tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30161867847484116872024-02-18T22:45:24.716-08:00Do Want MakeupMakeup and skin care reviews, nail polish, and other shiny happy things.Angelahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18378362856454032121noreply@blogger.comBlogger298125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3016186784748411687.post-2122293250614390002019-10-08T07:30:00.000-07:002019-10-08T07:30:01.175-07:00Grey marble nailsI can always tell how much I loved a certain set of nail art by how many photos I took. Different hand poses, different lighting, close-up photos, <i>lots of very slightly different angles to catch every detail</i>. So I definitely loved these grey marble nails (for which I made my first <a href="http://www.dowantmakeup.ca/2019/08/marble-nail-art-tutorial.html">nail art tutorial</a> ever), but it makes it really hard to pick out just a couple photos to make it into a blog post.<br />
<div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-boRI9c4mK7sDcSCtNm7U_B6DUnLIFLxfhbpatrax8Wc-ochu0nWzKDR0ofUm-OTWPXeBzVXN_wMPMHN2JSObEClHfRkyo_vy4MHwbaHiUp1SxvODAgUG0jKDxIJuQjcUipMEKCHcVL8/s1600/marble-nail-art-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Grey marble nail art" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-boRI9c4mK7sDcSCtNm7U_B6DUnLIFLxfhbpatrax8Wc-ochu0nWzKDR0ofUm-OTWPXeBzVXN_wMPMHN2JSObEClHfRkyo_vy4MHwbaHiUp1SxvODAgUG0jKDxIJuQjcUipMEKCHcVL8/s1600/marble-nail-art-1.jpg" title="" /></a></td></tr>
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Marble is a lot different from nail art I've done in the past that needs a lot of precision to look just right. It's especially great for de-stressing, because I'm super focused but not stressing out too much about how it doesn't look like my reference photo, not proportioned right, etc etc<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzqk4gll4XgxbFPgR8aHcFHuChWWEFnr4vkL20uIwDAxe1PHnuE9S6zPVVT39RZl7H8lylkZZUBpS4hs67z_9SLB35idGSSSbLwNYXHhyphenhyphen-nFq7pYENRmiDn1rSOUmkSdZm-yo16UX4WCU/s1600/marble-nail-art-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Grey marble nail art" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzqk4gll4XgxbFPgR8aHcFHuChWWEFnr4vkL20uIwDAxe1PHnuE9S6zPVVT39RZl7H8lylkZZUBpS4hs67z_9SLB35idGSSSbLwNYXHhyphenhyphen-nFq7pYENRmiDn1rSOUmkSdZm-yo16UX4WCU/s1600/marble-nail-art-2.jpg" title="" /></a></td></tr>
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With marble nails I can sorta just happily doodle along. I don't even need to draw straight lines -- it's actually very satisfying to draw a freeform jagged vein. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjP9dzVDp0yLTTbw8fWvsMKtGSxItpOqOsZsttqv8IxH3o2TF-2ick7odJI936EjClCz1WAutEw6i2hpu98BxD52W5V4hUwjthWZlCSfV1VH6FAXGwlSvnNsNSeODgYdmOQrbx_xX7Al60/s1600/marble-nails-practice.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Grey marble nail art" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjP9dzVDp0yLTTbw8fWvsMKtGSxItpOqOsZsttqv8IxH3o2TF-2ick7odJI936EjClCz1WAutEw6i2hpu98BxD52W5V4hUwjthWZlCSfV1VH6FAXGwlSvnNsNSeODgYdmOQrbx_xX7Al60/s1600/marble-nails-practice.jpg" title="" /></a></td></tr>
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It took a lot of trial and error (and YouTubing!) to get the marble I wanted. I made a point to take a photo of all my practice attempts on these nail tips, to show it can take some experimenting before getting to the final photo on Instagram you see.<br />
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Lots of the beautiful marble nails I saw were created with gel polish, which has a lot of flexibility and blendability (?) well-suited to this look. Regular polishes start drying very quickly so it's a little more challenging. The first couple tries were with a black Sharpie marker blended down with rubbing alcohol--you can tell which ones because the veining is more purply. (PS I got better results if I had a thin layer of top coat on before the Sharpie.)<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSQ-SPLsgWhyCavDnQikIL65nTwZSPOocJzcI2RBKv7tsMN_MFOSXceCfJvudJQ_sS1-U0js9RFIbmWplmHFH-_Dcc6NyClR8mHXBnepx8yxzOzuFUU9qKjRk_bTozYcsthQKFdcsglu0/s1600/marble-nail-art-5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Grey marble nail art" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSQ-SPLsgWhyCavDnQikIL65nTwZSPOocJzcI2RBKv7tsMN_MFOSXceCfJvudJQ_sS1-U0js9RFIbmWplmHFH-_Dcc6NyClR8mHXBnepx8yxzOzuFUU9qKjRk_bTozYcsthQKFdcsglu0/s1600/marble-nail-art-5.jpg" title="" /></a></td></tr>
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I also really love how one of my thumbs turned out. My thumb never appears in my nail photos; mostly that's a good thing because it's always the first nail I paint, and the first one can be kind of potato. This one turned out to have just the right consistency in the veining and mix of greys and whites, at least to me. (I used Kiara Sky Pure White, China Glaze Pelican Grey, Lise Watier Tartan Chic, Orly Luxe, and the occasional gold foil leaf.)<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjE_hz37cgAvNBYushIaMLHNIn-c75UOotbCYq2hteIkxbyy8mO7CnW6zGexxC7_gzRnt298_kSBARMK_bQrZcVx2jlZ9eb5gIkhAU0vcTShDb0jYXTGg8b8x7wC1rg7tw-NeyC2dOD3IY/s1600/marble-nail-art-4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Grey marble nail art" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjE_hz37cgAvNBYushIaMLHNIn-c75UOotbCYq2hteIkxbyy8mO7CnW6zGexxC7_gzRnt298_kSBARMK_bQrZcVx2jlZ9eb5gIkhAU0vcTShDb0jYXTGg8b8x7wC1rg7tw-NeyC2dOD3IY/s1600/marble-nail-art-4.jpg" title="" /></a></td></tr>
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To get depth, I did layers of sponging, painting thin lines, painting thicker lines, going back and painting more thin lines or blending some out with nail polish thinner. It sounds tedious but was very meditative for me. If you're the opposite, it's totally fine to even skip a few of the steps in the tutorial and still get a great result.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjztI10DmWgvWf5j5CsVCkpqEUxPh6Kcoa8Z9-8DF9KQRpGITXAtBebX_iJ6WG_2IqsDtqBID9-cY9nUF3zkK7ZMXtGxx3suHKoI9ak3e4Vd86WzrrFTuT89kaWfI3twQzvkBXYTFCivOI/s1600/marble-nail-art-3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Grey marble nail art" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjztI10DmWgvWf5j5CsVCkpqEUxPh6Kcoa8Z9-8DF9KQRpGITXAtBebX_iJ6WG_2IqsDtqBID9-cY9nUF3zkK7ZMXtGxx3suHKoI9ak3e4Vd86WzrrFTuT89kaWfI3twQzvkBXYTFCivOI/s1600/marble-nail-art-3.jpg" title="" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I don't know why my hands are two different colours</td></tr>
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Hope you enjoyed my marble nail photo dump! (And if you didn't, I'm sorry because I have at least two more marble-esque nail art posts in Draft right now lol)<br />
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Angelahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08699118218986161721noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3016186784748411687.post-70376121589236754972019-08-24T19:05:00.000-07:002019-08-24T19:08:25.551-07:00Marble nail art: a tutorial<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGyy-CQZ-IDhR7WJy_c-3bjvHSyce31qYHfp6xZWSg6pMuk9eAY9uyeF-xHDsPNwUv__jXAHOYcJm_cXL2lQo_gpKtpM5Cbks5wZGDKkeTy0vKzZyCCYVzUIxuz6LTP2lbnTJQFQul0WU/s1600/marble-nail-art-tutorial-pictorial.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Marble nail art tutorial pictorial" border="0" data-original-height="970" data-original-width="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGyy-CQZ-IDhR7WJy_c-3bjvHSyce31qYHfp6xZWSg6pMuk9eAY9uyeF-xHDsPNwUv__jXAHOYcJm_cXL2lQo_gpKtpM5Cbks5wZGDKkeTy0vKzZyCCYVzUIxuz6LTP2lbnTJQFQul0WU/s1600/marble-nail-art-tutorial-pictorial.jpg" title="" /></a></td></tr>
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My first post of 2019 (and in over half a year) and I'm back in a big way - with my first-ever nail art tutorial! I made the quick pictorial above but I think some steps could use extra explaining, so I have a detailed step by step below.<br />
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<a name='more'></a><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjrOTjJ8ZwWdrTmxf-0dsgdYirASFH3mKhr92Pg3C-gtoZO26cjf_J6OfKE94InDRD4-Qm_C945T3AEEvR7jfg_qeZbQe_5tbB7knjyDMVid-q7TD5cXHEqLifZJSLhykCUgo1-ddy-C4/s1600/marble-nail-art-supplies.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Marble Nail Art Tutorial" border="0" data-original-height="415" data-original-width="625" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjrOTjJ8ZwWdrTmxf-0dsgdYirASFH3mKhr92Pg3C-gtoZO26cjf_J6OfKE94InDRD4-Qm_C945T3AEEvR7jfg_qeZbQe_5tbB7knjyDMVid-q7TD5cXHEqLifZJSLhykCUgo1-ddy-C4/s1600/marble-nail-art-supplies.jpg" title="" /></a></td></tr>
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Things you need:<br />
<ul>
<li>White polish (Kiara Sky Pure White)</li>
<li>Light grey polish (China Glaze Pelican Gray)</li>
<li>Medium grey polish - optional (Revlon Sophisticated)</li>
<li>Dark grey polish (Lise Watier Tartan Chic)</li>
<li>Gold polish (Orly Luxe)</li>
<li>Glossy top coat (Seche Vite)</li>
<li>Cosmetic sponge</li>
<li>Nail polish thinner</li>
<li>At least 1 detail art brush (I used 3)</li>
</ul>
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<div>
1. Start off by painting your nails a solid white.</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfZ2ongWLowPLKPkIB0pGwLlSh1Tv4EF8ITQyqx7ri321ZFMjXlala3VygOJx3q49jQSQQb3Szk-A2KwKo2bYrG9G8-btKyBYBkgID1V3wCW2M8Q8_8r1HF2Du8sxFiEcyQO1SKq6prCs/s1600/marble-nail-art-step-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Marble Nail Art Tutorial" border="0" data-original-height="417" data-original-width="625" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfZ2ongWLowPLKPkIB0pGwLlSh1Tv4EF8ITQyqx7ri321ZFMjXlala3VygOJx3q49jQSQQb3Szk-A2KwKo2bYrG9G8-btKyBYBkgID1V3wCW2M8Q8_8r1HF2Du8sxFiEcyQO1SKq6prCs/s1600/marble-nail-art-step-2.jpg" title="" /></a></td></tr>
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2. Once your white base is dry, paint on 1 coat of light grey polish. Patchiness/streakiness is encouraged as it helps create depth. I purposely apply the light grey sloppy to look like this.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzUuqiQ-AfRoqOxGIvUvhcRFKpjC9nY8i6Rrxl6H05IrGw8mpJT9_FJR-QeiJwcz5ib-jJd6tFD-a3XeOvkaRuvD7TyQKUpi1YurJfTmoWjluCQRERTE0ELc0h6nvJOp3iLx86O2eSWoo/s1600/marble-nail-art-step-3b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Marble Nail Art Tutorial" border="0" data-original-height="417" data-original-width="625" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzUuqiQ-AfRoqOxGIvUvhcRFKpjC9nY8i6Rrxl6H05IrGw8mpJT9_FJR-QeiJwcz5ib-jJd6tFD-a3XeOvkaRuvD7TyQKUpi1YurJfTmoWjluCQRERTE0ELc0h6nvJOp3iLx86O2eSWoo/s1600/marble-nail-art-step-3b.jpg" title="" /></a></td></tr>
