Lunasol Fall 2011 Collection - Research!

Is anyone excited about Lunasol's upcoming release? I was pretty pumped when I saw the ads for it! Each palette provides 3 different shimmer levels for the liner and highlight shade, which is awesome. I usually a prefer matte or semi-matte highlight to balance to shimmer present in most Japanese eyeshadow palettes. Obviously each section will be difficult to pick up if you're using brushes, but I'm a sponge-tip girl so this presents no problem.

Several asian bloggers have posted swatches of the collection. Originally I wanted all 5 palettes, but after looking at the swatches, I've preliminarily narrowed it down to 2 for now - 03 Mysterious Beige (purple) and 05 Deep Beige (gray). I will focus on the 05 palette in this post, as that is the one I'm most excited for. Here are the posts that helped me out:

1)  Tingjp's Lunasol post
2)  Sharon0418's Lunasol post
3)  Yuki's Lunasol post 

All photos below belong to their respective bloggers. If you are one of the 

bloggers listed above and wish to have these photos removed, please let me know.

First, I looked at Tingjp's swatches below. As you can see, everything appears to have very subtle shine. 01 looks a bit warm, and even though 04 is called "Cool Beige," the swatch of it (not shown very well here) is still quite warm and yellow-based. 05 looks the coolest by far, and 03 also appears more neutral. I love how 05 looks here!

Next, looking at Sharon0418's post, you can see more swatches and an FOTD using the 05 palette. Although the palette itself looks quite cool, the swatch and FOTD makes it seem warmer, and greener?!?!? I was a little puzzled. Sharon herself noticed the green. At first, I thought maybe the gray, once applied to the yellow-ness in asian skin will make the shadow appear like an olive-gray. But then I realized that doesn't make much sense. Lunasol just isn't the type of brand to do things accidentally.

Finally, looking at Yuki's post, I was able to discern a more plausible explanation: there seems to be green shimmers in the 05 palette! Yuki's swatches and product photos are fantastic as you can clearly see the sparkle details.  Except for the darkest liner shade and two white shades, the 05 palette has green shimmer particles throughout. This can better account for Sharon's olive-y FOTD above.

OK, that's the end of my analysis! Regardless of how detailed blog photos are, it's nothing compared to holding and using the product yourself.  So, here my personal conclusions from researching the palettes in this collection:

1) The liner and highlight shades do indeed have shimmer variation, and thus make these palettes more versatile for me.

2) The shimmer level as compared to previous Lunasol releases is difficult to discern, but seems to be on the more subtle side.

3) The green shimmer in the 05 palette worries me, since green isn't that flattering on me IMO.  I don't mind that 01 and 04 are a tiny bit warm, I just have too many warm-neutrals. The 02 pink doesn't excite me much, but I may change my mind. So far, 03 is still on my list. 

Hope everyone is having a great weekend! I already have reading due, even though school has not started yet. How silly is that?

Chip Review: OISHI Ribbed Cracklings Salt and Vinegar

I love chips! I have no qualms about opening up a bag of chips at a friend's house, even when said friend is not there to give express permission. That is how I came across this little bag of delight. How can I resist when salt and vinegar are my two favorite ingredients?! This thing had my name written all over it.


There are 2 major points of excellence about this bag of Cracklings:

1) The flavor complexity is just right. As you take a bite, spurts of salty and sour hit your senses independently. As the chip disintegrates, the flavors mix into a tangy brilliance and right before you swallow, a surprising and refreshing spice builds and remains.
2) The delivery is fantastic. The chip is thicker than most, and thus gives a satisfying "CRUNCH!" when you bite into it. This properly distributes the flavor everywhere. Each chip also takes a few more chews so it feels more substantial than your average LAY'S. This is true to their claim on the bag: "Beer Match series of snacks are cut in big, big bite-size pieces. Flavors were selected specifically for a beer drinkers enjoyment!" Amen! (Although I don't drink, and you certainly don't have to in order to enjoy this.)  Credit: The photo below was taken from Cindy's (theasianaisle.com) review. Check it out here! She's obviously more experienced than I am, so if you are a chip connoisseur, you may find her review more helpful.

