Just a Trim..

It's been awhile since i last got a hair cut or anything with my hair.. but i had been really wanting to do something to my hair since it's been growing a little bit.. and well i've always had short hair.. and the past year and a half.. i've been growing it.. 

and so i really didn't wanna chop all the hard work off LOL.. it takes me forever to grow my hair, so i figured i'd just get my hair relayered.. and bangs reshaped.. 

Before:

After:

(Sorry bad pic - it was nighttime on my Macbook Pro)

LOL my makeup is terrible i know.. long days worth of work.. 

Sorry that the pic makes me look pale lol.. 

So what do ya think? I think i'm going to continue to let it grow until it's long enough.. then we'll go from there.. in another 2 months lol.. :)

I May decide to go short again come summer! we'll see though! I'm looking forward to playing with my hair and learning how to fix it and what not.. 

Review :: Buff'd Cosmetics - all Natural Mineral Cosmetics

lately i've been so bad at keeping up with the blog, but i have a good excuse.. family, work, studying & the Holidays :) lol.. 

but this is a long overdue review on this amazing company! a few months ago someone on twitter posted a link for beauty bloggers to sign up to get free samples from this company called Buff'd .. i had never heard of this product/company before and of course like and other make-up junkie.. i wanted to try it!

So i signed up and a few weeks later i got a tiny package that suprised me.. it had a ton samples! here are the items that i received:

My beauty blogging sample consists of the following products & shades:

- Beige - Medium light mineral foundation in original formula

- Neutral - Medium light mineral foundation in concealing formula

- Putty mineral finishing powder

- Candlelight illuminating dust

- Maple Mineral Bronzer

- Petunia Mineral Blush

- Tricky Mineral Blush

- Gracious Mineral Eyeshadow

- Rabid Mineral Eyeshadow

- Stormy Mineral eyeliner

I originally only entered the first two (two shades i was interested and finish) and my eye color and the rest were picked for me from my colors/shades that i chose.

So here are some pictures/swatches (couldn't take all of them sorry!)

Here are pictures of me with some of the products:

(i'm wearing Buff'd Petunia blush in the above with

Maple Mineral Bronzer)

the above 3 shots were taken with my

NEW :) Canon T2i DSLR! hehe so excited!

Buff'd "Tricky" Blush 

very iridescent/sheer. in bag it looks so pretty!

Stormy EyeLiner

So i must say, the samples did come in packets, instead of small jars that i'm used to.. (like my still glamorus eyeshadows, mac pigment samples i collect etc).. so getting the samples in packets were really different for me.. much more messier trying to get the product out (as i'm a clutz as it is).. so this i did not really like, but it was free - so i didn't really have much say in complaining lol.

The powders itself were compared to other mineral powders i have tried, especially the foundation weren't as finely milled as i'd expected.. although coverage was nice.. sometimes mineral make-up tends to make my face itch for some reason.. but these products did not do that at all.. it actually felt very light and the staying powder was amazing. it lasted me a good 6 hours.. with some creasing.. maybe because i decided to try out a new primer while i was at it (which isn't a good idea for me lol).. 

other than that the color selection they chose for me, matched beautifully with my skin. I actually loved the mineral bronzer and the blushes the most. the eyeshadows in the packets and also the eyeliner in the packet were the most messiest so i didn't have that much fun using them.. i really think i'd enjoy them a lot more if they were in jars.. but again that's just my opinion. 

the website that sent them again is called Buff'd. you can visit their website at www.buffd.com - check them out and try to sign up to get samples whenever they announce it!

Packaging: 3/5

Like i mentioned, i didn't like the packets, but i guess they have to save on shipping etc for sending out so many beauty samples lol.. this is just my personal opinion.. it was just harder for me to get and try the product in such a small baggie without it spilling all over the place.. i would have liked it to be in 5g jars lol.. so i cannot really comment on their packaging as this was what i was given.

Quality: 4/5

I think the products that were given to me were actually really nice. I think it is great for those wanting to try out mineral products and are curious to try products that are all natural. i must say all natural and mineral makeup are great products to try for those with skin issues.. the products weren't super chunky, but they weren't super finely milled.. but it didn't have any problems with application and the actual use of the product. (i had this issue with bare minerals many years ago and did not like it).. like i said these products did not break me out nor make me itch.