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3. Dot white, medium grey, and dark grey polish on to a mat or piece of plastic. I used the torn edge of a makeup sponge to dip and swirl into this mixture and lightly tap on to the nail. You may need to first tap the sponge on to the mat to take off excess polish to get the speckled effect above. Alternatively, you can use a scrunched up piece of plastic wrap instead of a sponge.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn5_N9KzUhEBY82b2cqaabeqyLf23qbF8nGECt2BpXAb-vsvKo6EAyR1zS4dhdZEg45kCucFUe9Bf0Pcm7v-0a8RV5hLKqTYfXPohZE7WJYvPAT-xK-Hd9UyisAVWpkUDJcpH_I0GngCA/s1600/marble-nail-art-step-4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Marble Nail Art Tutorial" border="0" data-original-height="417" data-original-width="625" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn5_N9KzUhEBY82b2cqaabeqyLf23qbF8nGECt2BpXAb-vsvKo6EAyR1zS4dhdZEg45kCucFUe9Bf0Pcm7v-0a8RV5hLKqTYfXPohZE7WJYvPAT-xK-Hd9UyisAVWpkUDJcpH_I0GngCA/s1600/marble-nail-art-step-4.jpg" title="" /></a></td></tr>
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4. Using the dark grey polish, roughly 'connect' some of the speckles with your detail brush. (Of the 3 brushes, I used the thickest one.) This works great even for people with unsteady hands - I enjoy making very jagged, shaky lines.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7YRWICQ5iFMPjwiLIvklPl-ESEr2RtfnTch4QmDZnp62rMwG737Jw6lqXrLYVlSKUja4uTHATpfCPxZWv3ju4FKDH2MU7Jmbrk5Dg-Sj5-lTvp_0t7l33WMVkuDSELrvVmlf4vjzGTGw/s1600/marble-nail-art-step-5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Marble Nail Art Tutorial" border="0" data-original-height="417" data-original-width="625" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7YRWICQ5iFMPjwiLIvklPl-ESEr2RtfnTch4QmDZnp62rMwG737Jw6lqXrLYVlSKUja4uTHATpfCPxZWv3ju4FKDH2MU7Jmbrk5Dg-Sj5-lTvp_0t7l33WMVkuDSELrvVmlf4vjzGTGw/s1600/marble-nail-art-step-5.jpg" title="" /></a></td></tr>
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5. Immediately after drawing your lines, clean your brush off with polish thinner and then use to water down/thin the dark grey lines. I use a dotting/gentle patting motion rather than smooth strokes. I use a combination of patting thinner directly on to the lines and also slightly off-center on the lines. imo convincing marble veining 'stutters' with variations in thickness and darkness, and is not a perfectly solid line throughout.<br />
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If the thinner starts to lift your light grey polish to show a little of the white polish underneath, this is totally fine as it adds depth :) You can also dot the thinner on to some of the speckles you didn't connect to soften the look of them.<br />
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Optional: go back with a super fine detail brush and add a little more dark grey in the veins you previously watered down<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguDKdG1f_ohtfu5bcxjRe7BDnnxUwJ421vBsr1fT880KJ0n_7TjlFyqzyQIy2LftTQAfbbkuuwz20QErD1cOB11El4DQiqe4i8CFntnerbt5RqXxoZ0ywtR1bpqOoEPZn2jrJgGKoYN9A/s1600/marble-nail-art-step-6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Marble Nail Art Tutorial" border="0" data-original-height="417" data-original-width="625" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguDKdG1f_ohtfu5bcxjRe7BDnnxUwJ421vBsr1fT880KJ0n_7TjlFyqzyQIy2LftTQAfbbkuuwz20QErD1cOB11El4DQiqe4i8CFntnerbt5RqXxoZ0ywtR1bpqOoEPZn2jrJgGKoYN9A/s1600/marble-nail-art-step-6.jpg" title="" /></a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
6. Dab on white polish, freely mixing or diluting with the thinner as you like. Add the white going in the same general direction as the dark grey (in this case, top left going diagonally to bottom right).<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOZRoapD-wEKu9lmuQRTL0sbWfSUuOWOSc7qYb8uaW6qQrtLMMFUE5kBy3882uRBHpz1wqE_9V0BGzQ5hEXRyhoEN0RNRU7Wl73iks5SPl7-VE6wftAeQIeQelMJ3iI_WhLggwGQs9m38/s1600/marble-nail-art-step-7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Marble Nail Art Tutorial" border="0" data-original-height="417" data-original-width="625" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOZRoapD-wEKu9lmuQRTL0sbWfSUuOWOSc7qYb8uaW6qQrtLMMFUE5kBy3882uRBHpz1wqE_9V0BGzQ5hEXRyhoEN0RNRU7Wl73iks5SPl7-VE6wftAeQIeQelMJ3iI_WhLggwGQs9m38/s1600/marble-nail-art-step-7.jpg" title="" /></a></td></tr>
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7. Moar white. Freely layer the white and medium grey in dabs here and there in combination with polish thinner to get more depth and dimension.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoS8sc5k1eatsF-4JSqfEc2MNTFYC_1rPTXn2F23MKIcowlTXg2PzWRxikF61vrN4WmWHW3RoVNiLn88j9by_JUJB5v3r-bkkdC8wrQvQcFDftWBuqEhHK7VnMUWlR7C7ROxY6E1Pxy5Q/s1600/marble-nail-art-step-8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Marble Nail Art Tutorial" border="0" data-original-height="417" data-original-width="625" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoS8sc5k1eatsF-4JSqfEc2MNTFYC_1rPTXn2F23MKIcowlTXg2PzWRxikF61vrN4WmWHW3RoVNiLn88j9by_JUJB5v3r-bkkdC8wrQvQcFDftWBuqEhHK7VnMUWlR7C7ROxY6E1Pxy5Q/s1600/marble-nail-art-step-8.jpg" title="" /></a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
8. Using a very fine brush, add a little bit of gold polish sparingly. Usually I draw this right up next to a dark grey vein.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKSk8dGXcRTVc8oQqOlbc3WMFQWb9ckzNFA1QG-OOrn9Q9K4F07fckXPs1ulPe7b6QFjWqKnrRXj2H7cLY5VwDtPbdOCvfmm_AnpPXmjNRW2I6R7v3qcXfW3T4KgonxB694BRyvEtM_OI/s1600/marble-nail-art-step-9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Marble Nail Art Tutorial" border="0" data-original-height="417" data-original-width="625" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKSk8dGXcRTVc8oQqOlbc3WMFQWb9ckzNFA1QG-OOrn9Q9K4F07fckXPs1ulPe7b6QFjWqKnrRXj2H7cLY5VwDtPbdOCvfmm_AnpPXmjNRW2I6R7v3qcXfW3T4KgonxB694BRyvEtM_OI/s1600/marble-nail-art-step-9.jpg" title="" /></a></td></tr>
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9. Seal everything with glossy top coat. A thick, shiny top coat <strike>covers all your sins</strike> smooths and blends everything together. You're done!<br />
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(P.S. credit to Kristin Gardner's <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Frcz4gZnhos">easy marble nail tutorial</a>; I tested out a few marble techniques and ended up incorporating her method into the first part of my marble nails. If you find this tutorial has way too many steps, check out her tutorial which is super pretty and straightforward.)<br />
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What I love about marble nails is that you can make the marble however you want -- subtle and super blended or bold with dark veining -- and it looks impressive without requiring precision or the ability to draw a straight line. Every marble nail I do is a little bit unique, which is also nice. I did probably the most practicing and experimenting for this look than any other nail art I've done before, so I hope you enjoy the fruits of my efforts :)<br />
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<ul>
<li><i>Can I use polish remover instead of polish thinner?</i> Probably, but I haven't tried it. Also polish remover is not very kind to your brushes and does not remove polish on brushes easily. Thinner is cheap (mine is from Sally Beauty for ~$4) and is handy for when your polishes start getting gloopy and dried out; I've rescued a dried-out bottle that I accidentally put away with the cap loose, using a generous amount of thinner and lots of rolling</li>
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<li><i>What about the sharpie method? </i>I actually really love the way sharpie 'blooms' with rubbing alcohol to make a pretty marble. However the watered down sharpie has a purplish tone that imo didn't look good after I layered on with grey polishes</li>
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<li><i>Where can I get nail art brushes? </i>Expensive brushes aren't necessary to start out. There are cheap sets available on Amazon, Born Pretty, etc. You can also pick up a cheap brush from Michaels, they'd commonly be labeled as liner brushes (the blue one from the supplies photo above is a 10/0 short liner from Michaels)</li>
</ul>
Angelahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08699118218986161721noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3016186784748411687.post-61357870282113116642018-12-26T17:23:00.001-08:002018-12-26T17:23:30.100-08:00Holiday 2018 nail artHello~ a quick post before we all get back to our turkey dinner leftovers and/or Boxing Day shopping (hopefully online). Lately I've been focusing more on knitting but I wanted something easy but still unmistakably festive.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmi0yyIu7SFA8Ji31uiLzM8-tZrcoEt2n6wlKb6r1wW1e3JyB2FpmN9JbYd81si3_i7bfgzvj2JoH-PvwnpF49Y8oN-7_EcrVlrOQnj3iWpRHqweuEvryBYqsnTGUtLf4dsTkAaLNeMWc/s1600/xmas-nails-2018.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Holiday nail art 2018" border="0" data-original-height="415" data-original-width="625" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmi0yyIu7SFA8Ji31uiLzM8-tZrcoEt2n6wlKb6r1wW1e3JyB2FpmN9JbYd81si3_i7bfgzvj2JoH-PvwnpF49Y8oN-7_EcrVlrOQnj3iWpRHqweuEvryBYqsnTGUtLf4dsTkAaLNeMWc/s1600/xmas-nails-2018.jpg" title="" /></a></td></tr>
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I started out knowing I'd paint one nail with a wreath and keep the rest simple to make things quick. Essie Going Incognito is a great deep green to represent holly and Christmas fir trees, while my workhorse Orly Luxe gold is a perfect base for Sephora Formula X glitter in Starlight for a multi-dimensional sparkly gold nail.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQGgt6gpy2bmbfQ_yRmlUHejBz-iPVfSS1ncm50DN7rcz1mYTpjFQVPGPlrgOIve16EEP7ZJ5ZPa_6sn6wzpzvdQtTDNqJRFQm7zQTj8PXfrHTf3vrotgsTp6iEYYA2pWvIwW1U0HVFNo/s1600/xmas-nails-2018-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Holiday nail art 2018" border="0" data-original-height="415" data-original-width="625" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQGgt6gpy2bmbfQ_yRmlUHejBz-iPVfSS1ncm50DN7rcz1mYTpjFQVPGPlrgOIve16EEP7ZJ5ZPa_6sn6wzpzvdQtTDNqJRFQm7zQTj8PXfrHTf3vrotgsTp6iEYYA2pWvIwW1U0HVFNo/s1600/xmas-nails-2018-2.jpg" title="" /></a></td></tr>
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Potato instructions on how to draw a wreath (using Going Incognito, Zoya Rikki, TBS Body Shop Green, butter London Pillar Box Red):<br />
<ol>
<li>Draw two curvy lines to make an almost circle -- it doesn't have to be perfect nor even touching because it'll mostly get covered</li>
<li>Draw some leaf-blobs, using various shades of green for depth</li>
<li>Add some red dots</li>
</ol>