Next I'll point out some less crucial and yet not-so-trivial details about this bag:

1) The packaging is very good. The plastic feels smooth and weighty - not as heavy as Kettle, but good enough. I also like how it's matte instead of shiny.
2) The size is perfect. The 1.67oz/50g bag isn't so big that you'll look like a monster eating out of it, but isn't so tiny that you wish you had some leftovers. If you feel overzealous and want more than usual, eat the whole thing. Or, you can finish it over 2 or 3 sittings.
3) Price and Availability.  I haven't tried looking for this in stores yet, but here's an online store that sells it for a good price. This is a product of the Philippines.

Overall, I give this a  4.5/5. The flavor, texture, and crunch factor are all excellent. -0.5 for availability. Ok ok, so an entire post about chips and not a peep about nutrition? What kind of doctor will I be, you ask? So here I'll state the obvious: chips and other processed foods are not good for you. (But is it good for my S-O-U-L? You betcha.) Please eat at your own discretion.

Life Ramble - Episode 29823

7 DAYS since my last update! How is everyone doing?

First, since I'm low on time, I'll respond to your comments from my last post here:

Popcorn:  I'm so glad you like the TM!! I was crossing my fingers. He he.

Shop N' Chomp:  Yeah, I think you should give DL1961's a try. I have similar issues as you do but I have thicker thighs.  :P

LittoMokaa:  So far I don't like the dimethicone one either. Haha.

Cushy:  Yep, I'll do mini-reviews on the sunscreens.

Rainy Days and Lattes:  Sure, I'll review the night jelly.  :)

So, there have been a lot changes in my life which I won't go into the details of. Life is so unpredictable! It seems like I say this every year, but it's just as true this year, if not more so. Life is like this for me right now:

Last week was pretty dreary, and there was lots of thunder and lightening. I quite like though, don't you? Thunder is the click of God's camera, and lightening is the flash! So I always smile.

I'm in the process of obtaining my Visa so I can go to Asia this summer.  Don't be fooled by the easy paperwork - the tricky part is turning in your application to the office: 

After my number is called (3 hours later), I went up to the counter. A lady with circle lenses and weird inner corner highlight (abbreviation: Lady with CL and WICH) took a look at my Visa application:

Lady with CL and WICH:   You're not born here?

Me:   Nope.

Lady with CL and WICH:   You need your old Visa papers.

Me:  Oh. OK...

Lady with CL and WICH:   Those are the regulations.

Me:   Is there a reason why it's needed?

Lady with CL and WICH:   Those are the regulations.

Me:   Oh.

Lady with CL and WICH:   ....*SIGH!* They want to see what kind of person you were before you became a US citizen!

Me:  ...

*****

Anyway. Peace out gang!! Be back next time with a real beauty post!

New Skincare Stuff + DL1961 Jeans Rave

My order from Sasa.com came in a few days ago (it took 2+ weeks because I was silly and ordered during Easter weekend). I got a few sheet masks - Silk Whitia had a BOGOF deal, so it was a good time to stock up.  I also got a sleeping mask for days when I'm too lazy to wait for sheet masks. And lastly a couple of sunscreens. Since I'm going to be in Asia this summer, I thought I'd try a higher SPF.

This is everything.

Hisamitsu Lifecella Ceramide Essence Mask and Hyaluronic Acid Mask

 Silk Whitia Whitening and Moisturizing Mask x 2

Ingredients ~

Sponsored Review: Misikko HANA Air Premiere Hair Dryer

When John D. from Misikko.com contacted me about doing a review for a hairdryer, I was excited! I've only ever used 2 hairdryers in my life: 1) a cheapie mini dryer from who knows where and 2) Panasonic National foldable dryer.  Obviously, I wanted to know what I'm missing out on in the dryer world.  I was sent the HANAair Premiere dryer a couple weeks back, and feel that I'm now able to comment on it.

An unexpectedly big box.