Usage: 4/5

the little insert that comes in the packet explains your products, some information on the company and also leaves you with contact information if you do not know how to apply any of the products.. which was great, they even e-mailed me to check-up and see if i was having trouble with any of the products or had any questions on how to use it.. 

although the samples being in baggies did make it hard to use, that actual usage of the product on my skin was quite easy. it was super easy to blend and didn't chalk up or flake/crust even on dry spots. the staying powder was great for my combination skin.. although it was probably due to a new primer i mistakenly tried out at the same time made it crease on my t-zone (which gets sort of oily) reapplication was easy.. didn't oxidize on me either which i really liked.. 

Overall: 4/5

overall i must say this beauty blogger sample package was amazing. the quality was great and if you visit their website the prices are reasonable and affordable.. and the website goes in depth with their products - they have some amazing sales currently - so if your interested in trying their products now might be a great time! i think the products are great for sensitive skin, those with acne issues as the products are all natural and mineral. customer service was great and they even offer on the website (and e-mail) application help and tips for their products.. great if you are a beginner to make-up or to their products and are unsure. 

i definitely liked all the products that were sent to me and if i were to order after i run out.. defintely would be the mineral bronzer, the blushes (petunia being my absolute fave) also the powder foundation in their concealing formula. so they defintely get an a-okay in my book! 

if you do decide to get anything from their website, let me know.. or if you've tried their products before let me know your thoughts! til next time!

here's a sneak peek of my upcoming post.. 

Yes it's messy.. but it's MY getaway haha!

FTC: I was sent these products by a PR firm for review purposes. I was not paid to do this review, nor does it alter my view on the product. As always, my reviews are with my HONEST thoughts and opinions.

Merry Christmas Everyone!!

Hello Everyone!!

I Wanted to pop in and just tell all my fellow bloggers and friends Merry Christmas! :) I hope you all are enjoying your weekend with your loved ones! it's not about the presents that you give or receive, but the presence and quality time spent with those you love and that matter to you! 

For those of you that follow my twitter, i had tweeted about needing help choosing between two things that i wanted for christmas.. originally if was the Vanity Girl Hollywood broadway mirror.. or a coach purse.. as thats what was on my wishlist..

And My husband told me to choose.. and well i was looking around at coach purses and then i thought.. well.. i've been wanting one for a year now.. and i just kind of hinted at him.. what about a Canon EOS Rebel T2i DSLR? 

i thought it was going to be a longshot.. but he thought about it.. and told me it was my choice.. i was like omg! because i could really use the broadway mirror.. it would be awesome with my vanity.. and amazing lighting and everything for my YT tutorials/videos etc.. but then i was thinking well.. the DSLR would be awesome FOR my blog/videos as well!

and i thought hubby could also use it and we could use it to take awesome HD pictures of the kids! and well.. i was SO undecided that i decided to ask this question on twitter.. and had gotten mixed answers.. 

every other person was like.. MIRROR! Camera! mirror... camera.. lol.. so i ultimately.....

I went with the Canon T2i DSLR!! :) and i'm SO happy with my choice! i of course purchased the wrong memory card, so i cant take HD Videos just yet.. but i want to let you all know that i'm so excited to blog more and make more videos!

I hope you all got what you wanted for christmas.. I actually have some scheduled posts waiting for pictures LOL.. but they should be posted soon! :) and I'm thinking about doing a major collective haul video from the past few months lol *thinking*.. not sure.. don't want to bore you all! 

and for those that have been wondering about my fitness.. YES! i still go, i just haven't been posting my sessions.. only because i'm doing a different routine.. but i want to elaborate more on it in a separate post! but yes -  keep being active and exercise.. don't let the holidays be an excuse! :) 

MERRY CHRISTMAS EVERYONE! <3

Fitness Tip :: 12/12/2010

so here's my little quick fitness tip for today!  for those of you who follow me on twitter, i post these there too when i get a chance.. i'll try to do them more often for you! :) I'll post them on my blog as well..

"Working out with weights builds strength and muscle tone and helps you lose weight by increasing/improving your metabolism"

so try incorporating some free weights into your regimen! you just might see some amazing results! :) stay fit, stay beautiful! <3

Urban Decay :: Book of Shadows Vol. III Swatches

i had originally purchased this item during the Sephora Friends and family 2010 sale.. I was waiting for another purchase to open them together to show you all, but there was a problem with the other package.. it had been "lost" and they had to resend it to me.. which that's another story..

but i wanted to share with you all the Urban Decay Book of Shadows Volume III.. since i did this with the urban decay naked palette, i thought it'd be fitting..