And that's literally it :D<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeopcppR5rwlklSNcOSpRfcCe9YZ37lvG3DC0HdVAgHwrQxqOecPPS3jjdNkglRwujJYq0xM3om2bXudC0Enrcfg7ngJG_Frl6Va2WEHVcc2QmllJB4cxu_6mHLSv11MclJ9GJbJGSyuk/s1600/xmas-nails-2018-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Holiday nail art 2018" border="0" data-original-height="415" data-original-width="625" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeopcppR5rwlklSNcOSpRfcCe9YZ37lvG3DC0HdVAgHwrQxqOecPPS3jjdNkglRwujJYq0xM3om2bXudC0Enrcfg7ngJG_Frl6Va2WEHVcc2QmllJB4cxu_6mHLSv11MclJ9GJbJGSyuk/s1600/xmas-nails-2018-1.jpg" title="" /></a></td></tr>
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Essie Going Incognito is LE, but Essie Off Tropic is a slightly darker alternative that would work. Starlight is also no longer available (I'm still mad Sephora Formula X was discontinued), but Essie Rock At The Top or China Glaze Counting Carats look similar.<br />
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Happy holidays everyone :)<br />
<br />Angelahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08699118218986161721noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3016186784748411687.post-25465556815432109122018-11-03T17:01:00.000-07:002018-11-03T17:01:56.343-07:00CND 2018 Boho Summer collection<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7z4cVoGm_mQmKpZf1sQwLXXwpGfoSKJNuvwQNgXhbPlheqA0r5QbVBzNlJH1OJANmS0e8LHVlOdWzqXle0vL57PUNnihAM18E2iFW5ww5PpcCl0OOHYwFx3Bb7zwld9AeDCNj3kPH_mU/s1600/cnd-boho-summer-nail-polish.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="CND Boho Summer 2018 nail polish" border="0" data-original-height="415" data-original-width="625" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7z4cVoGm_mQmKpZf1sQwLXXwpGfoSKJNuvwQNgXhbPlheqA0r5QbVBzNlJH1OJANmS0e8LHVlOdWzqXle0vL57PUNnihAM18E2iFW5ww5PpcCl0OOHYwFx3Bb7zwld9AeDCNj3kPH_mU/s1600/cnd-boho-summer-nail-polish.jpg" title="" /></a></td></tr>
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It's a little late to be posting about a summer collection, but with the weather so gray and dreary right now, maybe a bit of brightness couldn't hurt? The Boho Spirit collection from CND this summer hit just the right mix of brights and subtler shades for me. Available in both long-wear Vinylux and Shellac (CND's gel range), there's Offbeat (bright magenta), Uninhibited (pinky peach), Gypsy (orange), and Vagabond (muted pale yellow).<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyXyp2ujxDJqiazCFnwJmCrxTSqwcuiRHGVZCSYObRAhyGOKf6daP5yTHpLPksu4NYxHbcfPawor6ClgJPtjej8Dla7LMtuon14ZD3btEUW-sh4ba-36oXKOG_cmaQVP32gQSE5Q5sg6g/s1600/cnd-boho-gypsy-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="CND Boho Summer 2018 nail polish Gypsy" border="0" data-original-height="415" data-original-width="625" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyXyp2ujxDJqiazCFnwJmCrxTSqwcuiRHGVZCSYObRAhyGOKf6daP5yTHpLPksu4NYxHbcfPawor6ClgJPtjej8Dla7LMtuon14ZD3btEUW-sh4ba-36oXKOG_cmaQVP32gQSE5Q5sg6g/s1600/cnd-boho-gypsy-2.jpg" title="" /></a></td></tr>
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Gypsy's orange is a bright and true orange, bordering on almost neon. This shade fits in equally as well in a cheerful summer mani as it would in a fall look. It's the kind of brightness that makes cameras photograph kind of wonky (the below picture is a bit more accurate imo).<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzkKbeIIxsSRrsFvubEAkhp-Zb_3ZYd7KdQiS4je3ncAiXVacw6yl3_fBstm6VZPhVRmjeHh42oZNldjz31DAXp4c5gw-xRHKH-pIDRz0Oy1JUxpcqcVxtt21nwi9eUeU_0QCQ1KXMD-M/s1600/cnd-boho-gypsy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="CND Boho Summer 2018 nail polish Gypsy" border="0" data-original-height="415" data-original-width="625" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzkKbeIIxsSRrsFvubEAkhp-Zb_3ZYd7KdQiS4je3ncAiXVacw6yl3_fBstm6VZPhVRmjeHh42oZNldjz31DAXp4c5gw-xRHKH-pIDRz0Oy1JUxpcqcVxtt21nwi9eUeU_0QCQ1KXMD-M/s1600/cnd-boho-gypsy.jpg" title="" /></a></td></tr>
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This was a surprise favourite for me and I wore Gypsy for almost a week (!!!) which is shocking for me since I often change out polish by day 3 or 4. I was really impressed by how well the polish, paired with the Vinylux top coat, held up, as it didn't chip at all!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_fZ8EKo-ISdmO09eM7FR0JjVQaOmPqyAdzWR0A6OJyRpyw_3eOs-iL25E6b7h2p5CAZAR6TTo5X2vbQ9UQDoP_NPvDsZ_2eu3Bj27YpRsejjpNQ575Wbv0pog6JoJKWmJQxfCZmWmV3c/s1600/cnd-boho-uninhibited-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="CND Boho Summer 2018 nail polish Uninhibited" border="0" data-original-height="416" data-original-width="625" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_fZ8EKo-ISdmO09eM7FR0JjVQaOmPqyAdzWR0A6OJyRpyw_3eOs-iL25E6b7h2p5CAZAR6TTo5X2vbQ9UQDoP_NPvDsZ_2eu3Bj27YpRsejjpNQ575Wbv0pog6JoJKWmJQxfCZmWmV3c/s1600/cnd-boho-uninhibited-1.jpg" title="" /></a></td></tr>
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Despite its name, Uninhibited is a rather demure pinky peach. It's slightly pinker and more muted than China Glaze Peachy Keen or Essie Serial Shopper. This was my other favourite in the collection.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifaU3Asr4JRrpBg-YU1NLHc1mi4-MuBpALVr_4sID8Ycw_i5YqJcMX1EOwTg0mBKtnfF4rzghN_3rTgzhTIgP2BvZWNH8iEpVeZGlBj7qGzFyDbZgR41Braq__TvnvjDA9XVWZt8sk-Oo/s1600/cnd-boho-uninhibited.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="CND Boho Summer 2018 nail polish Uninhibited" border="0" data-original-height="416" data-original-width="625" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifaU3Asr4JRrpBg-YU1NLHc1mi4-MuBpALVr_4sID8Ycw_i5YqJcMX1EOwTg0mBKtnfF4rzghN_3rTgzhTIgP2BvZWNH8iEpVeZGlBj7qGzFyDbZgR41Braq__TvnvjDA9XVWZt8sk-Oo/s1600/cnd-boho-uninhibited.jpg" title="" /></a></td></tr>
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Aside from the chip resistant, long wear, I also really like the CND brush. It's wide but not too dense (i.e. doesn't 'hold' too much polish), and the slight curve cut into the brush fits the curve of my cuticles perfectly. Of all nail polish brands, this is one of my favourite brushes.<br />
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I am certain I swatched Offbeat and Vagabond but seem to have lost the photos :( Offbeat is a deep pink, deeper and warmer than e.l.f. Bubble Gum Pink or Essie Perfect Mate. Vagabond was a muted, buttery yellow, like a slightly deeper version of Zoya Jacqueline or CND Honey Darlin'.<br />
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Overall I really liked this collection - all polishes applied well (though if I had to choose a problem child, Vagabond, like a typical yellow polish, requires you to be just a little more careful) and the mix of shades gave good summer vibes without being screaming neon.<br />
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Tell me your favourite summer shades to brighten up my day!<br />
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Angelahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08699118218986161721noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3016186784748411687.post-16356167951366392018-10-25T10:00:00.000-07:002018-10-25T10:00:11.746-07:00Galaxy & stars nail artHi, guess who is trying to get back into the swing of (blogging) things~ I have a bunch of stuff that has been sitting and waiting around super patiently for me to get my shit together, so here we go.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfeIEM-oC9RQmZkwTWdtoWojQq_NjCQUU9fa-yJDi2ZvG0QACasN9t38WCB1ACgox1um55z7k2Sk6-LRWE9xv14B3AskjCX_KmZAJhVBUWxlebWHTkd3zu4WjOjZraAXLuDXfWF2jhlB0/s1600/lush-bath-bomb-stars-nail-art-4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Galaxy stars nail art" border="0" data-original-height="437" data-original-width="625" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfeIEM-oC9RQmZkwTWdtoWojQq_NjCQUU9fa-yJDi2ZvG0QACasN9t38WCB1ACgox1um55z7k2Sk6-LRWE9xv14B3AskjCX_KmZAJhVBUWxlebWHTkd3zu4WjOjZraAXLuDXfWF2jhlB0/s1600/lush-bath-bomb-stars-nail-art-4.jpg" title="" /></a></td></tr>
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I posted these spacey, galaxy-y nails earlier this year on <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/Bh681vUFGWp">Instagram</a>; they were inspired by a LUSH bath bomb that had glittery gold stars in it, and I honestly still love this look so much. I think this might be my second or third time ever doing water marble, and as a result my left (dominant) hand, which I always do second, turned out much better than my right hand after getting the hang of it. So in this post, I have photos of both hands, which is a little unusual :)<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZYkqc-xQu9h6cgqQAGqPyZl_TunNp8QgLI9pHYR7-Ig7Hwv673TPTP3_6u0J7hsO_FtToM4LYbhXnvV7pRwa_Gp_bJeBmc8n2h0gQ5kqCcW-kej5Jts1JnPDZfm4aCLziUNjEMhRMj6k/s1600/lush-bath-bomb-stars-nail-art-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Galaxy stars nail art" border="0" data-original-height="415" data-original-width="625" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZYkqc-xQu9h6cgqQAGqPyZl_TunNp8QgLI9pHYR7-Ig7Hwv673TPTP3_6u0J7hsO_FtToM4LYbhXnvV7pRwa_Gp_bJeBmc8n2h0gQ5kqCcW-kej5Jts1JnPDZfm4aCLziUNjEMhRMj6k/s1600/lush-bath-bomb-stars-nail-art-2.jpg" title="" /></a></td></tr>
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First, two (or maybe it was three?) coats of Layla Pro N.19. The peacock blue with tons of gold-green, fine iridescent shimmer is a perfect base. Unfortunately this brand seems to be discontinued now, but a similar polish in terms of the shimmer is maybe OPI Do You Sea What I Sea. Afterwards, I made a water marble by layering OPI Funny Bunny and more Layla Pro N.19. Funny Bunny is a milky white that worked really well at making that translucent effect. The extra N.19 in the marbling added more shimmer. Last, I painted gold stars with Orly Luxe and added a few dots to represent distant stars. I tried to give them an 'aura' of gold for more dimension using Essie As Gold As It Gets (super fine gold shimmer in clear base), but it ended up just making the outline of the stars look messy.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj79v-TqqGqhtWiWCzzldIfoXLtSWkRsrKsjJHcnCWqPYNA21SN7z1hGfPLTdx-lziiwLb2n32i4l1OxzoS2fPEsQqvHcbF_Zfmsd9pqDffUSpanzAkMcpGcP3Sc7QydCket7_kh-Rup9U/s1600/lush-bath-bomb-stars-nail-art-3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Galaxy stars nail art" border="0" data-original-height="625" data-original-width="415" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj79v-TqqGqhtWiWCzzldIfoXLtSWkRsrKsjJHcnCWqPYNA21SN7z1hGfPLTdx-lziiwLb2n32i4l1OxzoS2fPEsQqvHcbF_Zfmsd9pqDffUSpanzAkMcpGcP3Sc7QydCket7_kh-Rup9U/s1600/lush-bath-bomb-stars-nail-art-3.jpg" title="" /></a></td></tr>
