has 12 neutral-ish colors that I think is a pretty good mix for both everyday and special occasions. You can get it on their <a href="https://www.thebalm.com/makeup/nudetude.htm">site </a>for $36 (and free shipping ANYWHERE in the US) or, I've heard you can find theBalm at TJ Max or Marshalls, but I am not too sure about the validity of that.<div><br />
</div><div>All twelve shades have names that start with an "S" not too sure why...because there are no S's in the name, but any who...</div><div><br />
</div><div><a href="http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v426/saranwrap74/Katsu%20Beauty/Nude%20Tude/?action=view&current=IMG_3489.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v426/saranwrap74/Katsu%20Beauty/Nude%20Tude/IMG_3489.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" width="400" height="300" /></a><br />
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Here's the whole thing. There's two versions: Naughty and Nice. I chose the "nice" one because the "naughty" one had six girls posing and each pan covered their private areas, and I thought that would be just weird to look at every morning when I get ready...</div><div><br />
</div><div><a href="http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v426/saranwrap74/Katsu%20Beauty/Nude%20Tude/?action=view&current=IMG_3500copy.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v426/saranwrap74/Katsu%20Beauty/Nude%20Tude/IMG_3500copy.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" width="400" height="300" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v426/saranwrap74/Katsu%20Beauty/Nude%20Tude/?action=view&current=IMG_3501.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v426/saranwrap74/Katsu%20Beauty/Nude%20Tude/IMG_3501.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" width="400" height="300" /></a><br />
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I thought it was interesting (although it doesn't directly affect the quality of the product) that the pans weren't inserted into their slots very well. Like I said, it's interesting, but I must say, this company is newer, and from what I have heard it's quite small too. Not that I am saying this is a good excuse, but I don't think it's easy to run this type of facility, especially domestically.<br />
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Here are the colors...excuse the lack of swatches!! Not as an excuse, but the colors are pretty accurate to what they look like on skin:<br />
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<a href="http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v426/saranwrap74/Katsu%20Beauty/Nude%20Tude/?action=view&current=IMG_3495copy.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v426/saranwrap74/Katsu%20Beauty/Nude%20Tude/IMG_3495copy.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" width="400" height="300" /></a><br />
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<b>Sassy</b>: Frosty white, very easy to use too much. I like to mix it with a matte, skin tone color to highlight the brow.</div><div><b>Snobby</b>: Shimmer/satin gold/mustard like color, I haven't used it much, too yellow for me.</div><div><b>Stubborn</b>: Shimmer/satin pink, more warm than cool toned, I haven't used this much, but I think it makes for a nice blush color.</div><div><b>Stand-Offish: </b>frosted champagne/pinky flesh tone, very similar to UD Sin. I like this for either the lid (for a more toned down look), and/or to highlight the inner corners<br />
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<a href="http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v426/saranwrap74/Katsu%20Beauty/Nude%20Tude/?action=view&current=IMG_3496.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v426/saranwrap74/Katsu%20Beauty/Nude%20Tude/IMG_3496.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" width="400" height="300" /></a><br />
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<b>Selfish</b>: Silvery/frosty, taupe-ish color. I use it either as a main lid color or a outer corner.</div><div><b>Sultry</b>: Matte, warm toned, medium brown. I use it to blend harsh lines, like with UD Naked, but this is a bit darker.</div><div><b>Sophisticated</b>: Gold/frosty medium-dark brown. I use this to smudge liner or in the outer corner. Sometimes I use this as a lid color, if I'm feeling it...</div><div><b>Schitzo</b>: Bronze/frosty, medium brown.</div><div><br />
</div><div>With Selfish, Sophisticated, and Schitzo, I feel these are super similar (Sophisticated being a bit darker than the others), probably one would have been enough...I probably would choose Selfish, the more neutral toned one.<br />
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<a href="http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v426/saranwrap74/Katsu%20Beauty/Nude%20Tude/?action=view&current=IMG_3499copy.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v426/saranwrap74/Katsu%20Beauty/Nude%20Tude/IMG_3499copy.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" width="400" height="300" /></a><br />
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</div><div><b>Sexy:</b> Matte, dark, red-plum. This is a good accent color, whether in the crease or on one or both lash lines</div><div><b>Silly:</b> Sparkly dark brown. I admit the finish doesn't translate...more dirty and matte (or actually satin-ish) than anything.</div><div><b>Serious: </b>Matte black with some sparkle throughout, this also translates just matte :(</div><div><b>Sleek:</b> Matte dark, almost black (but you can tell it's not) brown. I mostly use this to set liners or as an outer corner color.</div><div><br />
</div><div>You can interchange Silly and Sleek in reality. Sexy, I don't use much (pretty fitting for me in general :P).</div><div><br />
</div><div><b>The Good:</b></div><div><br />
</div><div>I like this range of colors. Although some of these can be used in place of one another, they are still different, so it gives options, although subtle in differences. To be honest with you, I think that this captures a mix of the good tones in the original Naked and Naked2 by Urban Decay. The sparkly shades do not have the fall out that Urban Decay glitter shades are famous for. I find that these shades are also pretty true to pan color, meaning what you see is what you'll wear, color-wise.</div><div><br />
</div><div>The formula of these eyeshadows are really nice. They are very pigmented and they blend nicely. Although they can be a little soft (when you put your brush in it, it gets super powdery), the right brush will capture all that goodness. I like using really dense brushes, nothing too fluffy (unless you're blending), that way, it catches the product and doesn't make a huge mess.</div><div><br />
</div><div><b>The Bad:</b></div><div><br />
</div><div>I actually don't have much bad things to say about this palette. The one thing that gets me, as with almost any company is the fact that the highlight colors are too shimmery for me. I always end up reaching into either of my Naked palettes and using either Virgin (original Naked) or Foxy (Naked2) to highlight my brow area. I am an oily chiika and when I wear things that are too frosted up there, I initially just look awkward in general, but then when the day goes by, that area will look like a grease ball too! I like Virgin because although it has some frost to it, it really doesn't translate as frost...more of a sheen/glow :) that was one of my surprising to like colors of the original Naked actually, and I wish Sassy (the white) was something more like that. Another thing is that the finishes of the more sparkly shades, the shades that had matte shadows with sparkles mixed in, fell a little flat. This ends up being not the biggest con for me mostly because it makes this palette more fitting into an everyday type of deal.</div><div><br />
</div><div><b>FINAL THOUGHTS:</b></div><div><br />
</div><div>In the end, I could use this palette everyday if it was my only neutral palette, but unfortunately due to hype and impluse purchasing, it is not, so I really do end up reaching for this thing more than not, so I would say this is my recommendation for those that want a good range of neutral shimmery finished colors...it will do you well. I have read up and price per unit, this is not the bargain by any means, but the formula of these colors are really nice, and consistent throughout the whole palette. I hope to be trying out more eyeshadows from theBalm, but since Sephora no longer carries the line and ebates does not have offers for the site, I may just have to wait for Black Friday to come around again.</div><div><br />
</div><div>Do you have this palette? Do you like it, or do you prefer something else? What is your favorite neutral palette??</div>Katsu Chiikahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08839911458005731418noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1445561337537717691.post-150460306529903122011-12-02T14:18:00.002-10:002011-12-02T14:25:26.205-10:00Where Have I Been?!?!?!?!Oh my!!! A whole month (November) has passed me by! Actually I should say two months because I threw in that haul at the end of October when I was supposed to be working on school work :( Anyway...I am starting to get a lot less busy, and I am excited to be graduating :D<div><br /></div><div>I just wanted to throw some stuff out there as to what I am planning to do within the next few weeks.</div><div><br /></div><div>FIRST: I want to finish up some review posts that I <i>had </i>drafted, but no pictures uploaded which I think does nothing...</div><div><br /></div><div>NEXT: I want to show you the goodies I have been getting from my Birchboxes...</div><div><br /></div><div>THEN: I want to show some hauls that I have been holding onto for a while...along with some upcoming stuff I'll be getting in the mail (HINT-theBalm & Urban Decay) very soon!!</div><div><br /></div><div>I will also be going to Torrance in the middle of this month...hopefully I'll have time and money to do a little shopping and I will update you about that as well...I will have internet up there too so I will hopefully be uploading my pictures and trying to post more blog posts!</div><div><br /></div><div>Until then...I hope you are all doing well and I'm looking forward to blogging when school wraps up!</div>Katsu Chiikahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08839911458005731418noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1445561337537717691.post-42851832232213338122011-10-30T13:13:00.004-10:002011-10-30T14:33:33.822-10:00MAC Holiday 2011 HaulOh my...it's been way too long!!!