So some of you are like, what is the Urban Decay of of shadows Vol III.. no it's not a book ;) but from the sephora.com website..

What it is:
A playful, pop-up eyeshadow kit that lights up when you open it.

What it does:
Inspired by the glimmering lights and iconic landmarks of New York City, Urban Decay's Book of Shadows Volume III features 16 versatile, shimmering eyeshadows, two 24/7 Glide-On Eye Pencils, and a travel-size Eyeshadow Primer Potion. The pop-up book package is so cool and artful, you'll want to keep this scene of the Big Apple on display.

 here are pictures of the swatches of everything! :) enjoy!

 umm don't mind me HAHA

the paper that came from the package/box thingie

 swatches of Zero and Ransom with flash

 No Flash

And for the swatches...

 perversion, uzi, loaded, kush (no flash)

 perversion, uzi, loaded, kush (with Flash)

(top flash, bottom no flash)

 midnight cowboy rides again, last call, rockstar, money

(top no flash, bottom with flash)

 Haight, Maui Wowie, smog, Bordello

(top no flash, bottom with flash)

 Radium, Snatch, suspect, Psychedelic Sister

the set :)

So if you don't have this palette, and don't have many eyeshadows - this is a great palette with versatile colors.. a range of bright/vivid and neutral to muted colors.. great to play around with.. I've heard Urban Decay is notorious for re-promoting eyeshadows in different palettes.. but this wasn't the case for me.. well minus smog, since that eyeshadow came in my urban decay naked palette, but nonetheless i loved that color, so i don't mind.. but every other color in this palette, i did not have.. (then again this is only my second palette from urban decay)

the towers on the pop up are supposed to light up, they used to.. i don't know what happened.. they light up occasionally lol.. sucks! but anywho i really use it for the shadows and liners so that's okay i guess..

there were some colors that were really gritty/glittery and i didn't like that which were only 2 i think.. but the rest of them were just like the naked palette buttery feeling and just pure amazingness! LOL

Tutorial :: Using StillGlamorus Smokey Glam Couture Set

So YAY! finally a tutorial.. it may not be the best, but it is one! and i hope by my subbies that watch, i'll get some feedback and see what i can improve etc.. ;) so enjoy!

Products Used:

EYES:

-TFSI

-StillGlamorus.com "Smokey Glam Couture" set (Vintage, Porcelain Doll, Dress Maker)

-StillGlamorus.com eyeshadow in "Single"

-MAC Soft Brown Eyeshadow

-L'Oreal Carbon Black Lineur intense liquid eyeliner

-Covergirl Liquiline eyeliner pencil in Blackfire (waterline/lowerlashline)

-Maybelline the Falsies Mascara

- Rimmel Eyebrow pencil in Dark Brown

FACE:

- MUFE Duo Mat Powder foundation in "203" light beige

- Graftobian Soft Orange HD Creme Corrector

- Graftobian HD foundation palette in "vixen" used as concealer

- MAC Eversun Blush

- MAC Blushbaby Blush

- MAC Emote (to contour)

- MAC By Candlelight MSF (highlight)

LIPS:

- MAC Velvet Teddy Lipstick

- MAC Spice Lipliner

- MAC Boy Bait Cremesheen Glass

it really has been a few months since i last did a video, that i had forgotten parts of my eyes LOL like inner/outter lid haha.. i was at a loss for words.. and then of course i'm not gonna add it, but i totally didn't know i was recording while i was all glamming up my hair AHAHA.. how embarassing.. but i had fun doing this..

Ness from nerdyness.com had inspired me to actually do this tutorial, since i had been wanting to do a video, but wasn't sure what to do :) this one's for you hun! 

Here are pictures again of the swatches of the eyeshadows i used from stillglamorus cosmetics. :)

Porcelain Doll - Vintage - Dress Maker

I looove my blogging buds! they are awesome! <3 but anywho, here are pictures of the final look.. totally have no idea what the heck happened to the settings on my camera since it's been ages since i did a video.. but.. please bare with me! hope you enjoyed the video nonetheless!

until the next one! which will actually be really really soon! :)