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I'd like to try re-doing this look again because I think I could do so much better. If you have any water marbling tips, please send them my way!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg82HjZYLBMj7NO6XBmTaP-sNBaCMOXlzZx_2XKgyAVCo3Y9g7Urr1YrzpQd6BbpxjFIhwY0FjXg-xrwED1yDta0QVjOQBSvmWpJA5hxmpeNiBx655BVKpO_d38Fsz2utmIva_yECnepSE/s1600/lush-bath-bomb-stars-nail-art.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Galaxy stars nail art" border="0" data-original-height="415" data-original-width="626" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg82HjZYLBMj7NO6XBmTaP-sNBaCMOXlzZx_2XKgyAVCo3Y9g7Urr1YrzpQd6BbpxjFIhwY0FjXg-xrwED1yDta0QVjOQBSvmWpJA5hxmpeNiBx655BVKpO_d38Fsz2utmIva_yECnepSE/s1600/lush-bath-bomb-stars-nail-art.jpg" title="" /></a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />Angelahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08699118218986161721noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3016186784748411687.post-40205461968212913822018-06-25T21:20:00.000-07:002018-06-25T21:30:00.595-07:00Daisy floral nail art<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHHEzgC4F07thqergkUXrzCUnbTFaC7lea31s3VpTPCw3ux3mzRNvlzjvROKhUXLNBdHRZ7kKX762TEYZAFJOlW9OmM-3ForJbZ0_L9TNokpYrUWhfVk04OaxNk5lz8uEfCsloryomL0w/s1600/blue-floral-daisy-nail-art-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Daisy floral nail art Essie nail polish" border="0" data-original-height="415" data-original-width="625" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHHEzgC4F07thqergkUXrzCUnbTFaC7lea31s3VpTPCw3ux3mzRNvlzjvROKhUXLNBdHRZ7kKX762TEYZAFJOlW9OmM-3ForJbZ0_L9TNokpYrUWhfVk04OaxNk5lz8uEfCsloryomL0w/s1600/blue-floral-daisy-nail-art-1.jpg" title="" /></a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>I had a super productive period for a few weeks where I was doing a lot of <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/Bh9birPFw81/">time-consuming</a>, <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BjES8OtFOPy/">intricate</a> nail art, but after that I needed a little break. Something a little easier, no-symmetry-required, less "ohnoohnoyou'llscrewthisupifyoubreathewrong"<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioz1PY2gB4Fj-sm4NVxX5Ev0iwpQtU8yz7QX0ndJj2JSEOryvZziGYJPvQwgcLLxC4S0btiriOryWwqNydz7h_QOBusyWhH6ZnlbLvKboC1M7gkHAnVlTZ9kanq3ejrAHefNlsyPnm7q8/s1600/blue-floral-daisy-nail-art-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Daisy floral nail art Essie nail polish" border="0" data-original-height="415" data-original-width="625" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioz1PY2gB4Fj-sm4NVxX5Ev0iwpQtU8yz7QX0ndJj2JSEOryvZziGYJPvQwgcLLxC4S0btiriOryWwqNydz7h_QOBusyWhH6ZnlbLvKboC1M7gkHAnVlTZ9kanq3ejrAHefNlsyPnm7q8/s1600/blue-floral-daisy-nail-art-2.jpg" title="" /></a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>The result, or what I called my "palate cleanser nail art": some simple floral nails and dots. The daisies and dots were freehanded with a fine-pointed brush, and inspired in part by chalkboardnails' extreeemely <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/Bif2qG5B6TC/">teeny-tiny daisies</a>.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfsXDMBSBxeodXNm3H8nKXWiRH_MatR75MehZhTBx0aRQO8sy9HVFw8C6_dqKCOqCHCOh9-VuRWWGwvlAnGd8fyVyZIN3vqAfVDW-A6GoOLJTTnULtFaF0OmRWxd6lojhrWdA313TJ7Pc/s1600/blue-floral-daisy-nail-art-3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Daisy floral nail art Essie nail polish" border="0" data-original-height="415" data-original-width="625" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfsXDMBSBxeodXNm3H8nKXWiRH_MatR75MehZhTBx0aRQO8sy9HVFw8C6_dqKCOqCHCOh9-VuRWWGwvlAnGd8fyVyZIN3vqAfVDW-A6GoOLJTTnULtFaF0OmRWxd6lojhrWdA313TJ7Pc/s1600/blue-floral-daisy-nail-art-3.jpg" title="" /></a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>Lately with school going on, I haven't had much time to do more complicated nail art. Plus I can't seem to find my acrylic paint set - it's nice to be able to say something is painted with 100% nail polish, but honestly it is a total pain. Acrylic paints are way more flexible and don't dry on my palette as quickly. If you have any cool ideas for nail art, send them my way!<br />
<br />
Polishes used:<br />
<ul><li>Essie Chills & Thrills (dusty medium blue)</li>
<li>Ceramic Glaze Pure (white)</li>
<li>Essie Serial Shopper (orange-coral)</li>
</ul>Angelahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08699118218986161721noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3016186784748411687.post-44210864397109186022018-06-17T10:30:00.000-07:002018-06-17T10:30:34.636-07:00Essie Spring 2018 Bon Boy-age<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq3Ayi4FOKZ9SBYy9665Okz7yroAv1oTG4TRRrRmBX8k3W6osDslPgQ-N2AXDIDySoANEbGMXFLykMz6lQHqBDDccmbQg1tZyMPwWVBZ1nnB_3r4FwbZ6qXzIScjRrcyT_pDE7oFaszKA/s1600/essie-bon-boy-age-swatches-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Essie Bon Boy-age swatches" border="0" data-original-height="625" data-original-width="415" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq3Ayi4FOKZ9SBYy9665Okz7yroAv1oTG4TRRrRmBX8k3W6osDslPgQ-N2AXDIDySoANEbGMXFLykMz6lQHqBDDccmbQg1tZyMPwWVBZ1nnB_3r4FwbZ6qXzIScjRrcyT_pDE7oFaszKA/s1600/essie-bon-boy-age-swatches-2.jpg" title="" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Essie Bon Boy-age</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Essie's nautical-themed Spring 2018 collection is such a pretty set of soft, versatile shades! There's a beautiful, dusty vibe to them that make them very spring-appropriate, though of course they're so lovely you'll want to wear them year round.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUgGmNbjZSjU4PypKD2wiJ_hEGsZYbtI2nqLHto7efBn0xVZsnUfyTI0lpv3RLx0VCYP2DGoZQ9d970iIQiYyh5XX4h9Wtu0JTtcOwVhXUWixas6bF6iLX5eLGKgA72vX5QbVbDdOvmU8/s1600/essie-bon-boy-age-swatches.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Essie Bon Boy-age swatches" border="0" data-original-height="416" data-original-width="625" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUgGmNbjZSjU4PypKD2wiJ_hEGsZYbtI2nqLHto7efBn0xVZsnUfyTI0lpv3RLx0VCYP2DGoZQ9d970iIQiYyh5XX4h9Wtu0JTtcOwVhXUWixas6bF6iLX5eLGKgA72vX5QbVbDdOvmU8/s1600/essie-bon-boy-age-swatches.jpg" title="" /></a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>First up is Essie Bon Boy-age, and it should come as a surprise to exactly zero people that this is my favourite of the bunch. I'm a total sucker for this sort of milky, jade-like colour. I used two coats, but you can still see just a little bit of visible nail line.<br />
<a name='more'></a><br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyOk-x3x9rMUeJT2dki5AE9HBSCbQTpIV2o_Xtg9uxldMFG67k23klAAZxDTN7entXHa_riNCWdmu8V99ewnBK9k2AZYB1L-S1HvMQIgMEUKhHm9fUXmawr2FMfmol0C_aHwfM2ih6vwk/s1600/essie-bon-boyage-comparisons-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Essie Bon Boy-age swatches dupes" border="0" data-original-height="476" data-original-width="625" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyOk-x3x9rMUeJT2dki5AE9HBSCbQTpIV2o_Xtg9uxldMFG67k23klAAZxDTN7entXHa_riNCWdmu8V99ewnBK9k2AZYB1L-S1HvMQIgMEUKhHm9fUXmawr2FMfmol0C_aHwfM2ih6vwk/s1600/essie-bon-boyage-comparisons-1.jpg" title="" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Buy ALL the mint polishes</td></tr>
</tbody></table>It's a soft mint, more muted than e.l.f. Mint Cream or L'Oreal Club Prive; it's very close to Essie Maximillian Strasse-Her, which is a touch more grey.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh36n3BJW5-6qbCDwBrC3DtKyVPU7thBC7nj8SxvgJXTXUMRCt1RMXh3uoTDhgv1AZi30F8I1hHBlxlNiX8SGq-63n08SZCB7xDO99mFUVYkfONGjB6-VrtRD91VUmYz21JS51P-sUITsU/s1600/essie-anchor-down-swatches.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Essie Anchor Down swatches" border="0" data-original-height="413" data-original-width="625" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh36n3BJW5-6qbCDwBrC3DtKyVPU7thBC7nj8SxvgJXTXUMRCt1RMXh3uoTDhgv1AZi30F8I1hHBlxlNiX8SGq-63n08SZCB7xDO99mFUVYkfONGjB6-VrtRD91VUmYz21JS51P-sUITsU/s1600/essie-anchor-down-swatches.jpg" title="" /></a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>Anchor Down is a medium navy cream with a little grey. The closest match I had was Sephora Formula X Fathom, which is deeper and a little more vibrant. It's a relatively easy polish to apply, with two coats to full coverage.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAd2JcOd_lfjwiL0AKnslFOB7vrDrbKhrvCoWOIDx6smkRB2ckKOJD3KYGCX1sQWrB9sLql_sz4k3zsiHiMlkWZjSH4CVRdl4BbLWuNTM6-WaHoZXyx0Ug5BqRSE9C7xjkYTXN72ikR08/s1600/essie-pass-port-to-sail-swatches.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Essie Pass-Port To Sail swatches" border="0" data-original-height="418" data-original-width="625" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAd2JcOd_lfjwiL0AKnslFOB7vrDrbKhrvCoWOIDx6smkRB2ckKOJD3KYGCX1sQWrB9sLql_sz4k3zsiHiMlkWZjSH4CVRdl4BbLWuNTM6-WaHoZXyx0Ug5BqRSE9C7xjkYTXN72ikR08/s1600/essie-pass-port-to-sail-swatches.jpg" title="" /></a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>Pass-Port To Sail is a sheer, very pale yellowy beige with ivory shimmer. China Glaze Heaven is a little rosier. Despite how it looks on the swatch stick, it does build to be fairly opaque with three generous coats. A sheer shimmer like this isn't super forgiving and can leave stroke marks, so I try to apply with a very light touch (top coat covers all sins anyway amirite?)<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg35D6WMRyXDev8RJ8RiY4kfkOFrKlUyjw_NauIuvz95GKFczdKtdrJBc5dbAkxZwC3VWbRw4vT23VDwPV_X8ACd-CMNxkbhdOYiyaI-pW8-f7vKUCyx9PF2sf3p6uDyh_GO9mS6UGSJ7I/s1600/essie-perfect-mate-swatches.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Essie Perfect Mate swatches" border="0" data-original-height="415" data-original-width="625" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg35D6WMRyXDev8RJ8RiY4kfkOFrKlUyjw_NauIuvz95GKFczdKtdrJBc5dbAkxZwC3VWbRw4vT23VDwPV_X8ACd-CMNxkbhdOYiyaI-pW8-f7vKUCyx9PF2sf3p6uDyh_GO9mS6UGSJ7I/s1600/essie-perfect-mate-swatches.jpg" title="" /></a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>Perfect Mate is a slightly dusty, coral-pink cream polish. The closest I had was e.l.f. Bubble Gum Pink, which is clearly deeper and more vibrant. This was the main polish I used to paint in the flamingos for the flamingo nails I <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/Bh9birPFw81/">posted to Instagram</a>. It's a fairly easy polish to apply and probably my second favourite of the collection.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaVuVwJffwGy2k8SQAUDl49X2SV1kx_rpaT8FPT0_3oXl0jljxNTlViezh19Cqje0jlY1aJ2c-V7NH8MUvzGU7yERAULa5DlCGRqTqbEh1_gLI8tAwUQYAGllXRxq0RvRlXMd_vE6uMWg/s1600/essie-stripes-and-sails-swatches.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Essie Stripes and Sails swatches" border="0" data-original-height="416" data-original-width="625" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaVuVwJffwGy2k8SQAUDl49X2SV1kx_rpaT8FPT0_3oXl0jljxNTlViezh19Cqje0jlY1aJ2c-V7NH8MUvzGU7yERAULa5DlCGRqTqbEh1_gLI8tAwUQYAGllXRxq0RvRlXMd_vE6uMWg/s1600/essie-stripes-and-sails-swatches.jpg" title="" /></a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>Stripes and Sails is a deep green, with not quite enough blue in it for me to call it teal. I was surprised that I didn't already have something similar--Nails Inc Queen Victoria is not as dark, but Stripes and Sails isn't anywhere near as dark as Essie Going Incognito.