<br /><br />Well...I've been doing some shopping, but unfortunately I haven't posted anything in a while, but since I saw some of the MAC Holiday stuff up and close (and yessss bought some), thought I'd share with you my take on the collection.<br /><br />I bought only lip stuff from this collection. I looked at all the eye stuff, and I've seen promotional pictures so I got excited, then I saw swatches, then I lost my hopefulness. I wanted to get some stuff for my Christmas shopping, but I lost hope when I started to play with the actual product at Nordstrom the day of the launch. Since everything was pretty much brand spakin new, I knew that for sure this stuff wasn't that good (the quality hasn't been compromised from numerous people handling it for weeks, etc).<br /><br />Here's the stuff I got:<br /><br />Sultry Iced Delights Lip Bag, $38.00<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v426/saranwrap74/Katsu%20Beauty/MAC%20Holiday%202011%20Haul/?action=view&current=SultryLipSet.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v426/saranwrap74/Katsu%20Beauty/MAC%20Holiday%202011%20Haul/SultryLipSet.jpg" alt="Photobucket" border="0" height="300" width="400" /></a><br /></div><br />Left to right: Lip Pencil in Boldly Bare, Cremsheen Glass in Deelight, and Lipstick in I Love Winter.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v426/saranwrap74/Katsu%20Beauty/MAC%20Holiday%202011%20Haul/?action=view&current=BoldlyBare.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v426/saranwrap74/Katsu%20Beauty/MAC%20Holiday%202011%20Haul/BoldlyBare.jpg" alt="Photobucket " border="0" height="300" width="400" /></a><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v426/saranwrap74/Katsu%20Beauty/MAC%20Holiday%202011%20Haul/?action=view&current=Deelight.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v426/saranwrap74/Katsu%20Beauty/MAC%20Holiday%202011%20Haul/Deelight.jpg" alt="Photobucket" border="0" height="400" width="300" /></a><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v426/saranwrap74/Katsu%20Beauty/MAC%20Holiday%202011%20Haul/?action=view&current=Deelight-Open.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v426/saranwrap74/Katsu%20Beauty/MAC%20Holiday%202011%20Haul/Deelight-Open.jpg" alt="Photobucket" border="0" height="300" width="400" /></a><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v426/saranwrap74/Katsu%20Beauty/MAC%20Holiday%202011%20Haul/?action=view&current=ILoveWinter.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v426/saranwrap74/Katsu%20Beauty/MAC%20Holiday%202011%20Haul/ILoveWinter.jpg" alt="Photobucket" border="0" height="400" width="300" /></a><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v426/saranwrap74/Katsu%20Beauty/MAC%20Holiday%202011%20Haul/?action=view&current=SultryLipSetSwatch.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v426/saranwrap74/Katsu%20Beauty/MAC%20Holiday%202011%20Haul/SultryLipSetSwatch.jpg" alt="Photobucket" border="0" height="300" width="400" /></a><br /></div><br />Dazzleglass in Spanking Rich, $19.50<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v426/saranwrap74/Katsu%20Beauty/MAC%20Holiday%202011%20Haul/?action=view&current=SpankingRich.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v426/saranwrap74/Katsu%20Beauty/MAC%20Holiday%202011%20Haul/SpankingRich.jpg" alt="Photobucket" border="0" height="400" width="300" /></a><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v426/saranwrap74/Katsu%20Beauty/MAC%20Holiday%202011%20Haul/?action=view&current=SpankingRich-Open.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v426/saranwrap74/Katsu%20Beauty/MAC%20Holiday%202011%20Haul/SpankingRich-Open.jpg" alt="Photobucket" border="0" height="300" width="400" /></a><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v426/saranwrap74/Katsu%20Beauty/MAC%20Holiday%202011%20Haul/?action=view&current=SpankngRichSwatch.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v426/saranwrap74/Katsu%20Beauty/MAC%20Holiday%202011%20Haul/SpankngRichSwatch.jpg" alt="Photobucket" border="0" height="300" width="400" /></a><br /></div><br />I haven't used any of the products too much, but overall I think I like them color-wise, but I think the two lip glosses are going to be a bit drying to me. However, I really liked the colors of these products.<br /><br />Another mention is the new foundation I picked up. It's the new Matchmaster SPF 15 Foundation that came out last month.<br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v426/saranwrap74/Katsu%20Beauty/MAC%20Holiday%202011%20Haul/?action=view&current=Matchmaster.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v426/saranwrap74/Katsu%20Beauty/MAC%20Holiday%202011%20Haul/Matchmaster.jpg" alt="Photobucket" border="0" height="400" width="300" /></a><br /></div><br />This is shade number 4.0. Unlike the "traditional" numbering that MAC uses, this one is not separated by undertone. It's supposed to match to your skin. After using it once on my face and swatching it on my hand, I would have to say that it is pretty good at that, or it could also be that this shade leans warm (yellow).<br /><br />If there's any new news about my purchases, you will be the first to know ;)Katsu Chiikahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08839911458005731418noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1445561337537717691.post-19441632748059575042011-09-12T10:24:00.000-10:002011-09-12T21:03:14.470-10:00August 2011 Birchbox: Overview<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v426/saranwrap74/Katsu%20Beauty/August%202011%20Birchbox/?action=view&current=IMG_2524.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" height="300" src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v426/saranwrap74/Katsu%20Beauty/August%202011%20Birchbox/IMG_2524.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />My friend Jamie, known as <a href="http://thehappycardigan.wordpress.com/">The Happy Cardigan</a> on Word Press, kinda convinced me through her blog to jump on the Birchbox bandwagon...kinda hate her for that, but I just received mine in the mail, and am excited to try out a bunch of these things.<br /><div><br /></div><div>For those of you who aren't familiar with Birchbox ( I wasn't until Jamie introduced me to it), it is a service that will send deluxe samples of beauty products every month. The samples are picked out for you from a pool of stuff they're currently "sponsoring" or featuring. You can subscribe for $10 a month. My box took quite some time to ship here in Hawaii (not exactly a benefit of living in "paradise"). You are also able to purchase products that Birchbox features on their site. Anything you buy gives you reward points (including the Birchboxes themselves), and once you reach 100 points, you can redeem that for $10 to use on the site. The only downside to the points is that they expire every 365 days.</div><div><br /></div><div>This is the box the samples came in. I like the size since it will fit in my mailbox in case my pops isn't home to receive it.</div><div><br /></div><div>You'll be greeted with this card explaining the samples you receive in the box.</div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v426/saranwrap74/Katsu%20Beauty/August%202011%20Birchbox/?action=view&current=IMG_2524.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" height="300" src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v426/saranwrap74/Katsu%20Beauty/August%202011%20Birchbox/IMG_2524.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Here's all the samples. I haven't tried everything (although it's taken me forever and a day to post), but when I do try them, I'll try and do a post about my experience with them:<br /><br /></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v426/saranwrap74/Katsu%20Beauty/August%202011%20Birchbox/?action=view&current=IMG_2529.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" height="300" src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v426/saranwrap74/Katsu%20Beauty/August%202011%20Birchbox/IMG_2529.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />Left to right: Be fine food skin care Night Cream, Be fine food skin care Single Serve Exfoliating Cleanser<br /><br />I tried the night cream, and it's nice. If you have dry skin, I would say this isn't for you. But it's the right amount of moisture for me. I will try the cleanser one night.</div><div><br /></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v426/saranwrap74/Katsu%20Beauty/August%202011%20Birchbox/?action=view&current=IMG_2535.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" height="300" src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v426/saranwrap74/Katsu%20Beauty/August%202011%20Birchbox/IMG_2535.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">N4 Reconstructing Masque.</div><br /></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v426/saranwrap74/Katsu%20Beauty/August%202011%20Birchbox/?action=view&current=IMG_2531.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" height="300" src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v426/saranwrap74/Katsu%20Beauty/August%202011%20Birchbox/IMG_2531.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div>N4 Volumizing Shampoo. This sample is like a one time deal. I hope it at least cleans all my hair.</div><div><br /></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v426/saranwrap74/Katsu%20Beauty/August%202011%20Birchbox/?action=view&current=IMG_2530.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" height="300" src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v426/saranwrap74/Katsu%20Beauty/August%202011%20Birchbox/IMG_2530.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div>Tocca SPF 30+ Sunscreen Towelette. It came with 2 packages (with one towelette in each). I'm afraid to try it because of the fact it might get my skin all greasy, but I gotta try it eventually I guess.<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v426/saranwrap74/Katsu%20Beauty/August%202011%20Birchbox/?action=view&current=IMG_2534.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" height="300" src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v426/saranwrap74/Katsu%20Beauty/August%202011%20Birchbox/IMG_2534.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Twist Band Hair Tie. Yeah...I don't think this could even tie up half my hair.</div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v426/saranwrap74/Katsu%20Beauty/August%202011%20Birchbox/?action=view&current=IMG_2538.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" height="300" src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v426/saranwrap74/Katsu%20Beauty/August%202011%20Birchbox/IMG_2538.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div></div><div style="text-align: center;">Stila Sheer Color Tinted Moisturizer SPF 20 in Medium. This stuff isn't all that great. Almost no coverage, and it makes my face greasy anyway (not necessarily more than usual, but enough to make note of).</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div>I like this idea of getting these deluxe samples regularly. A few things I am not too fond of is that some of these samples, like the shampoo I got aren't really deluxe in my eyes, and that it took forever and a day to ship. One solution to the shipping would be for them to stagger the shipping of the boxes so that they come to our doorsteps at approximately the same time. However these minor things are just what they are...minor. One thing that I am liking is that I got a bunch of stuff that I have never heard of. So this is a great way to introduce yourself to different companies in the beauty industry.</div>Katsu Chiikahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08839911458005731418noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1445561337537717691.post-11373113699099068862011-09-08T10:00:00.000-10:002011-09-08T10:01:08.902-10:00Stila Holiday CollectionHey guys,<br />
