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.