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4eW23InGm8ZFQ1VCs8d8mW8WDspayc8Ps0wbS8wD2laOboxwonICnHQBKPO1iZYSzw0U6oq9IZqN4ndMgTbTb-pXGeZOnNBuSy71MzQjpaNcleSyQ1COb1mnWhaps6ldfTHKipqKcmqI/s1600/essie-stripes-and-sails-swatches-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Essie Stripes and Sails swatches" border="0" data-original-height="415" data-original-width="625" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4eW23InGm8ZFQ1VCs8d8mW8WDspayc8Ps0wbS8wD2laOboxwonICnHQBKPO1iZYSzw0U6oq9IZqN4ndMgTbTb-pXGeZOnNBuSy71MzQjpaNcleSyQ1COb1mnWhaps6ldfTHKipqKcmqI/s1600/essie-stripes-and-sails-swatches-2.jpg" title="" /></a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>You can get a better sense of the slight muted tone here. This one was also fairly easy to apply in two coats.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWHyQ9bkUti7qahsNNC3WJDMZpMipHqHsEv2eDGT9Sgq_VzMk_FNavM4IQTUNZXd8wZKTt-1y1_aMeFHqNtnORy0_OI6xZDLW0NNe_MnPKO7vdoUlaTrwwm1vcxJ8DjwDz0T5k6eoy-oo/s1600/essie-bon-boy-age-swatches-3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Essie Bon Boy-age swatches" border="0" data-original-height="418" data-original-width="625" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWHyQ9bkUti7qahsNNC3WJDMZpMipHqHsEv2eDGT9Sgq_VzMk_FNavM4IQTUNZXd8wZKTt-1y1_aMeFHqNtnORy0_OI6xZDLW0NNe_MnPKO7vdoUlaTrwwm1vcxJ8DjwDz0T5k6eoy-oo/s1600/essie-bon-boy-age-swatches-3.jpg" title="" /></a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>Overall this collection was so pretty and fun to play with. I didn't do a lot of plain swatching on my own hands this time around because (as you can tell if you follow me on IG) I was too busy painting nail art with them! Posts about those nails coming soon :> If you haven't already, def check this collection out before it leaves store shelves for good. Which shade is your favourite?<br />
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<div id="disclose"></div><br />
Angelahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08699118218986161721noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3016186784748411687.post-33343857493480671152018-05-05T09:30:00.000-07:002018-05-12T12:37:10.459-07:00Ingredient Breakdown: Live Clean Healthy Scalp Balancing Shampoo & ConditionerSoooo the weather transitioning from winter to spring has really messed with my skin, including my scalp! My scalp is normally a bit dry (small white flakes) and not very itchy, but lately I've been seriously horrified by the volume of flakes I was seeing and the <i>itchiness</i>. My skin generally responds poorly to changing seasons, but it's the first time that even my scalp is going haywire. It was like I couldn't even exhale a breath without some tiny flakes falling >__< I'd been waffling about picking up a new shampoo for a while--committing to a full-size bottle is hard!--but I was extra motivated now because I had to deal with this crappy dry scalp. After a random trip to Shoppers Drug Mart, I unexpectedly was won over by Live Clean Healthy Scalp's ingredients list and $6.99 price tag.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIoIfyQhfq9Bt3POuaT1YAzO-sBKNKfpBWsfI6hL77SURem0UpDUOmAVOXtdmGvg9PwHQQNOgv9sLKVoXlrOVCd-ju6-Ecls_PB06ig6Dz98zS79YQRdrVmfV6odNrXHg2d0iM_ZiFPjo/s1600/live-clean-balancing.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Live Clean Healthy Scalp Balancing Shampoo Conditioner review and ingredients list" border="0" data-original-height="415" data-original-width="625" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIoIfyQhfq9Bt3POuaT1YAzO-sBKNKfpBWsfI6hL77SURem0UpDUOmAVOXtdmGvg9PwHQQNOgv9sLKVoXlrOVCd-ju6-Ecls_PB06ig6Dz98zS79YQRdrVmfV6odNrXHg2d0iM_ZiFPjo/s1600/live-clean-balancing.jpg" title="" /></a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
So what was it about the ingredients list that convinced me to give it a try? It's been a long time since I dove deep and did an ingredients list breakdown, so here we go (it gets long, sorry!)<br />
<ul>
<li><b>Salix nigra (willow bark) extract</b> - the second ingredient after water; a source of salicin, which has some anti-inflammatory properties (<a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/28712268">source</a>, <a href="https://www.paulaschoice.com/ingredient-dictionary/skin-soothing/willow-bark.html">source</a>)</li>
<li><b>Chamomilla recutita extract </b>- #4 on the list has some soothing, anti-inflammatory properties and in <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/29193940">one study</a>, improved atopic dermatitis-like lesions in mice when used with emollients (<a href="https://www.paulaschoice.com/ingredient-dictionary/antioxidants/chamomile.html">source</a>)</li>
<li><b>Camellia sinensis leaf extract</b> - aka green tea leaf extract with antioxidant, anti-inflammatory effects (see <a href="https://www.futurederm.com/spotlight-on-green-tea/">article</a> from FutureDerm that explains way better than I ever could)</li>
<li><b>Hydrogenated castor oil / sebacic acid copolymer</b> - conditioning and smoothing (<a href="https://cosmetics.specialchem.com/inci/hydrogenated-castor-oil-sebacic-acid-copolymer">source</a>); <a href="http://www.cosmeticsciencetechnology.com/articles/samples/901.pdf">this abstract</a> from people with ties to a company that makes this ingredient, trade name Crodabond CSA) states that it smooths and coats hair by smoothing down the lifted cuticles in damaged hair</li>
<li><b>Salicylic acid </b>- a chemical exfoliant (<a href="https://www.paulaschoice.com/ingredient-dictionary/skin-soothing/salicylic-acid.html">source</a>) and the main ingredient that attracted me to the product. In this <a href="https://www.allure.com/story/what-does-salicylic-acid-do">Allure post</a>, Randy Schueller from Beauty Brains says it can speed the skin's natural shedding process; which may help in cases like dandruff where the process is slow, and is also anti-inflammatory. It's also oil-soluble, so it can penetrate even if my scalp is a little oily</li>
<li><b>Coconut oil and olive oil </b>- high- to mid-penetration oils to condition and protect hair (<a href="http://science-yhairblog.blogspot.ca/2013/06/oils-which-ones-soak-in-vs-coat-hair.html">source</a>). My hair is a bit damaged and dry from years of colour-treating so I thought these oils might help. I'm wary of too much oil and other conditioning ingredients weighing down my fine hair, but the oils are very low on the list (after salicyclic acid, which can't be more than 3% <i>maximum </i>and more likely much less) so it wasn't too much of a concern </li>
<li><b>Glycerin</b> - a humectant to draw and bind water to skin</li>
<li><b>Tocopherol acetate</b> - aka vitamin E, soothes and hydrates</li>
</ul>
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After I got home and got in the shower, I realized that I accidentally had picked up a bottle of the conditioner instead of the shampoo :( The ingredients between the two products are actually very similar, and co-washing is a thing anyway, so I tried using it like a shampoo, even massaging it a bit into my scalp and letting it sit before rinsing away. After a few days, I noticed <i>way</i> less flakes and decreased itch factor. While blowdrying my hair, I could feel with my fingers a little bit of "residue" left over (in fairness, I used <i>a lot</i> of product), but my hair didn't look weighed down. I think this has less to do with the oils which are in relatively low concentration, and more to do with the other conditioning agents higher on the list like the fatty alcohols and triglycerides. Over time, these might build up a bit and need cleansing with a mild shampoo.<br />
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(Please note that my flaky scalp is due to dryness, and not other conditions that might cause flaking. Flaky scalp problems like seborrheic dermatitis or a fungal issue also come under the "dandruff" umbrella and are unlikely to be treated properly with just soothing/anti-inflammatory ingredients; instead, we're looking at medicated shampoo with active ingredients like zinc pyrithione or ketoconazole.)<br />
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There are only a few differences between the two products (ingredients in one product that aren't in the other are bolded):<br />
<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<u>Live Clean Healthy Scalp Balancing Shampoo:</u> water, Salix nigra (willow) bark extract, Lavandula angustifolia (lavender) extract, Chamomilla recutita extract, Rosmarinus officinalis (rosemary) leaf extract, Camellia sinensis leaf extract, Eucalyptus globulus leaf extract, <b>sodium methyl 2-sulfolaurate</b>, <b>disodium 2-sulfolaurate</b>, <b>sodium lauryl sulfoacetate</b>, <b>cocamidopropyl betaine</b>, hydrogenated castor oil / sebacic acid copolymer, salicylic acid, Cocos nucifera (coconut) oil, Olea europaea (olive) fruit oil, Mentha piperita (peppermint) oil, Melaleuca alternifolia (tea tree) leaf oil, <b>hydroxypropyl methylcellulose</b>, phenoxyethanol, sodium benzoate, panthenol, tocopherol acetate, ascorbic acid, parfum (fragrance), <b>potassium hydroxide</b>, glycerin</blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<u>Live Clean Healthy Scalp Balancing Conditioner:</u> water, Salix nigra (willow) bark extract, Lavandula angustifolia (lavender) extract, Chamomilla recutita extract, Rosmarinus officinalis (rosemary) leaf extract, Camellia sinensis leaf extract, Eucalyptus globulus leaf extract, <b>cetrimonium chloride</b>, <b>cetyl alcohol</b>, <b>stearyl alcohol</b>, <b>caprylic/capric triglyceride</b>, <b>cetearyl alcohol / polysorbate 60</b>, glycerin, phenoxyethanol, <b>Quaternium-18</b>, hydrogenated castor oil / sebacic acid copolymer, sodium benzoate, panthenol, tocopherol acetate, ascorbic acid, salicylic acid, Cocos nucifera (coconut) oil, Olea europaea (olive) fruit oil, Mentha piperita (peppermint) oil, Melaleuca alternifolia (tea tree) leaf oil, parfum (fragrance), <b>citric acid</b></blockquote>
<b><br />
</b> Lavender and rosemary extracts are also high on the ingredients list (#3 and #5) but I didn't see evidence as strong as other ingredients for the benefits. They're both believed to be soothing, but others have concerns that the aromatic compounds in such extracts are potentially irritating (<a href="https://www.paulaschoice.com/ingredient-dictionary/plant-extracts/lavender-extract-and-oil.html">Beautypedia</a> is particularly vocal about this). These extracts are high on the list for several of Live Clean's hair care products, so presumably the folks there are really convinced of the benefits. My understanding is that the essential oil versions are more likely to irritate/sensitize compared to extracts, so I was okay with giving it a try (so far, no severe irritation noticed). On that note, there's also peppermint and tea tree leaf oils, but they appear so low on the list that I wasn't too worried about negative effects; at best these ingredients could have some soothing and anti-fungal properties.<br />