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I got an email this morning about Stila's holiday collection. There's some interesting things that you may want to check out.<br />
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<a href="http://www.stilacosmetics.com/product_detail.asp?PMID=1012&dept=6&cat=89">Dream in Full Color Palette $39</a><br />
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<img height="320" src="http://www.stilacosmetics.com/images/products/s67201_product_xl.jpg" width="320" /><br />
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Includes: 29 eyeshadows, 7 cheek colors, and a smudgestick in stingray.<br />
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Color-wise, it looks a lot more wearable than the color wheel that came out last year. There are a lot of earthy colors. The thing that I kind of like is that it comes with the cheek colors, which I believe are those things on the "outside" of the "flower" looking thing. They seem very similar in color though. If I catch it at Sephora, I should try and swatch. This would be cool to buy if you already don't have a neutral palette, and also would like to try the smudgestick, which I am not the biggest fan of.<br />
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<a href="http://www.stilacosmetics.com/product_detail.asp?PMID=1013&dept=6&cat=89">Daydream Palette, $18</a><br />
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<img height="320" src="http://www.stilacosmetics.com/images/products/s67101_product_xl.jpg" width="320" /><br />
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Includes: 22 eyeshadows<br />
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This palette has a lot more color colors. I may look into buying this. I has nice, softer looking teals, blues, and purples, along with some neutrals.<br />
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<a href="http://www.stilacosmetics.com/product_detail.asp?PMID=1011&dept=6&cat=89">Holiday Lip Glaze Set 2011 $25</a><br />
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<a href="http://www.stilacosmetics.com/product_detail.asp?PMID=1011&dept=6&cat=89"><img height="320" src="http://www.stilacosmetics.com/images/products/s67001_product_xl.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
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Includes 4 best sellers and 4 holiday exclusives in a smaller .05 oz (compared to the full sized .08 oz) package.<br />
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Colors:<br />
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<ul>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: arial; font-size: 12px;"> Apricot (Permanent)</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: arial; font-size: 12px;"> Kitten </span>(Permanent)</li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: arial; font-size: 12px;"> Starfruit </span>(Permanent)</li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: arial; font-size: 12px;"> Grapefruit </span>(Permanent)</li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: arial; font-size: 12px;"> Believe - rosey wine with gold shimmer (Limited)</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: arial; font-size: 12px;"> Dreamy - creamy, beige amaretto with subtle shimmer </span>(Limited)</li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: arial; font-size: 12px;"> Fantasy - warm pink with gold shimmer </span>(Limited)</li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: arial; font-size: 12px;"> Kaleidoscope - sheer apricot with multi-pearl shimmer </span>(Limited)</li>
</ul>
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I personally don't love Stila lip glazes. They're on the sticky side, and pretty pricey. However, if you like these lip glazes, or if you want to try them out, this is a good option. It's pretty cheap and you get a LOT.</div>
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<a href="http://www.stilacosmetics.com/product_detail.asp?PMID=1010&dept=6&cat=89">Holiday 5-Piece Brush Set $28</a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: arial; font-size: 12px;"><br /></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: arial; font-size: 12px;"><img height="320" src="http://www.stilacosmetics.com/images/products/s67401_product_xl.jpg" width="320" /></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: arial; font-size: 12px;"> This includes:</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: arial; font-size: 12px;"></span><br />
<ul>
<li>#24a powder brush</li>
<li>#6 lip color and liner brush</li>
<li>#9 all over blend brush</li>
<li>#33b domed concealer brush</li>
<li>#5 eye shadow brush</li>
</ul>
<div>
This looks like a pretty good deal, but keep in mind these look like they're travel sized. I will look into this set because I've been looking for some eye brushes I can carry with me for touch ups.</div>
<div>
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<div>
This collection looks pretty neat. Good stuff to check out. I believe for now it will only be on the Stila website (stilacosmetics.com) where you can get 6% cash back from <a href="http://www.ebates.com/rf.do?referrerid=XH4m%2BsxXuXIh4sNZM3AFWA%3D%3D">ebates</a>. The only thing is that if you live in Hawaii (and Alaska too I think) the shipping is redonkulous, so there's your downside. If you're tight on shipping, I would say wait for it to come out at sephora, where it is actually 4% cash back from <a href="http://www.ebates.com/rf.do?referrerid=XH4m%2BsxXuXIh4sNZM3AFWA%3D%3D">ebates</a>.</div>
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Let me know if you pick anything up, or what you would want to pick up :)</div>
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Photos from <a href="http://stilacosmetics.com/">stilacosmetics.com</a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #323232; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><i>This post contains affiliate or invite links that I am able to earn commission from. I would not support any company that I didn't like. What I earn from affiliate programs are going to be used to improve this blog, and bring more things for my followers.</i></span>Katsu Chiikahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08839911458005731418noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1445561337537717691.post-77285677753768294912011-08-24T14:12:00.003-10:002011-08-24T14:40:03.074-10:00Sunscreen: To Use or Not to Use?So, school started for me yesterday (no classes on Mondays!!), and so it begins, me waking up about half an hour earlier than my lazy day summer schedule, my long hike from the parking structure to my building, and yesssss wearing a more intense sunscreen on my face to protect from them rays. During the summer I was just working, so I never used a really high SPF, just either my VitaZing moistirizer, or my Murad Oil Control Mattifier which are both SPF 15 only. Now that I will be out in the sun for longer periods of time, and during those peak hours (10 am till 2 pm) more often, I tend to wear more sun protecting products to keep my face safe, and white ;P<div>
<br /></div><div>What is the problem you ask? Well along with stronger sun protection, most of these products do a number on my oily skin!!</div><div>
<br /></div><div>As you may remember, I tried <a href="http://katsubeauty.blogspot.com/2011/07/my-first-beauty-product-allergic.html">MAC Prep + Prime Face Protect</a> that had an SPF of 50, which was nice. I was ok with how it was on my face...not horribly greasy: manageable, but then I broke out and gave it to my friend, who I think is liking it.</div><div>
<br /></div><div>So, I tried Neutrogena Liquid Moisturizer SPF 50, and I used it straight out of the bottle, and hated it...way too greasy. However, after my experience with the MAC product went down the toilet, I tried this stuff again, and mixed it with my Murad moisturizer, which ended up being pretty good...not great, but tollerable! I also tried it with MAC Oil Control Lotion, which is ok too!!</div><div>
<br /></div><div>I also tried a sample of a Shiseido one, one that I got in an earlier <a href="http://katsubeauty.blogspot.com/2011/07/ebates-haul-first-impressions.html">haul</a>. It was the same...ok.</div><div>
<br /></div><div>My dilemma: I need to find a better sunscreen that will control oil on my face. I will always be in the search, and I hope I find it soon. For those of you who do face the sun on a regular basis, whether it be walking from your car at those peak hours, or you like to walk around your neighborhood in the afternoon, I really do suggest you wear sunscreen. Meleanoma can kill, so take it seriously! If you have not too oily skin, you may want to check out some of the stuff I mentioned :)</div>Katsu Chiikahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08839911458005731418noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1445561337537717691.post-38383527254799429532011-08-15T13:20:00.003-10:002011-08-15T14:01:28.362-10:00My Brazilian Peel ExperienceThe other week Sephora was giving a special pack of samples to their V. I. B.'s (basically the Beauty Insiders that spend way more than they need to be), and I picked one up because it had this one sample, the Brazilian Peel. It just sounded so appealing, maybe because it's "Brazilian?" I don't know, but I ended up buying my $35 worth of product to get this and I tried it on Saturday. This won't be a full review because I believe you're supposed to use it for a month (4 treatments) to get full results, so I'll just talk about what happened and my first impression of this stuff.<div>