Ta-da... lots of stuff! Including a really nice note from John, cases, a stuffed monkey, sanitizers, nail files, and Paul Mitchell shampoo and conditioner.

But anyway, the main event is the hairdryer.

The dryer itself is not that big...

Review: SEACRET Cuticle Oil + Body Lotion + NOTD

Hello! I recently caught up on all my lectures, so this is a good time to blog. : )  A couple of you were interested in SEACRET, having seen it in malls being promoted by pushy sales reps.  I certainly understand how this can dissuade people from trying their stuff, but I actually find it to be a solid brand.

SEACRET Cuticle Oil, Natural Body Lotion. The vile of oil is cute, but I would've preferred a wider base so it stands more stably.

The bottle is stiff, so you can't squeeze - just pour it out. There is a slight tendency to pour out more than you need, but the top is bottle-nosed so as to prevent spillage.

Really thin formula.

Chanel Mica Rose + Current Nail Care

Hooray, my first nail polish post!  It's really difficult taking photos of polish (major props to all nail bloggers out there).  I failed in capturing the multicolored shimmers in Mica Rose, but other (more legitimate) bloggers have already done so.  Mica Rose is from Chanel's permanent line, and was first introduced in their Holiday 2009 collection, Celestial Lights.

I prefer applying only 1 coat for this polish, because 2 coats gives a candy-pink color, which is too cool-toned for my liking. The rose undertones definitely translate better in 1 coat on my nails.

In direct natural light. No flash.

Review: Laura Mercier Smooth Creme Foundation

Are you sick of Laura Mercier, yet? ;)  I know some of you might be wondering why I'm reviewing a foundation that's clearly meant for the winter time. Well, for me, creams transition very well into summer because I just use LESS of it (ie - like a concealer), or dilute it with moisturizer.  Plus, my dry cheeks can always use the extra hydration, be it summer or winter.

Product: $50 for 1oz/30g glass jar.  Comes with a plastic inner lid and small spatula. The price is a bit steep, but you need so little product each time you use it.

Ingredients: Aqua (Water), Hydrogenated Didecene, Polydecene, Glycerin, Hexyl Laurate, Phenyl Trimethicone, Cetyl PEG/PPG-10/1 Dimethicone, Disteardimonium Hectorite, Boron Nitride, C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate, Methicone, Argania Spinosa Oil (Argania Spinosa Kernel Oil), Phenoxyethanol, Polyglyceryl-4 Isostearate, Ribes Nigrum (Blackcurrant) Seed Oil, Trihydroxystearin, Tropolone, Tribehenin,  Cetyldimethicone/Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Propylene Glycol, Sodium Dehydroacetate, Disodium Edta, Sodium PCA, Linoleic Acid, Ceramide 2, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, PEG-10 Rapeseed Sterol, Polyquaternium-51, Linolenic Acid, Trehalose, Ascorbyl Palmitate, Sodium Hyaluronate, Tocopherol, Palmitoyl Oligopeptide.  May Contain: CI 77492(Iron Oxide), CI 77891 (Titanium Dioxide), CI 77491 (Iron Oxide), CI 77499 (Iron Oxide).

Shades: 3.5/5  For anyone NC15-20, Warm Ivory would work. It's a bit on the neutral side, but it's OK because I don't use it all over my face. It'll look dark on your hand initially, but after you spread it out, it becomes lighter (similar to how some BB creams work). The next shade up, Sunny Beige, is more yellow but too dark for me. For anyone paler, there's the lightest shade called Blush Ivory, which a bit pinker.

I'm a Bad Blogger: Giveaway prizes from LittoMokaa

It's been almost 1 YEAR since I won the giveaway hosted by S____ at LittoMokaa.  Here, I have to apologize for my complete lack of beauty blogging etiquette.  Not only am I super late in posting about the prizes, I have also forgotten exactly what she included in her prize package! :(  I was about to expound the reasons for my neglect, but honestly it's nothing unexpected (ie - moving, school, work).  Without further a due, I'll show you what (I think) she sent me.