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For cleansing, the shampoo uses a combination of sodium methyl 2-sulfolaurate, disodium 2-sulfolaurate, and sodium lauryl sulfoacetate, which according to this <a href="https://www.stepan.com/uploadedFiles/Literature_and_Downloads/General_Lit/Personal_Care/StepanSulfateFreeCrossReferenceForPersonalCare.pdf">manufacturer document</a>, is relatively mild--less harsh compared to sulfates, not as quite mild as a taurate or isethionate cleanser. I've used this to shampoo thoroughly after doing a DIY warm olive oil mask on my hair. It cleansed relatively well (after rinsing, my hair felt "rough" from the oil, fixed after a little conditioner), though my hair got a little oily faster than it would have if I hadn't used an oil mask at all.<br />
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On my second attempt, I picked up the shampoo I meant to get in the first place and again, massaged it into my scalp and waited a few minutes before rinsing. I still have some flakes, but it's not as bad as it was before my first attempt. My hair feels cleansed but doesn't feel "squeaky clean" stripped; it also feels fairly soft and manageable. I bought it mainly to take care of my scalp but was pleasantly surprised by how my hair looked and felt. I don't think you need both products; I only meant to buy the shampoo and if I could do it again I would still buy only the shampoo. <u>I treat my scalp and my hair as two separate areas of care that have different needs</u>; my hair doesn't need the soothing, anti-inflammatory effects of the ingredients in the conditioner, which isn't moisturizing enough for my colour-treated hair. Moreover, based on the relative position of each product's phenoxyethanol (a preservative that would be <a href="https://www.makingcosmetics.com/Phenoxyethanol-SA_p_243.html">maybe 1% concentration at most</a>), I think the conditioner might have less salicylic acid and coconut/olive oils than the shampoo?<br />
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The more I think about it though, the more I wonder if the salicylic acid provides much benefit in either product. Salicylic acid needs time to do its thing, and I'm not sure if 2 minutes in the shower is enough. It also needs a lower pH (<a href="https://www.paulaschoice.com/expert-advice/skincare-advice/paulas-choice-product-tips/how-paulas-choice-bha-exfoliants-work.html">ideally 3-4</a>), and after some testing, I think it's around a 6, which further lowers the effectiveness. The improvement from my scalp might be more from soothing/moisturizing ingredients and relatively mild cleansing agents.<br />
<br />
Random interesting thing I learned researching the ingredients list: I got a little freaked out to find a bunch of articles about using vitamin C tablets (made of ascorbic acid, which is low in the ingredients list) as a hack to lift unwanted hair dye. Something about the ascorbic acid is able to break up the dye bonded to hair. I definitely <i>do not </i>want my dye lifted, but it seems like this trick is mainly for semi- or demi-permanent hair dye (mine is permanent) and may be in a small enough amount to not do much damage (many articles recommend crushing several tablets and mixing in with a harsh clarifying shampoo, which is also stripping to dye). I didn't notice much dye washing out when I used it myself though.<br />
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I still think the shampoo is worth checking out if you feel like your current shampoo is leaving your hair/scalp feeling stripped and dry. (FYI I couldn't find the Healthy Scalp line at most retailers that carry Live Clean, for some reason I only saw it at Shoppers Drug Mart.) If you are struggling with a dry scalp, I also strongly recommend trying to wash your hair in lukewarm or cool water and overall washing your hair less. Hot water can dry out your scalp, as can repeated exposure to water from frequent washing.<br />
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<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<b>TL;DR: </b>if you have a dry scalp, check out the Live Clean Balancing Shampoo, which may help flakes due to some soothing, moisturizing ingredients, relatively mild cleansing agents, and (maybe) salicylic acid, an exfoliant. Be on the lookout for potential irritation from essential oils and extracts in the formulation.</blockquote>
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How do you handle a dry, itchy scalp?<br />
<br />Angelahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08699118218986161721noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3016186784748411687.post-31463275657796404202018-04-13T08:30:00.000-07:002018-04-13T08:30:59.929-07:00Essie 2018 Desert Mirage collectionHi all! I just wrote my final two weeks ago and have spent some time decompressing, including finishing Persona 5 (now starting a replay on New Game+ mode :P) With all this newfound free time, I finally got around to editing photos and organizing my thoughts on Essie's Desert Mirage collection. This is honestly one of my favourite polish collections in recent memory--a great mix of colours that are contrasting yet cohesive and definitely gives me desert vibes without being too on-the-nose about the theme.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgi6q25njeEi9FSJr2pYWLLc9Fw8wI1J8O6ha3h-JTi-buUivWP0xOEqibDQdbdGtDkb8g2VYAEJrTY9iRqSWnYLd8iJKbJpFqasxUty14CpwvTZX28AijUabBArKxMCypZl3-31vlfV7c/s1600/essie-desert-mirage-nail-polish-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Essie Desert Mirage swatches " border="0" data-original-height="415" data-original-width="625" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgi6q25njeEi9FSJr2pYWLLc9Fw8wI1J8O6ha3h-JTi-buUivWP0xOEqibDQdbdGtDkb8g2VYAEJrTY9iRqSWnYLd8iJKbJpFqasxUty14CpwvTZX28AijUabBArKxMCypZl3-31vlfV7c/s1600/essie-desert-mirage-nail-polish-2.jpg" title="" /></a></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGHgzaFvra2VGfjzVNvYxBmf2FgQnC3-eIyuQ1lRYz2PtMLCWIWZZvRc9ZovyJ9CGGr-jpHaVjuZPJ-AuLyvIQ9dYMkul_nG4_nj6dXcsWmk_3bwmZbG1S6KOKg8Ia9KjYoL8G_CVRRCc/s1600/essie-desert-mirage-bluetiful-horizon-swatches-4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Essie Desert Mirage swatches Bluetiful Horizon" border="0" data-original-height="415" data-original-width="625" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGHgzaFvra2VGfjzVNvYxBmf2FgQnC3-eIyuQ1lRYz2PtMLCWIWZZvRc9ZovyJ9CGGr-jpHaVjuZPJ-AuLyvIQ9dYMkul_nG4_nj6dXcsWmk_3bwmZbG1S6KOKg8Ia9KjYoL8G_CVRRCc/s1600/essie-desert-mirage-bluetiful-horizon-swatches-4.jpg" title="" /></a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>Blue-tiful Horizon has a slightly muted, kind of indigo blue base and rose-gold, coppery pearl to it. I'm not usually big on pearl finishes, but this combination is so pretty and mesmerizing. This one is very unique to my collection.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyc8GwrUWRX90yqSVivzjNyCWXS2RbHCaJHFP5LcRkuo5kq8__CYrr1XTa9Hhk9CBmW-8Pp24gN5S_pKrmlysB90g6OVOdLH1Uu6aaia_Cz76Man4d6Xs2fSCJ20dqZ9Q8oTkqg6mDAkQ/s1600/essie-desert-mirage-bluetiful-horizon-swatches.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Essie Desert Mirage swatches Bluetiful Horizon" border="0" data-original-height="415" data-original-width="625" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyc8GwrUWRX90yqSVivzjNyCWXS2RbHCaJHFP5LcRkuo5kq8__CYrr1XTa9Hhk9CBmW-8Pp24gN5S_pKrmlysB90g6OVOdLH1Uu6aaia_Cz76Man4d6Xs2fSCJ20dqZ9Q8oTkqg6mDAkQ/s1600/essie-desert-mirage-bluetiful-horizon-swatches.jpg" title="" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Closer look at dat pearl</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Depending on the lighting, it can lean more blue, but it generally sits in blurple territory. As if that beautiful copper wasn't enough, the formula is also easy to work with.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFxkYz0K4tTSpV8vippktWqJsGhciaPgmy7ZH1vnkq0OLFrd5iPLDcxNx-kpbDkZhEQ65L0bsJhKEq1jXroz2DyBxyMDdJ7bh4y9zxkw3cBvzbenszmTyaRo-3lre0Ey5xMXblh9SakgA/s1600/essie-desert-mirage-less-is-cura-swatches.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Essie Desert Mirage swatches Less Is Cura" border="0" data-original-height="415" data-original-width="625" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFxkYz0K4tTSpV8vippktWqJsGhciaPgmy7ZH1vnkq0OLFrd5iPLDcxNx-kpbDkZhEQ65L0bsJhKEq1jXroz2DyBxyMDdJ7bh4y9zxkw3cBvzbenszmTyaRo-3lre0Ey5xMXblh9SakgA/s1600/essie-desert-mirage-less-is-cura-swatches.jpg" title="" /></a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>Less Is Aura is a sorta warm but rosy darker beige. Nude/beige shades are so hit-and-miss for me--and I'm guessing for most people too, because beige really plays off personal skin tone. Luckily for me, Less Is Aura actually suits me! I didn't expect it to, since it has slight rosy tones, but it really does work.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-fvOnyC51FiN2Lhyphenhyphen_Coo1zmfL3z6hTlGlvnp7-CeLIqgIWGlRk8X112WuQ5SrouA3v8IvgAGvk-bpt0a0z5uwPeFNToDJktJTeX7JtMXgmXR7go5TiziPrXuUXSYjnsEV4TbBFBre8Bs/s1600/essie-less-is-cura-baker-street.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Essie Desert Mirage swatches Less Is Cura" border="0" data-original-height="415" data-original-width="625" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-fvOnyC51FiN2Lhyphenhyphen_Coo1zmfL3z6hTlGlvnp7-CeLIqgIWGlRk8X112WuQ5SrouA3v8IvgAGvk-bpt0a0z5uwPeFNToDJktJTeX7JtMXgmXR7go5TiziPrXuUXSYjnsEV4TbBFBre8Bs/s1600/essie-less-is-cura-baker-street.jpg" title="" /><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Nails Inc Basil Street / Essie Less Is Aura</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Since I liked it so much, I thought it might have some similarities to my all-time favourite beige, Nails Inc Basil Street. Once swatched though, it's obvious they're very different colours! They have the same milky finish, but Less Is Aura is much deeper and rosier.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg02uoq_v7Tud_vL5AzvVDNUMDyDTceDPKVMJNJ1Dxdz4SQYxh7SJESxMKbJyF0UyK1xVWDlyJEU9g9c-KZCzJLnvnRNqqAPQzeAzs_PtxyKg2HxkpGogkACfsoX54wn5TABz4tuPh0ACc/s1600/essie-desert-mirage-let-it-glow-swatches.