<br /></div><div>I've hear glycolic acid has its benefits with acne, so I thought this would be nice to try, and the anti-aging properties weren't so bad either :) Also, since it's supposed to tighten skin, I thought it would be good for my rather large pores.</div><div>
<br /></div><div>The product comes loaded into a syringe. One side contains all the good stuff: glycolic acid, and the other is a neutralizer so that the stuff doesn't go nuts on your face.</div>
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<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v426/saranwrap74/Katsu%20Beauty/Brazilian%20Peel/?action=view&current=IMG_2483.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v426/saranwrap74/Katsu%20Beauty/Brazilian%20Peel/IMG_2483.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" 300="" width="400" /></a></div><div><div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v426/saranwrap74/Katsu%20Beauty/Brazilian%20Peel/IMG_2484.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" height="300" width="400" /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Don't ask me which side is which...I'm NOT a Chemistry major!</div><div>
<br /></div><div>Here's my face before this process. I used my Clarisonic and cleansed with St Ive's Green Tea Cleanser, which contains Salacylic Acid.</div><div>
<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v426/saranwrap74/Katsu%20Beauty/Brazilian%20Peel/?action=view&current=Before-Face.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v426/saranwrap74/Katsu%20Beauty/Brazilian%20Peel/Before-Face.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v426/saranwrap74/Katsu%20Beauty/Brazilian%20Peel/?action=view&current=Before-Forehead.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v426/saranwrap74/Katsu%20Beauty/Brazilian%20Peel/Before-Forehead.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" height="300" width="400" /></a></div><div><div style="text-align: center;">My forehead has been breaking out a bit lately, but this is it up a little closer.</div><div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v426/saranwrap74/Katsu%20Beauty/Brazilian%20Peel/?action=view&current=Before-CloseUp.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v426/saranwrap74/Katsu%20Beauty/Brazilian%20Peel/Before-CloseUp.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" height="300" width="400" /></a></div></div><div><div style="text-align: center;">Here's my nose area. Big pores.</div>
<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v426/saranwrap74/Katsu%20Beauty/Brazilian%20Peel/?action=view&current=Before-Hand.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v426/saranwrap74/Katsu%20Beauty/Brazilian%20Peel/Before-Hand.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" height="300" width="400" /></a></div></div><div style="text-align: center;">I heard that there's a lot of product, so putting some on your hands may be wise (to decrease waste).</div><div>
<br /></div><div>So the instructions say to shoot the whole syringe into your palm:</div><div>
<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v426/saranwrap74/Katsu%20Beauty/Brazilian%20Peel/?action=view&current=IMG_2485.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v426/saranwrap74/Katsu%20Beauty/Brazilian%20Peel/IMG_2485.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v426/saranwrap74/Katsu%20Beauty/Brazilian%20Peel/?action=view&current=IMG_2486.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v426/saranwrap74/Katsu%20Beauty/Brazilian%20Peel/IMG_2486.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" height="300" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">It shoots out really nice...no waste!</div><div>
<br /></div><div>Then you have to mix the two parts with your fingers until you feel a heating sensation, then apply it to your face, neck, wherever!</div><div>
<br /></div><div>It's colorless, and just makes your face a bit shiny. I really thought this was going to make my face burn or irritated because of its high glycolic acid content, but it didn't. And I guess I just assumed that because some salacylic acid and benzoyl peroxide treatments leave my face like that, but I will have to go out on a limb and say the glycolic acid isn't like those guys? During my 10 minutes, my face really tightened up, not to the point where I couldn't talk or show emotion, but enough to notice. I washed it off with cool water and patted dry.</div></div><div>
<br /></div><div>
<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v426/saranwrap74/Katsu%20Beauty/Brazilian%20Peel/?action=view&current=IMG_2489.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v426/saranwrap74/Katsu%20Beauty/Brazilian%20Peel/IMG_2489.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" height="300" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">I think my face looks a bit smoother. Maybe like I have a primer on? Nothing too noticeable though.</div><div>
<br /></div>
<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v426/saranwrap74/Katsu%20Beauty/Brazilian%20Peel/?action=view&current=IMG_2490.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v426/saranwrap74/Katsu%20Beauty/Brazilian%20Peel/IMG_2490.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" height="300" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Pores look a bit tighter.</div><div><div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v426/saranwrap74/Katsu%20Beauty/Brazilian%20Peel/?action=view&current=IMG_2491.jpg" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; "></span></a><a href="http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v426/saranwrap74/Katsu%20Beauty/Brazilian%20Peel/?action=view&current=IMG_2491.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v426/saranwrap74/Katsu%20Beauty/Brazilian%20Peel/IMG_2491.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" height="300" width="400" /></a></div></div><div><div style="text-align: center;">Forgot to take a before pic of my chin :( But this is after...no real change...</div>
<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v426/saranwrap74/Katsu%20Beauty/Brazilian%20Peel/?action=view&current=IMG_2492.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v426/saranwrap74/Katsu%20Beauty/Brazilian%20Peel/IMG_2492.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" height="300" width="400" /></a></div></div><div style="text-align: center;">My hand doesn't look any much younger either :( Well...I think my hands look pretty descent, so I don't think they could get any younger looking ;)</div><div>
<br /></div><div><b>FINAL THOUGHTS</b></div><div>
<br /></div><div>This treatment wasn't really bad, but it wasn't as great as I thought it was. Maybe it's because I'm not really that old, and in need of such a treatment, but the day after, I think oil production was lower than usual, and it was really hot and humid in my house. So, that was a plus! I am quite non-differentiated about this stuff.</div><div>
<br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I must admit, I really liked the packaging. Like I mentioned earlier, it was literally a no waste package, which is great, especially for the price you would have to pay (if it wasn't a sample). I am a sucker for packaging, and if all my acne treatments came packaged like this, I would be in heaven!</div><div>
<br /></div><div>Would I pay $78 to see what a month of this would do? Not at this moment, but I may check out the acne treating version of this stuff in the near future :)</div>Katsu Chiikahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08839911458005731418noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1445561337537717691.post-37821086702055754862011-08-07T11:25:00.002-10:002011-08-26T14:34:37.710-10:00Spotlight On: Sigma Beauty<div>Ok, gonna start doing a new series that spotlights different beauty companies. I will talk about my favorite products from the company, and about what I know about from what I can tell about the company. I just want to show these companies through my eyes and why I like them so much!</div><div>
<br /></div><div>For this first spotlight, I'm spotlighting Sigma Makeup.</div><div>
<br /></div>When it comes to makeup, the tool is just as important as the products you're using. I find it quite easy to find cheap alternatives to expensive makeup in relation to finding cheap alternatives to brushes and other beauty tools. In comes Sigma Beauty.<div>
<br /></div><div>I own a ton of Sigma brushes. I have both the complete and the advanced kits. With the advanced kit I had no option with the brush roll, but with the complete kit there was an option, and I opted for no roll, mostly because it was cheaper. However, I recommend getting one of the <a href="https://www.sigmabeauty.com/SearchResults.asp?Cat=96&Click=18288">Make Me Up kits</a> which come with a brush carrier/holder. It comes in handy if you are doing work on people and you can separate the clean and dirty brushes. Plus, they come in neat colors. I think I want to get the purple set one day :) I may just treat myself to it for Christmas or something ;) I also have the F80 brush. I LOVE it for foundation--powder or liquid, doesn't matter...it's good with both mediums :)</div><div>
<br /></div><div>My personal favorites are: <a href="http://www.sigmabeauty.com/product_p/e25.htm&Click=18288">E25</a>, <a href="http://www.sigmabeauty.com/product_p/e45.htm&Click=18288">E45</a>, <a href="http://www.sigmabeauty.com/product_p/e55.htm&Click=18288">E55</a>, <a href="http://www.sigmabeauty.com/product_p/f10.htm&Click=18288">F10</a>, <a href="http://www.sigmabeauty.com/product_p/f25.htm&Click=18288">F25</a>, <a href="http://www.sigmabeauty.com/product_p/f35.htm&Click=18288">F35</a>, and the <a href="http://www.sigmabeauty.com/Sigma_Flat_Top_Synthetic_Kabuki_F_80_p/f80.htm&Click=18288">F80</a>. And now that the brushes can be purchased individually (not just in the kits), you could just pick up the ones you need. Although, if you see a bunch that you're going to like, I would pick up a kit that has those in it, and you'll probably discover something new :) and it's usually a value too.</div><div>
<br /></div><div>Check out their <a href="http://www.sigmabeauty.com/?Click=18288">site</a>, browse around, and if you have any questions, you can ask me, or I also found their customer service very helpful and very personal, not too business-y, more like a person (if that made sense).</div><div>