NYC Blushable Creme Stick in Big Apple Blush and Plaza Pink.  L'oreal Extra-Intense Liquid Pencil Liner in Black, Kate Reflect Mirror Eyes in PU-2.

Here are swatches, in order of the products.

Although I don't have time for any of these products in the morning, all of them are worth checking out. The creme sticks are very smooth and easy to use. The eyeliner is highly pigmented and has great lasting power. The eyeshadows, as expected from Kate, are smooth and very shimmery.

Thank you, S____!  (The reason I have blanks after 'S' is because I'm not sure if she wants to publicize her real name. I thought she had displayed her full name on her blog once upon a time ago, but it's not there anymore. In any case, go check out her blog if you haven't done so already!)

Review + Comparison: Laura Mercier Oil Free Tinted Moisturizer SPF 20

After trying both Lancome Teint Miracle and Bobbi Brown Skin Foundation, I have decided that liquid foundation is just not for me. Liquids tend to settle into the skin, and give a more "done-up" look. I also find that they are not hydrating enough for my dry cheeks. So I've finally returned to my ever faithful brand - Laura Mercier!

First, I will review Laura Mercier's Oil-Free TM. Then, I will compare it to the regular TM.

New Stuff - August 2010 to April 2011

Hey y'all - since I'm back from my age-long absence from blogging, I thought I'd show you some things I've purchased this school year. In many ways, it's been a big year for me - not just professionally, but also personally.  But who cares right?? Why should there ever be a reason to buy new things?  You can tell I'm falling down the rabbit-hole towards financial instability.

In any case, here they are, both makeup and non-makeup items.  I'm not including clothing because I'm too lazy to take photos of them. :P  Don't posts like this scare you? They're a BIG reality check on your spending habits... which is a very good thing, technically speaking.

I actually haven't bought much makeup, considering the first 4 items were bought two days ago:  Sephora by OPI Brush-on Cuticle Oil, First Aid Ultra Repair Cream, Bobbi Brown Skin Foundation, Lancome Teint Miracle, Urban Decay De-slick Matifying Powder, Lunasol Beige x Beige palette, Chanel Pink Teaser glossimer, Michael Kors Rollerball, Almay Smart Shade Anti-aging Concealer, Almay Clear Complexion Concealer, Carmex lip balm, and a random Japanese lip balm.

Review: Bobbi Brown Skin Foundation SPF 15

UPDATE:  Well, in the end, this foundation went back. I still think it's a good foundation - great coverage, lasting power, shade match... but the 3/5 I gave for the Finish category is the killer. It just doesn't look natural on me, and settles into dry areas even if you have a good hydration regimen. Good luck everyone ~  :)

******

Just a few thoughts on BB's Skin Foundation. I'm using my roommate's camera to do this post (thanks, Jess!). 

Product: $45 for 1 oz glass bottle with pump. Travels OK, but leaks out a tiny tiny bit at the nozzle.

Shades: 5/5.  Fantastic yellow-based range. Warm Ivory is a very good match - I'm currently NC20. I've lightened since moving to the east coast (but I miss California sun!). 

Here we go! The background is a scarf, by the way. :P

This much will cover your entire face. I just use my fingers for application.

Review: Clarisonic Mia

Get it. Now.

You can forego everything else, but you must use Clarisonic.

Nothing to lose, just return it back to sephora if you're not pleased (but you'll love it).

Need I say anything else? ;)

Lunasol Layer Bloom Eyes - 02 White Gradation

DISCLAIMER: I wrote this post on April of LAST YEAR, and I'm only NOW getting around to posting it. I know, I'm baaad.

Please forgive any childish language.
Please forgive my eyebrows... what the heck was I doing a year ago?!
Please forgive poor lighting conditions.

______________________________________

I'm impressed with my first Lunasol palette. Really really glad that I jumped aboard the Lunasol bandwagon, because it's definitely worth it.

 Doesn't look like much in the pan, but it's very pretty swatched, and even more unique on the lids!

You can't tell from the swatch, but the sparkly white shade is actually a fantastic base. It sticks to the lid very well, and is quite pigmented and evens out my lid! No fall-outs.