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Essie Desert Mirage swatches Let It Glow" border="0" data-original-height="415" data-original-width="625" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg02uoq_v7Tud_vL5AzvVDNUMDyDTceDPKVMJNJ1Dxdz4SQYxh7SJESxMKbJyF0UyK1xVWDlyJEU9g9c-KZCzJLnvnRNqqAPQzeAzs_PtxyKg2HxkpGogkACfsoX54wn5TABz4tuPh0ACc/s1600/essie-desert-mirage-let-it-glow-swatches.jpg" title="" /></a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>I was really excited to try Let It Glow, a bright coral pink with copper pearl. It's probably the same pearl as Blue-tiful Horizon, but I can't blame Essie for wanting to sneak something so pretty in the collection more than once. True to its name, something about this polish really <i>glows</i>.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjc1XjafBYmQVUjmdN-H-6_3AWwGkWz0i5DB3tqLiUTVmCCVPUAiozhyAj16NohJWasNyhsVDnNC_HC0nYORw6foDeDWcRsrFzNy3rFcHiF3R6Nt4HH-GptecRo_jtObSL-7h4QhvBcxbQ/s1600/essie-desert-mirage-lighten-the-mood-swatches.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Essie Desert Mirage swatches Lighten The Mood" border="0" data-original-height="415" data-original-width="625" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjc1XjafBYmQVUjmdN-H-6_3AWwGkWz0i5DB3tqLiUTVmCCVPUAiozhyAj16NohJWasNyhsVDnNC_HC0nYORw6foDeDWcRsrFzNy3rFcHiF3R6Nt4HH-GptecRo_jtObSL-7h4QhvBcxbQ/s1600/essie-desert-mirage-lighten-the-mood-swatches.jpg" title="" /></a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>Lighten The Mood is an off-white neutral, very similar to my favourite Essie Urban Jungle, as well as Mixtaupe from the 90s collection. They're so similar, that you may not have even noticed I'm wearing two different polishes in the photo above :P Urban Jungle is on my little and ring fingers, and Lighten The Mood on the other two. If you squint, LTM is very slightly more pink, <b>but </b>the formula is much more forgiving and easy to work with! If you're stuck on which to buy between the two, I'd recommend Lighten The Mood.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVzIj2mSex6AEiNeuIcSeFN-Mb7_XIAwS7ycCEFG0ELgf26T_XVSFEcBPA2SrTZzd20qQUcrC9OYU_y0cmHLhbGRidwF6i205x44VRd5ViCiqrWJrKmOPHynKvJ0bDnybEcrEOyYTuVuE/s1600/essie-desert-mirage-hazy-daze-swatches.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Essie Desert Mirage swatches Hazy Daze" border="0" data-original-height="415" data-original-width="625" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVzIj2mSex6AEiNeuIcSeFN-Mb7_XIAwS7ycCEFG0ELgf26T_XVSFEcBPA2SrTZzd20qQUcrC9OYU_y0cmHLhbGRidwF6i205x44VRd5ViCiqrWJrKmOPHynKvJ0bDnybEcrEOyYTuVuE/s1600/essie-desert-mirage-hazy-daze-swatches.jpg" title="" /></a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>I didn't do a separate swatch of Hazy Daze, a deep, deep purple creme, but I have a close-up of it on my little finger. Like the other shades in this collection, it's easy and smooth to apply. It's a good polish, but in a collection full of so many winners, it didn't stand out too much to me.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPrfGs2yNFYDmtIBDsumLkWYYVwnZtoxbN-TTlYotTWW85ABaCciO06ybzytkPKKGPAobHpx71uG5_F4xIhPx8DnlAb0iMmVJwCe6matwn1bKN7cPMxUl5uq-iDOL3052A1AKxs7sSw_Q/s1600/essie-desert-mirage-seeing-stars-swatches.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Essie Desert Mirage swatches Seeing Stars" border="0" data-original-height="415" data-original-width="625" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPrfGs2yNFYDmtIBDsumLkWYYVwnZtoxbN-TTlYotTWW85ABaCciO06ybzytkPKKGPAobHpx71uG5_F4xIhPx8DnlAb0iMmVJwCe6matwn1bKN7cPMxUl5uq-iDOL3052A1AKxs7sSw_Q/s1600/essie-desert-mirage-seeing-stars-swatches.jpg" title="" /></a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>Seeing Stars is a deep espresso brown with a shimmer finish. I'm not usually a fan of colours like this, but something about the warmth and shimmer to it pulls me in. This would be a really good colour to wear in the fall when you want to wear a dark neutral that's not black.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3dWEspiODhY-PYdSd6gMdQhA8vVo6ShL5aX03QmjiymvjvWOQBoDJ4FEjm1Ja7FbUGjVsFC3Wb2B10jch3mX8mxvxL0qMvHSREjYR7bsDVUy1aFmeBh2rqj5yn1Yk4Tcm4hxbgpRLRzM/s1600/essie-desert-mirage-bluetiful-horizon-swatches-3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Essie Desert Mirage swatches Bluetiful Horizon" border="0" data-original-height="415" data-original-width="625" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3dWEspiODhY-PYdSd6gMdQhA8vVo6ShL5aX03QmjiymvjvWOQBoDJ4FEjm1Ja7FbUGjVsFC3Wb2B10jch3mX8mxvxL0qMvHSREjYR7bsDVUy1aFmeBh2rqj5yn1Yk4Tcm4hxbgpRLRzM/s1600/essie-desert-mirage-bluetiful-horizon-swatches-3.jpg" title="" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Essie Blue-tiful Horizon</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Overall this collection has really impressed me with the colours, finishes, and a great formula across the board. It's hard for me to even pick a favourite out of the six, because I really, really love at least <i>three</i> of them! Although I'm posting this a little late after Desert Mirage's release, the shades should still be in stores and I highly recommend checking them out.<br />
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<div id="disclose"></div>Angelahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08699118218986161721noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3016186784748411687.post-70760924858641469632018-03-03T08:30:00.000-08:002018-03-03T08:30:43.508-08:00Red & gold dry brush nail art - CNY 2018<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieZ-GGk1Khftsv7afykZeiR0KcpfT10I7bvlzsadpC8FF9y-3D8-Pdr4INtp_8y1KLGKWZVVt-hOctsqsHkTn9Ufq6x1kSQ-CwpRKyvsjzb-dJqihuMnPYuo6E2vAuSnfEkajJ5maDan0/s1600/cny-nails.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Red & gold dry brush nail art for Chinese New Year 2018" border="0" data-original-height="415" data-original-width="625" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieZ-GGk1Khftsv7afykZeiR0KcpfT10I7bvlzsadpC8FF9y-3D8-Pdr4INtp_8y1KLGKWZVVt-hOctsqsHkTn9Ufq6x1kSQ-CwpRKyvsjzb-dJqihuMnPYuo6E2vAuSnfEkajJ5maDan0/s1600/cny-nails.jpg" title="" /></a></td></tr>
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How was everyone's Chinese New Year? This is my first year as a married-person so it means it's my turn to start giving out red pockets--it was also my nephew's first Chinese New Year so it was perfect timing for him ;)<br />
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I posted these nails on my <a href="https://www.instagram.com/dowantmakeup/">instagram</a> a little while ago but wanted to put out some extra photos because I really enjoyed how the gold dry-brush look came out. Essie's Be Cherry! is such a lovely classic red polish--a perfect fit for the recent holiday collection. The formula is nice and forgiving, and the colour is almost a one-coater. Orly Luxe is my absolute favourite gold foil polish and <i>so </i>reliable, smooth, and opaque for nail art. BUT, when I took it out of my drawer, I realized that the last time I used it, I didn't completely close it. That was probably a few months ago, and as soon as I felt the loose cap, I knew exactly what to expect. Dry, thick, gloopy gold foil polish :( Luckily, that's not such a bad thing for dry brushing, but I'll definitely need to pick up a replacement for future nail art.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4CoQbOAEeaYm482RFYhdvFfDhNdsgsoUK7Au7qhaoZlD8UMqq8Bv0FTNDdCHu9zIp0WczP2q12EaUK1n_BhWMHtSbJDUGvV8bFbGMWhCd-WPBVoF_bNPhwTA2Ms8ndDVbWukiFewMpzU/s1600/cny-nails-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Red & gold dry brush nail art for Chinese New Year 2018" border="0" data-original-height="415" data-original-width="625" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4CoQbOAEeaYm482RFYhdvFfDhNdsgsoUK7Au7qhaoZlD8UMqq8Bv0FTNDdCHu9zIp0WczP2q12EaUK1n_BhWMHtSbJDUGvV8bFbGMWhCd-WPBVoF_bNPhwTA2Ms8ndDVbWukiFewMpzU/s1600/cny-nails-2.jpg" title="" /></a></td></tr>
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As a final touch, here and there I dabbed on a little OPI Goldeneye, a deep gold glitter. It doesn't show up very well in the photos, but it added a warmer gold sparkle for more dimension.<br />
<br />Angelahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08699118218986161721noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3016186784748411687.post-5280913275571032742018-02-19T09:00:00.000-08:002018-02-19T09:00:00.414-08:00Maybelline Total Temptation Mascara, Shadow + Highlight PaletteHave you guys seen the new Total Temptation makeup from Maybelline in stores yet? The collection debuted early January and says it's "the most addictive makeup yet"! I tried out the mascara in Blackest Black, as well as the 10-pan eyeshadow and highlight palette recently (the brow pencil was unfortunately not the right shade for me.)<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHJzKGZ-vzXFQo7vq073yAYZwPbvBeDsa64fsBZSaVeytbT2Ykd97-itrZWszFv9wyl7vhFHZuF11oOHiIlf4Nd93yQO1dmgPuaYJEP8TPXlEjuzX-fQqxNyq3nIxdPVlrRX-ss0E-1m4/s1600/maybelline-total-temptations-palette-review-swatches-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Maybelline Total Temptation review" border="0" data-original-height="415" data-original-width="625" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHJzKGZ-vzXFQo7vq073yAYZwPbvBeDsa64fsBZSaVeytbT2Ykd97-itrZWszFv9wyl7vhFHZuF11oOHiIlf4Nd93yQO1dmgPuaYJEP8TPXlEjuzX-fQqxNyq3nIxdPVlrRX-ss0E-1m4/s1600/maybelline-total-temptations-palette-review-swatches-2.jpg" title="" /></a></td></tr>
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The Total Temptation mascara claims to have a "soft touch" and a "sensuous glide" o__o;; The brush is your average mascara wand. While it did apply through my lashes cleanly without too much clumping, it didn't deliver much of the promised "addictive volume". My straight, classic-Asian lashes also quickly lost their curl. The black area on the tube packaging is flat, which gives you a nice area to rest your thumb while applying mascara, but that was basically the only thing I liked about it. Sadly, this mascara was just like all the other standard drugstore mascaras I tried as a teenager that left me feeling disappointed.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYGvl4wgSdynBFsj6t7Skd2zN6c_uojvZyAonD9TrZ2znKyhaivNW4sk9j-hbwd-ff9zJKKW6G30iU5UrCdK8LML-z1KVPWaGSiZMWKmKboJb0KDu_Ggc05qkVHgF5MVGw8b3Ft6Xf3EE/s1600/maybelline-total-temptations-mascara-review.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Maybelline Total Temptation mascara review" border="0" data-original-height="415" data-original-width="625" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYGvl4wgSdynBFsj6t7Skd2zN6c_uojvZyAonD9TrZ2znKyhaivNW4sk9j-hbwd-ff9zJKKW6G30iU5UrCdK8LML-z1KVPWaGSiZMWKmKboJb0KDu_Ggc05qkVHgF5MVGw8b3Ft6Xf3EE/s1600/maybelline-total-temptations-mascara-review.jpg" title="" /></a></td></tr>