<br /></div><div><i>This post contains affiliate or invite links that I am able to earn commission from. I would not support any company that I didn't like. What I earn from affiliate programs are going to be used to improve this blog, and bring more things for my followers.</i></div>Katsu Chiikahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08839911458005731418noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1445561337537717691.post-45872103847446354222011-07-26T13:43:00.005-10:002011-07-26T14:09:54.927-10:00Acne: My RelapseAfter that <a href="http://katsubeauty.blogspot.com/2011/07/my-first-beauty-product-allergic.html">allergic reaction</a> I had earlier in the month, I noticed my skin is not returning back to the state pre-reaction. It's quite upsetting because I thought I had already dealt with pretty bad acne (in high school), and struggled to maintain somewhat low key of a status with it. I am probably going to have to see my dermatologist in the coming weeks to see what we can do.<div><br /></div><div>I'm not gonna lie: my skin was never at any point in time perfect, but this is getting too far from being where I want it to be.</div><div><br /></div><div>Here's some pictures where you can really see my skin erupting:</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v426/saranwrap74/Katsu%20Beauty/Skin%20Problems/?action=view&current=IMG_2260.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v426/saranwrap74/Katsu%20Beauty/Skin%20Problems/IMG_2260.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" width="400" height="300" /></a></div><br /><div>I have never seen my forehead this bad in years...no joke</div><div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v426/saranwrap74/Katsu%20Beauty/Skin%20Problems/?action=view&current=IMG_2259.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v426/saranwrap74/Katsu%20Beauty/Skin%20Problems/IMG_2259.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" width="300" height="400" /></a></div><br /></div><div>That big one is actually quite normal right be fore my time of the month, but lately they have been springing up regularly.</div><div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v426/saranwrap74/Katsu%20Beauty/Skin%20Problems/?action=view&current=IMG_2258.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v426/saranwrap74/Katsu%20Beauty/Skin%20Problems/IMG_2258.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" height="400" width="300" /></a></div></div><div><br /></div><div>These small bumps all over are also quite not normal.</div><div><br /></div><div>Well...I have been trying to use some new products like Mario Badescu Drying Cream, St. Ive's Green Tea Scrub, Biore Detoxifying Cleanser, and a cream by Clearasil. I am trying to find that balance of products but results can't come any slower if you ask me.</div><div><br /></div><div>If you have a favorite acne treatment/product, share!!!</div>Katsu Chiikahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08839911458005731418noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1445561337537717691.post-37192796321711292752011-07-25T13:30:00.000-10:002011-07-25T16:28:07.294-10:00Beware: Gel Nails VS Gel PolishI going through my email and found a deal from Living Social for a $35 gel polish manicure from the Waikiki Edition Hotel. I didn't realize that it was a gel polish service, and not a gel nail application until I was reading the fine print because I saw that the original price was $75. After I realized what it was, I decided that I should inform you all about the bad pricing tactics that some nail places use to make more money and cheating their clientele.<div><br /></div><div>I will admit, I'm no nail tech, but I am a nail product enthusiast. That and the knowledge from Kali, the owner of the former Kali's Nail Supply, I feel I have the authority to give this information to people, especially susceptible people. Please take this with a grain of salt, and ask questions, if it's not to me, to someone you know and trust that does nails.</div><div><br /></div><div><b>Gel Nails</b></div><div><br /></div><div>Gel nails are an artificial nail enhancement designed usually to strengthen or elongate your nails, an alternative to the traditional liquid + powder acrylics. These enhancements are only in one phase, a gel-like substance (hence the name), sculpted onto the nail surface (and tip or form if your natural nail is too short) and is cured under a UV lamp. They're often refered to as a soak-off gel, which takes away a little more of the confusion.</div><div><br /></div><div>Lots of people are familiar with the brand Calgel, which is supposed to be a natural type of gel. I've tried this one before, and I liked it. My nails were actually a bit damaged from my love-hate relationship with traditional acrylic, and after one application, my nails felt a lot stronger, and it was pretty easy to remove since the application calls for a lot less product (unlike the traditional acrylics with the curve that has to be "built" to ensure lift-prevention). For those who don't have much time to change nail polish often (on your natural nail), gel nails would be pretty good. I believe you can go weeks between fills, and polish adheres nicely to the gel.</div><div><br /></div><div><i>Common brands: Calgel*, OPI Axium, CND Brisa</i></div><div><br /></div><div><b>Gel Polish</b></div><div><br /></div><div>Gel polish is simply what it sounds like, a gel nail polish. You can't sculpt it onto your natural nail, nor can you extend your nail. Unlike regular nail polish, you cure this product under a UV lamp, and unlike a gel nail, it doesn't make your nail stronger. In fact, I believe it actually damages your nail, and dries it out. All you do is paint it on like nail polish and cure under a UV lamp.</div><div><br /></div><div><i>Common brands: CND Shellac, Gellac, Calgel*</i></div><div><br /></div><div><b>SO:</b></div><div><br /></div><div>Where there is some mis-communication on the part of salon owners and their clientele is that salon owners are charging an arm and a leg to their customers for a gel "manicure," when in fact all they are doing is a gel polish manicure. There is a lot less skill and other resources involved to do a gel polish manicure than a gel nail service. Therefore, salons <i>should </i>be pricing their gel polish services not that much more than a regular manicure, or even just offering a gel polish upgrade for any natural nail service. The way lots of places are pricing, it makes it seem like it's a nail enhancement because the price is so similar to other enhancement services.</div><div><br /></div><div>So, my conclusion is this: know what you are paying for. If you are in doubt and think you may be getting ripped off, ask questions. If you don't get the right answers, then leave...they don't deserve your money if they are gonna rip you off!!</div><div><br /></div><div>*The way you can tell the soak-off gel from the polish is the container it comes in. If it looks like a nail polish bottle with a bush attached to the lid, it's a gel polish, if it's gooey and comes from a jar, without a brush attached to the lid, it's a soak off gel.</div>Katsu Chiikahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08839911458005731418noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1445561337537717691.post-27428704599098923472011-07-21T13:21:00.002-10:002011-07-22T14:16:39.794-10:00Bright Eyeliners: Which One to Choose?So I noticed recently, there have been a few companies coming out with new liquid eyeliners in really bright, and sometimes sparkly colors. For a while the only time where you see colored eyeliners (besides black, brown, navy, and a darker purple) were usually pencil, kohl, and gel/cream formulas.<div><br /></div><div>I like the idea, but I'm not completely sold that these will have to make it into my collection. I'm thinking of purchasing one, probably a sparkly purple, but some of them are so expensive that I don't know if it's too worth it.</div><div><br /></div><div>Here's the ones that have been catching my eye (no pun intended).</div><div><ul><li>Urban Decay 24/7 Waterproof Liquid Eyeliner, $18</li><li>MAKE UP FOR EVER Aqua Liner (not to be confused with Aqua Eyes, their pencil liner), $23</li><li>Stila Sparkle Waterproof Liquid Eye Liner, $22</li><li>SEPHORA COLLECTION Long-Lasting Eye Liner, $10</li></ul><div><div>Here's a picture of my swatching adventure at Sephora the other day:</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center; "><a href="http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v426/saranwrap74/Katsu%20Beauty/Bright%20Eyeliners/?action=view&current=BrightEyelinerSwatches.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v426/saranwrap74/Katsu%20Beauty/Bright%20Eyeliners/BrightEyelinerSwatches.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" /></a><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>I can't remember for sure what each color is, but I think it's something like this:</div><div>left column (top to bottom): MAKE UP FOR EVER (MUFE for short) 4, MUFE 6, MUFE 5</div><div>right column (top to bottom): MUFE 9, stila Royal, MUFE 8, MUFE 7</div></div><div><br /></div><div>Of course it looks like the Sephora one would be the deal, but if I'm not mistaken, it's the smallest of the four. I can't tell you for sure unless I go in store because it doesn't list the amount on the website. The Urban Decay one to me looks like the deal, if any exists because it's a bit cheaper and seems like there's more product. I want to try it but the purple shade, Retrograde doesn't look as vibrant as Stila's Royal or MUFE's 8 and it wasn't available for me to swatch when I went to Sephora.</div></div><div><br /></div><div>I have some contemplating to do, but once I pick one up, if any, I will let you know!</div>Katsu Chiikahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08839911458005731418noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1445561337537717691.post-16170541347827226832011-07-19T16:17:00.004-10:002011-07-20T14:46:23.445-10:00Sampling EtiquetteI get afraid to try on beauty products, especially lip and eye products at Sephora or even at other department store beauty counters because I see so many people misusing the tester products...quite gross. I think some people really don't grasp the concept of germs, and it's quite scary if you ask me.<div><br /></div><div>A few rules of thumb when you want to test out products:</div><div><ul><li>Use the disposable wands/applicators: it keeps your germs to yourself. Also remember that these tools are one use only items, that means DO NOT DOUBLE DIP!!</li><li>Wipe down the products: just in case the person who tested before you. Take either a cotton pad or a tissue and get some alcohol and wipe.</li><li>To be nice to the next user, you should also wipe/sanitize after you use as well, so that if the next person isn't as hygienic, you won't be spreading germs to them.</li><li>I don't like swatching/sampling on my own face. Most products you swatch/sample you're looking for color, or finish, so you can get a good feel out of the product from putting some on the back of your hand.</li></ul><div>For the most part, I don't test mascaras at all. I get really grossed out because most of the customers at the counters or in the stores grab the tube and put it directly on their lashes without sanitizing and with the brush that's in the tube--NOT hygienic! For other products, I will swatch on the back of my hand. This includes eyeliner, eyeshadow, blush, and most skincare products. For foundation, most containers are clean people friendly, so I don't mind swatching on my jawline.</div></div><div><br /></div><div>The one thing you should take from reading this is that you want to be very careful when testing products that you apply near any mucous membranes (eyes & lips) because these are very prone to germs. Just be careful!!</div>Katsu Chiikahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08839911458005731418noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1445561337537717691.post-79547842458950748492011-07-13T13:08:00.002-10:002011-07-13T13:16:23.770-10:00New Product Curiosity: Cover Girl Intense ShadowblastJust saw an ad in a magazine about this new cream eyeshadow from Cover Girl that is supposed to be have instense color but also a built in primer so it lasts. It's called Intense Shadowblast. It comes in 6 colors: Beige Blaze, Platinum Pop, Forever Pink, Brown Bling, Extreme Green, and Blue Bomb.<br /><br /><div>The colors look interesting. I would be interested in either Forever Pink, Brown Bling, or Beige Blast. I think the next time Cover Girl goes on sale at CVS, I'll pick up a tube :) Seeing others' posts, looks like it's going to be about $8, a little steep if you ask me, but it seems as of late, drugstore products have been getting a bit more expensive, faster than the higher end stuff.</div>Katsu Chiikahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08839911458005731418noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1445561337537717691.post-89803985594640025932011-07-12T13:50:00.003-10:002011-07-12T16:20:17.504-10:00My First Beauty Product Allergic ReactionFor as long as I've known my skin...I mean really known my skin (maybe the past 8-10 years), my face is pretty durable, whatever I put on will either work or not work...never cause any horrible madness.<div><br /></div><div>So, I bought MAC Prep + Prime Face Protect SPF 50 last week, and after putting some on the back of my hand, I thought it would be good for me because it was a high SPF, and it applied pretty dry. I used it and I kinda liked what it did. It was a sunscreen that didn't feel too much like a sunscreen, in that it didn't have a super greasiness to it, but it does have a slight greasiness, not too much to grumble. I've been experimenting with a couple of other sunscreens, like the Neutrogena Liquid Moisturizer SPF 50 and a CVS one too, but they were too greasy that my face oiled up within an hour or two.</div><div><br /></div><div>After my somewhat pleasure in this product, I started to notice that I was getting weird, small "pimples" around my mouth and my forehead was starting to look really bumpy, like it did when I was in high school. I didn't really think too much about it, but that I was weird because it isn't near my "time" of the month, and on top of that, mine was a couple of weeks ago, and that's when I really break out. Another weird thing was that the pimples by my mouth were really small, and like whiteheads, which I only get in larger pimples. I also had some right next to my lips that were more like clogged pores, which were really hard to extract (yes...I gouge them).</div><div><br /></div><div>So after all these "weirdnesses" to my skin, I came across an article in <a href="http://www.beautylish.com/">beautylish </a>(if you don't know about beautylish, here's <a href="http://katsubeauty.blogspot.com/2011/06/beautylish.html">my description</a>) about some sunscreens causing allergic reactions. It also talked about how it's usually chemical sunscreens (that absorb UV rays) that will cause a reaction rather than physical ones (that reflect UV rays). However, this primer is actually part chemical (Octinoxate), and part physical (Zinc oxide). Anyway, it's probably too much of the Octinoxate, so I have since stopped using it and am using the Shiseido one that protects against environmental damage (the one I got as a sample in my <a href="http://katsubeauty.blogspot.com/2011/07/ebates-haul-first-impressions.html">last haul</a>). My skin hasn't broken out since, so I am going to assume that it is either the amount of Octinoxate is too much for me, or there's something else in the product that I am allergic to, since there is Octinoxate in the Shiseido product I am using today.</div><div><br /></div><div>My hunt for a high SPF primer/moisturizer (that doesn't leave my face a greaseball after an hour or two) continues!!</div>Katsu Chiikahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08839911458005731418noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1445561337537717691.post-74611225460102372552011-07-10T15:29:00.006-10:002011-08-26T14:39:20.444-10:00Ebates Haul & First Impressions<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v426/saranwrap74/Katsu%20Beauty/Ebates%20Sephora%20Lancome%20Haul/?action=view&current=CollectiveSephora.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v426/saranwrap74/Katsu%20Beauty/Ebates%20Sephora%20Lancome%20Haul/CollectiveSephora.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v426/saranwrap74/Katsu%20Beauty/Ebates%20Sephora%20Lancome%20Haul/?action=view&current=CollectiveLancome.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v426/saranwrap74/Katsu%20Beauty/Ebates%20Sephora%20Lancome%20Haul/CollectiveLancome.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" /></a></div>
<br />I bought a bunch of stuff on <a href="http://www.ebates.com/rf.do?referrerid=XH4m%2BsxXuXIh4sNZM3AFWA%3D%3D">ebates </a>a few weeks ago. You can read more about it in my earlier <a href="http://katsubeauty.blogspot.com/2011/06/my-ebates-shopping-spree.html">post</a>. So I was ready to do this like last week with all the stuff I got from Sephora, but I decided to wait for my Lancome stuff to come in :) Above is the stuff from Sephora and Lancome respectively. I will give some of my first impressions of these products. I haven't had a chance to really use all these yet (and I just got the Lancome stuff yesterday), so these aren't full reviews, just what I see for now.<div><div>
<br /></div><div>Here's the Sephora stuff:</div><div>
<br /></div><div><b>Shiseido Skincare 1 2 3 Pureness Oil Control Set</b></div>
<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v426/saranwrap74/Katsu%20Beauty/Ebates%20Sephora%20Lancome%20Haul/?action=view&current=ShiseidoPurnessSet.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v426/saranwrap74/Katsu%20Beauty/Ebates%20Sephora%20Lancome%20Haul/ShiseidoPurnessSet.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" /></a></div>
<br /><div>I've mentioned before that I've tried the moisturizer from this set, and to be honest with you, this whole set altogether is not really impressing me right now, but skincare always takes a while to get used to you, so I'm going to give this a few more weeks to set in.</div><div>
<br /></div><div><b>Bumble and Bumble Seaweed Shampoo</b>
<br /><div>
<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v426/saranwrap74/Katsu%20Beauty/Ebates%20Sephora%20Lancome%20Haul/?action=view&current=SeaweedShampoo.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v426/saranwrap74/Katsu%20Beauty/Ebates%20Sephora%20Lancome%20Haul/SeaweedShampoo.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" /></a></div>
<br /></div><div>This shampoo is nice. There's nothing horrible special about it, and I've never found a shampoo that completely blows me over, except for when I used Garnier Fructis shampoo for the very first time (made my hair feel like silk).</div><div>
<br /></div><div><b>Stila Smudge Stick Waterproof Eye Liner in Stingray</b></div><div>
<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v426/saranwrap74/Katsu%20Beauty/Ebates%20Sephora%20Lancome%20Haul/?action=view&current=SmudgeStick.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v426/saranwrap74/Katsu%20Beauty/Ebates%20Sephora%20Lancome%20Haul/SmudgeStick.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" /></a></div>
<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v426/saranwrap74/Katsu%20Beauty/Ebates%20Sephora%20Lancome%20Haul/?action=view&current=SmudgeStick-Open.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v426/saranwrap74/Katsu%20Beauty/Ebates%20Sephora%20Lancome%20Haul/SmudgeStick-Open.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" /></a></div><div>I heard that this is a great eyeliner for the waterline. However, I've been using this pretty regularly, and I have found that it's a good color and consistency, but it doesn't stay very well on my waterline :( It ends up smearing underneath my lashes, like most eyeliners. The search continues.</div><div>
<br /></div><div><b>Dior Best in Show Mini Mascara Duo</b></div><div>
<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v426/saranwrap74/Katsu%20Beauty/Ebates%20Sephora%20Lancome%20Haul/?action=view&current=DiorshowDuo.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v426/saranwrap74/Katsu%20Beauty/Ebates%20Sephora%20Lancome%20Haul/DiorshowDuo.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" /></a></div>
<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v426/saranwrap74/Katsu%20Beauty/Ebates%20Sephora%20Lancome%20Haul/?action=view&current=DiorshowDuoOpen.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v426/saranwrap74/Katsu%20Beauty/Ebates%20Sephora%20Lancome%20Haul/DiorshowDuoOpen.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" /></a></div></div><div>
<br /></div><div>I was looking forward to trying these two out because I've heard so many good things about them. I find the mascara to be a little wet, probably because it wasn't the waterproof formula. I don't find it especially great at anything, not worth the $24 (for the full size product). The primer is also nothing special. the brush is pretty neat though (see below).
<br />
<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v426/saranwrap74/Katsu%20Beauty/Ebates%20Sephora%20Lancome%20Haul/?action=view&current=Diorshow.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v426/saranwrap74/Katsu%20Beauty/Ebates%20Sephora%20Lancome%20Haul/Diorshow.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" /></a></div>
<br /></div><div>The brush on the Diorshow mascara is really big, comparable to MAC Opulash, and Benefit Badgal Lash. I also find the formula quite similar, wet.</div><div>
<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v426/saranwrap74/Katsu%20Beauty/Ebates%20Sephora%20Lancome%20Haul/?action=view&current=DiorshowPrimer.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v426/saranwrap74/Katsu%20Beauty/Ebates%20Sephora%20Lancome%20Haul/DiorshowPrimer.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" /></a></div></div><div>
<br /></div><div>The brush on the primer was interesting, something like the rubber/silicone brushes you see on the Buxom Lash mascara, Maybelline One By One, and Covergirl Lashblast Volume. However, what makes it different is that the rows of bristles are slanted a little, which I think makes it weird to use, but it probably takes more getting used to.</div><div>
<br /></div><div><b>MAKE UP FOR EVER HD Microfinish Powder</b>
<br />
<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v426/saranwrap74/Katsu%20Beauty/Ebates%20Sephora%20Lancome%20Haul/?action=view&current=HDPowder.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v426/saranwrap74/Katsu%20Beauty/Ebates%20Sephora%20Lancome%20Haul/HDPowder.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" /></a></div>
<br /></div><div>Couldn't get the greatest picture of this stuff (still gotta learn how to take these pictures). The product is kinda cool. It's lightweight, and colorless which makes it a good setting powder. It's also good for touch ups, I've noticed. It's not spectacular at oil control, but that's like most setting/finishing products that I've used in the past.</div><div>
<br /></div><div><b>Jack Black Intense Therapy Lip Balm Duo</b></div><div>
<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v426/saranwrap74/Katsu%20Beauty/Ebates%20Sephora%20Lancome%20Haul/?action=view&current=JackBlackLipBalms.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v426/saranwrap74/Katsu%20Beauty/Ebates%20Sephora%20Lancome%20Haul/JackBlackLipBalms.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" /></a></div>
<br /></div><div>Left: Black Tea & Blackberry, right: Grapefruit & Ginger</div><div>I like these lip balms, they're pretty good. I find that every once in a while they do get dry if I don't reapply, but they're one of the best lip balms I've used in a while.</div><div>
<br /></div><div><b>SAMPLES!!</b></div><div>
<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v426/saranwrap74/Katsu%20Beauty/Ebates%20Sephora%20Lancome%20Haul/?action=view&current=SephoraSamples.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v426/saranwrap74/Katsu%20Beauty/Ebates%20Sephora%20Lancome%20Haul/SephoraSamples.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" /></a></div></div></div><div>
<br /></div><div>Of course, you can't forget the samples. Sephora gives three samples per order, their beauty insider program gives a deluxe sample for every 100 points you accumulate (sometimes an super deluxe sample for 500 points), and there are coupon codes you can use for deluxe samples as well. The regular samples (that are automatic with the orders), I usually don't end up using, I just get them because they're free. I always save my beauty insider points for the good deluxe samples and the 500 point perks.</div><div>
<br /></div><div>I haven't used these yet, but here's what I got: Lancome La Base Pro, Laura Mercier Flawless Skin Face Polish (I actually don't really know what it's supposed to do), Shiseido Urban Environment UV Protection Cream for face/body. The two deluxe samples I got was the Bobbi Brown Skin Foundation Packet Trio, and Urban Decay Afterglow Glide-On Cream Blush in Quickie. Also, because I got the Bumble and Bumble shampoo, I got that card at the top for a free service (styling) at a Bumble and Bumble salon, although I don't know if there are any here in Hawaii :/</div><div>
<br /></div><div>
<br /></div><div>Here's my stuff I ordered from Lancome:</div><div>
<br /></div><div><b>Definicils Waterproof Mascara</b></div><div>
<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v426/saranwrap74/Katsu%20Beauty/Ebates%20Sephora%20Lancome%20Haul/?action=view&current=DefinicilsWaterproof-Open.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v426/saranwrap74/Katsu%20Beauty/Ebates%20Sephora%20Lancome%20Haul/DefinicilsWaterproof-Open.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" /></a></div>
<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v426/saranwrap74/Katsu%20Beauty/Ebates%20Sephora%20Lancome%20Haul/?action=view&current=DefinicisBrush.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v426/saranwrap74/Katsu%20Beauty/Ebates%20Sephora%20Lancome%20Haul/DefinicisBrush.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" /></a></div>
<br />I've used this mascara only once (today), and I have to say that I actually kinda like it so far. It doesn't clump, and I've had it on for maybe 5-6 hours and it hasn't smudged. The lengthening powers isn't all that grand, but I shall continue to try this one out and I'll see if it really is worth $25.
<br />
<br /><div>Here's the samples I got (I feel like I really scored with this one coupon code I used):</div><div>
<br /></div><div><b>Color Design Lipstick in Wannabe</b></div><div>
<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v426/saranwrap74/Katsu%20Beauty/Ebates%20Sephora%20Lancome%20Haul/?action=view&current=ColorDesignLipstick-Wanabe.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v426/saranwrap74/Katsu%20Beauty/Ebates%20Sephora%20Lancome%20Haul/ColorDesignLipstick-Wanabe.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" /></a></div><div>
<br /></div><b>Juicy Tubes in Touched By Light</b>
<br />
<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v426/saranwrap74/Katsu%20Beauty/Ebates%20Sephora%20Lancome%20Haul/?action=view&current=TouchedByLight.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v426/saranwrap74/Katsu%20Beauty/Ebates%20Sephora%20Lancome%20Haul/TouchedByLight.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" /></a></div>
<br /><b>Juicy Tubes in Moulin Rose</b></div><div>
<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v426/saranwrap74/Katsu%20Beauty/Ebates%20Sephora%20Lancome%20Haul/?action=view&current=MoulinRose.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v426/saranwrap74/Katsu%20Beauty/Ebates%20Sephora%20Lancome%20Haul/MoulinRose.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" /></a></div><div>
<br /></div><div>Here's some swatches of those lip product samples:</div>
<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v426/saranwrap74/Katsu%20Beauty/Ebates%20Sephora%20Lancome%20Haul/?action=view&current=LipSwatches.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v426/saranwrap74/Katsu%20Beauty/Ebates%20Sephora%20Lancome%20Haul/LipSwatches.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Top to bottom: Juicy Tubes in Moulin Rose, Juicy Tubes in Touched by Light, Color Design Lipstick in Wannabe</div><div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I like the two Juicy Tubes lip glosses. The lipstick looks a bit intense for me, but we'll see what I can do with it</div><div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Genifique Youth Activating Concentrate</b></div>
<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v426/saranwrap74/Katsu%20Beauty/Ebates%20Sephora%20Lancome%20Haul/?action=view&current=Genifique.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v426/saranwrap74/Katsu%20Beauty/Ebates%20Sephora%20Lancome%20Haul/Genifique.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" /></a></div><div>
<br /></div><b>Bright Expert Dark Spot Corrector</b>
<br />
<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v426/saranwrap74/Katsu%20Beauty/Ebates%20Sephora%20Lancome%20Haul/?action=view&current=BrightExpert.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v426/saranwrap74/Katsu%20Beauty/Ebates%20Sephora%20Lancome%20Haul/BrightExpert.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" /></a></div>
<br /></div><div>All in all I am still trying to get a feel out of these products. Hopefully I'll be able to do more full, in-depth reviews in a week or two.</div></div><div>
<br /></div><div>
<br /></div><i>This post contains affiliate or invite links that I am able to earn commission from. I would not support any company that I didn't like. What I earn from affiliate programs are going to be used to improve this blog, and bring more things for my followers.</i>Katsu Chiikahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08839911458005731418noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1445561337537717691.post-43829481153105576532011-06-29T09:23:00.003-10:002011-08-26T14:37:18.917-10:00Ebates: My New Found RespectThis is so awesome I have to share it with everyone.<div>
<br /></div><div>I've been raving about <a href="http://www.ebates.com/rf.do?referrerid=XH4m%2BsxXuXIh4sNZM3AFWA%3D%3D">ebates </a>and how it's a good way to save money. However, I actually had an issue I was waiting to clarify before I shared this experience. So I signed up for ebates and I went shopping at Sephora, but for whatever reason, I did not see any cash back transactions in my account. I kinda forgot about it until I went shopping at Sephora again, and I didn't get my notification, so I went snooping around and there's a form to fill out in case you haven't received your cash back yet. All you do is fill out some information about the day you clicked through, and it will generate your "ticket number" and you can verify that too (it keeps track of your click throughs). After that, it took less than an hour for my first one, and less than a day for my second one.</div><div>
<br /></div><div>I was actually shocked. I really didn't expect ebates to give me anything because I actually thought I must have took to long to shop (I actually do take a while to shop...online, in store--it doesn't matter, I'll take FOREVER!). So by making the inquiry, I was able to get my almost $7 from one Sephora purchase (they offered 14% at the time) and a little over $10 on another...that's almost $20 I'm going to get just for shopping online!! I LOVE it!</div><div>
<br /></div><div>If you click any of my ebates links, sign up, and make a qualifying purchase (I think it's like $25 or more), then I get $5. Yes, I want people to sign up through me, but hey, you can do it on your own too, you aren't required to sign up through an invite. Either way you sign up, you'll get $5 back after you make your first purchase (I believe the same $25 minimum). I would so appreciate you using my link though!!!</div><div>
<br /></div><div>But the conclusion to my story is I am now sure that ebates is thee way to shop online. If you're thinking about purchasing ANYTHING, look to see if the store is on ebates. Even if cash back is like only 2%, it can add up, and it's money you didn't have before, or like a sale. Of course I do have to wait till August to get paid, but after hearing a bunch of other people talk about it, I'm sure I'll get my money!</div><div>
<br /></div><div><i>This post contains affiliate or invite links that I am able to earn commission from. I would not support any company that I didn't like. What I earn from affiliate programs are going to be used to improve this blog, and bring more things for my followers.</i></div>Katsu Chiikahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08839911458005731418noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1445561337537717691.post-46847104897780554142011-06-26T12:18:00.004-10:002011-08-26T14:35:22.756-10:00My ebates Shopping SpreeWowzers...this past week was beauty week on <a href="http://www.ebates.com/rf.do?referrerid=XH4m%2BsxXuXIh4sNZM3AFWA%3D%3D">ebates</a>, and I believe it's still going on right now, where certain beauty vendors are giving double cash back. I took advantage of the 14% that Lancome was giving and the 8% that Sephora was giving. I normally do not buy Lancome stuff because it's super expensive, but since the cash back was so good, I thought I'd browse. So, I got a Definicils Waterproof for myself and a Hypnose for my aunty that did me a favor last month (she likes the stuff but can't imagine spending the dough to buy it).<div>
<br /></div><div>I am so excited about the good deals I got. I got tons of cash back, and also a lot of deluxe and coupon code samples. Be on the lookout for reviews on these products:</div><div><ul><li>Lancome Definicils Waterproof mascara</li><li>Lancome Genifique Concentrate (sample)</li><li>Lancome Color Design Lipstick (sample, not too sure what color)</li><li>Lancome Juicy Tubes in Moulin Rose (sample)</li><li>Lancome Bright Expert (sample)</li><li>Lamcome Juicy Tubes in Touched By Light (sample)</li><li>Shiseido Skincare 1 2 3 Pureness Oil Control Set</li><li>MAKE UP FOR EVER HD Microfinish Powder</li><li>Stila Smudgestick Waterproof Eyeliner in Stingray</li><li>Bumble and Bumble Seaweed Shampoo</li><li>Dior Best in Show Mini Mascara Duo (Diorshow in Black & Diorshow Maximizer)</li><li>Jack Black Intense Therapy Lip Balm Duo in Black Tea & Blackberry and Grapefruit & Ginger</li><li>Urban Decay Afterglow Glide-On Cheek Tint in Quickie (sample)</li><li>Bobbi Brown Skin Foundation Packet Trio (sample)</li></ul><div>I'm really interested in the Dior mascara (I've heard a TON of people, especially people I know personally, rave about this stuff), and the Bobbi Brown foundation. These are two products I didn't purchase a full size, but they're so expensive that I don't think I would feel very comfortable purchasing.</div><div>
<br /></div><div>I got a bunch of samples from Lancome, and that goes to show the greatness of coupon codes. And the best part was I found that particular code on the <a href="http://www.ebates.com/rf.do?referrerid=XH4m%2BsxXuXIh4sNZM3AFWA%3D%3D">ebates</a>' website, not the Lancome one. So even if you're not interested in cash back (sorry, I think you'll have to be nuts to not be), the site is a great resource for coupon codes :D</div></div><div>
<br /></div><div>One more note/piece of advice: since Sephora is such a great place to find all kinds of department store brand makeup, if you're interested in a certain product, go to the store and ask for samples. Now don't go off asking for samples of all the products in the store. It's suggested that your "limit" should be 2-3, or else the staff may not be too nice to you. After sampling these products, you can buy more confidently, especially if you like buying things online.</div><div>
<br /></div><div><i>This post contains affiliate or invite links that I am able to earn commission from. I would not support any company that I didn't like. What I earn from affiliate programs are going to be used to improve this blog, and bring more things for my followers.</i></div>Katsu Chiikahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08839911458005731418noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1445561337537717691.post-87824924938992155972011-06-22T06:49:00.003-10:002011-06-22T06:55:07.622-10:00BeautylishSo I found this website, that is sort of like the facebook for beauty enthusiasts, called beautylish. I just signed up, and I've been snooping around, and they have great articles, also tips for those who do tutorials. They also feature different gurus and looks that they do. It's a bit like an interactive magazine. This is also a good place for new gurus to get noticed.<div><br /></div><div>I haven't really interacted yet on this site, but I do have a <a href="http://www.beautylish.com/profile/ywszq">profile</a>. Come follow me if you want!</div>Katsu Chiikahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08839911458005731418noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1445561337537717691.post-70721373288379452922011-06-11T22:25:00.003-10:002011-06-12T14:50:55.147-10:00New Product Curiosity: INGLOT Freedom SystemI've been reading about this brand called INGLOT that is based in the UK that has this eyeshadow palette like MAC and MAKEUP FOREVER that you can customize with eyeshadows of your choice. I've been contemplating getting a Zpalette, and getting MAC and MAKEUP FOREVER eyeshadows, and de-potting my Urban Decay eyeshadows. And after doing a little looking up, it seems that I think the INGLOT route is right for me.<div><br /></div><div>At first, there were a few problems, one was that INGLOT was only a brick and mortor store...only a product listing was available online. Now that they finally have an online store, shipping is quite redonkulous-it's based on the price you're paying (the more you buy, the more you have to pay for it to be shipped). Anyway, there are stores in the US, including one in Vegas and a bunch on the east side of the country. This excites me because I would like to travel to New York (where they have a store) in the winter...just waiting on one of my friends to confirm so we can start planning our adventure there.<br /><div><br /></div><div>Anyway, I would like to point out a few things that make this company rise above the rest:</div><div><ul><li>SIZE: The size of the INGLOT eyeshadow pans are 2.7 grams. MAC and Urban Decay ones are 1.5, MAKEUP FOREVER comes close at 2.3 grams, and stila comes even closer at 2.6 grams (not too sure if these are the same size as the pans they used to sell-they're now sold in a pot)</li><li>PRICE: When bought in bulk (>10), INGLOT eyeshadow pans are $4.50, even when you buy only one, the price is $7. MAC ones are $11 (for the pan only, in the pot it's $14.50), Urban Decay is $17, and you do not have the option to buy just the pan, also no pan only, stila at $18, and MAKEUP FOREVER at $19.</li><li>FREEDOM: INGLOT comes in many varieties. You can choose from the duo eyeshadow palette for $1, 3 pan for $7, 5 pan for $10, 10 pan for $20, and 20 pan for $23. They will be releasing a 40 pan palette, which I'm not too sure about the price for. MAC Pro Palettes come only in the 4 and 15 option. The empty palettes (without the eyeshadows) are actually cheaper than the INGLOT ones. The quad is only $5 and the 15 pan (which can hold up to 22 I believe) is $14. MAKEUP FOREVER also has a palette you can put their eyeshadows in that holds 10, for $20. I thought they had another one (that holds less), but I can't find it. stila has empty palettes: 3 pan for $13, 4 pan for $16, 6 pan for $24, and 8 pan for $30.</li></ul><div>So, if you get together with some friends and go to the store, you can get a good deal on eyeshadows. I've seen swatches on Temptalia's, Beautezine's and Xsparkage's blogs, and the color payoff looks great. Also, it seems after reading that the glitter in these are better at staying on your eyelid, instead of your cheek, which is something I really think Urban Decay should look into working on.</div><div><br /></div><div>All you need to do is buy 10 pans, and you can get them for cheap. For me, that's just enough to get colors for natural look, a black, a gray/silver, an eye color enhancing look (for me a few purples), and a pink (which I like to use with neutrals). I think that could easily fill 10 pans. If I buy in the near future, I think I'm gonna pick up a 20 pan palette, and a few of the colors I mentioned. One thing I would like to do, if possible is make a dupe for the naked palette. However, in actuality, the Naked Palette is actually a good deal ($4 an eyeshadow, plus a free brush and primer potion), but I don't like the fallout from the glitter shades</div></div><div><br /></div></div>Katsu Chiikahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08839911458005731418noreply@blogger.com0