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The Shadow + Highlight palette was intriguing, with its warmer left side (the "natural look") and a cool-toned, purply side (the "bold look").<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-TgUN-UKphBUYtvDvJK_QwtpxUJx5S9X_JH5wErcD769xMKCpioPV4SVTkCAxEOL__kBVKme6GRpkuWZqKZUYbj8-691z3k7l2ZA6r5hGFRKioB45cWtN_FlI4WLD53nbOmz7WlNA0T4/s1600/maybelline-total-temptations-palette-review-swatches-3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Maybelline Total Temptation palette swatches and review" border="0" data-original-height="415" data-original-width="625" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-TgUN-UKphBUYtvDvJK_QwtpxUJx5S9X_JH5wErcD769xMKCpioPV4SVTkCAxEOL__kBVKme6GRpkuWZqKZUYbj8-691z3k7l2ZA6r5hGFRKioB45cWtN_FlI4WLD53nbOmz7WlNA0T4/s1600/maybelline-total-temptations-palette-review-swatches-3.jpg" title="" /></a></td></tr>
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The pans have a wavy pattern that is fun to photograph, though a little trippy if I stare at the close-up photos for too long..<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpuAppLrwsPJ8z-QW5CNSQ-BCZdWysSJ9jKesdhZPXm97s_rg2gcn7dHVRr6X_uqG7pG9Em-R9r86wq8wh5VPg-GK_BV1ZjeX_FJbnCMyuj_OrQHT10tHcwSYVJXPp8vMYi2Ob8UJANzw/s1600/maybelline-total-temptations-palette-review-swatches-4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Maybelline Total Temptation palette swatches and review" border="0" data-original-height="415" data-original-width="625" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpuAppLrwsPJ8z-QW5CNSQ-BCZdWysSJ9jKesdhZPXm97s_rg2gcn7dHVRr6X_uqG7pG9Em-R9r86wq8wh5VPg-GK_BV1ZjeX_FJbnCMyuj_OrQHT10tHcwSYVJXPp8vMYi2Ob8UJANzw/s1600/maybelline-total-temptations-palette-review-swatches-4.jpg" title="" /></a></td></tr>
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The warm side gives me good desert vibes with its golds and oranges. Both sides have a mix of shimmery and matte shades, but overall the shimmery shades had a better consistency and colour payoff. However, I think the colours within each of the two sides were a little too similar to each other; there's not enough contrast between colours to tell them apart once applied to the eye. If you're using only the shades from this palette, the resulting eye look can look a little one-note.<br />
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I love the idea of a lavender-purple highlighter--it adds a subtle yet interesting element to the face. The shimmer in both highlighters was a little too glittery and conspicuous for my taste though. (I know for some people, this type of highlighter will be right up their alley!)<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiEyzy1oc0GXYYfc0lMdFqyEM76xv41Z8Ybf9B8bm4uWqIzWqpB7wVjEt2nK2BrT0tbFw6rz5h86NzOq7RIhtV4ZhpXgGAPTTjNlVBQvper3n7xs4DDpdYJ7BaCXoXIyK8lujqPnL7AyA/s1600/maybelline-total-temptations-palette-review-swatches-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Maybelline Total Temptation palette swatches and review" border="0" data-original-height="479" data-original-width="625" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiEyzy1oc0GXYYfc0lMdFqyEM76xv41Z8Ybf9B8bm4uWqIzWqpB7wVjEt2nK2BrT0tbFw6rz5h86NzOq7RIhtV4ZhpXgGAPTTjNlVBQvper3n7xs4DDpdYJ7BaCXoXIyK8lujqPnL7AyA/s1600/maybelline-total-temptations-palette-review-swatches-1.jpg" title="" /></a></td></tr>
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I'm wearing the warmer eyeshadows, as well as the champagne gold highlighter on my cheekbones. Since there's not much difference between the eyeshadow shades, the overall impression is that it's just a wash of one colour over the lids. For what it's worth, I actually really liked the orange eyeshadow on me! The look was very summery, warm, and desert-y, especially paired with Pixi's Mattelustre lipstick in Peach Blossom.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3KeTSDW4Msf3MGDhYmCwlBLRFKBcN9h_s8gHOD5I2Na2Ym_G1aS1FGtnjVxrUkuFjNscf-HljOZ41w6sL1sYaJKJnWreNxTR8PIYRRNXeeWoWLnhgZKFTfcXxvDkA5nDAM4Pw22LnW6U/s1600/maybelline-total-temptations-review-swatches-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Maybelline Total Temptation palette swatches and review" border="0" data-original-height="422" data-original-width="625" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3KeTSDW4Msf3MGDhYmCwlBLRFKBcN9h_s8gHOD5I2Na2Ym_G1aS1FGtnjVxrUkuFjNscf-HljOZ41w6sL1sYaJKJnWreNxTR8PIYRRNXeeWoWLnhgZKFTfcXxvDkA5nDAM4Pw22LnW6U/s1600/maybelline-total-temptations-review-swatches-2.jpg" title="" /></a></td></tr>
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Personally, this collection is overall a skip. The palette is promising, but the lack of variety in the colours and glittery highlighters loses points with me. It has inspired me to wear orange eyeshadow more often though!<br />
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Angelahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08699118218986161721noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3016186784748411687.post-87815551435919693072018-02-17T19:34:00.000-08:002018-02-17T19:34:51.252-08:00One Year Later (ish)Hi! It is scary to realize that though I've been somewhat active on <a href="https://www.instagram.com/dowantmakeup/">Instagram</a>, it has been nearly a year since I posted here. A year ago, I was still stressing out about planning a wedding. A year ago, I had never traveled overseas before. A year ago, passing my CFE for CPA sounded like a far-off goal. A year ago, I was still wondering if I could own a home in Vancouver's insane real estate market. And today: I'm married after being with this dude for almost 12 years; I'm itching to go back to Japan; I'm still scared as hell about writing my CFE, though I'm much closer to it; I'm writing this post from my office/makeup room in my condo.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghUqnaYVFYhO8GFTbecSYvFRzvh7fq6xlQts55zvS6ZxpbCvpzLgIgasOKbekaMRsjvaOGsT1AnTkLpHqnYst8Jh33uO4VtCa4MkGMqGiGxBA-tzXxMb9G9ZeZj9tt84-pBveexYCFMK0/s1600/feb15-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="616" data-original-width="425" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghUqnaYVFYhO8GFTbecSYvFRzvh7fq6xlQts55zvS6ZxpbCvpzLgIgasOKbekaMRsjvaOGsT1AnTkLpHqnYst8Jh33uO4VtCa4MkGMqGiGxBA-tzXxMb9G9ZeZj9tt84-pBveexYCFMK0/s1600/feb15-1.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bunny swarm at Okunoshima, Hiroshima prefecture</td></tr>
</tbody></table>And yet when I look at my second-to-last post, from February 2017, it echoes what I was planning to say here about the future of this blog!<br />
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<blockquote class="tr_bq"><i><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 12.8px;">It's still my creative outlet, and I still have </span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 12.8px;">so many</span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 12.8px;"> post ideas always percolating. It is starting to shift more and more away from being strictly a beauty blog to a more personal, "lifestyle" blog, though. Things you'll expect to see this year: a series of wedding planning diaries/tips posts, more fashion nail art, and any other random stuff I manage to churn out. And one way or another, I'm clearing my photo backlog, dammit--it goes back to 2013! Whether that means just finally letting go and deleting stuff that isn't relevant or up to my standards anymore, or being a little kinder to myself and posting something without obsessing over it for hours. Although I might not be able to post so often, and (to fellow bloggers) I might not be able to keep up with my blog roll very well at times, I hope you'll keep reading. Thank you! ♥</span></i></blockquote><br />
Basically, a lot has changed for me in the past year, but I see that deep-down I'm still the perfectionist-procrastinator I've always been lolol. Those things up there are absolutely still true. I underestimated all the life things I had going on in 2017, and honestly once I fall off the blogging wagon, it's very hard to get back into the habit. I recently had to reformat my computer, and in the process of reviewing all my files, let go of a lot of old crappy photos in my backlog and was also re-invigorated by all the potential content I had, just waiting to be posted. I still need to work on being kinder to myself, putting myself and my content out there with more confidence, but I'll get there. Thank you again for reading. <i><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 12.8px;">♥</span></i><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5qYx1BZ7PrSSIGSyWNxKIk1Nv-x6ioQrTOpWcR-2nquuzoJxGjcQPsS7hRYthngHssVRsFAx2xP8PbzNr8gN442T_GfeJEtfTCqEuMa-9nnd4sPA7_uJYODi8vyBiVXqaKpFKNrCc6jA/s1600/feb15-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="417" data-original-width="625" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5qYx1BZ7PrSSIGSyWNxKIk1Nv-x6ioQrTOpWcR-2nquuzoJxGjcQPsS7hRYthngHssVRsFAx2xP8PbzNr8gN442T_GfeJEtfTCqEuMa-9nnd4sPA7_uJYODi8vyBiVXqaKpFKNrCc6jA/s1600/feb15-2.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yes, I still have wedding posts planned</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Angelahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08699118218986161721noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3016186784748411687.post-83868324178475496702017-03-24T09:30:00.000-07:002017-03-24T09:30:09.942-07:00Bite Beauty Lip Pencil & Amuse Bouche Lipstick: Honeycomb & 020 / Whiskey & 044Considering that lip products is all<i> </i>they do, I was surprised to learn that Bite Beauty had only <i>just recently</i> rolled out a line of lip liners! Bite's new The Lip Pencil promises creamy coverage that is opaque yet feels lightweight. Unlike other lip liners encased in fancy packaging (think Clinique's <a href="http://www.sephora.com/quickliner-for-lips-P122764?skuId=71571">Quickliner</a> or Smashbox <a href="http://www.sephora.com/always-sharp-lip-liner-P387272?skuId=1635655">Always Sharp</a>), Bite chose to go old school with a sleek, wooden barrel that will need sharpening from time to time.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisPTE35xWsP4dYQUXFCT7nt4FjEq7xB8Mn01hrWI_7uPz-jjNfLPInx8inoEoEPAZYaQu8XS74rMNsHOyvomTFkBUEjI_hPPnPZ3AqHKwv3Yem56x2VsObKKEZBp3T6jaM3uJjrayQJQo/s1600/bite-beauty-voxbox-honeycomb-020-lip-pencil.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Bite Beauty Amuse Bouche Honeycomb Lip Pencil 020 review" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisPTE35xWsP4dYQUXFCT7nt4FjEq7xB8Mn01hrWI_7uPz-jjNfLPInx8inoEoEPAZYaQu8XS74rMNsHOyvomTFkBUEjI_hPPnPZ3AqHKwv3Yem56x2VsObKKEZBp3T6jaM3uJjrayQJQo/s1600/bite-beauty-voxbox-honeycomb-020-lip-pencil.jpg" title="" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bite Beauty Amuse Bouche lipstick in Honeycomb & Lip Pencil in 020</td></tr>
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In my Influenster VoxBox, I received 020, described as "beige nude", and 044, the deepest colour of the range in a dark burgundy. Both colours are not what I usually wear - thankfully the box also included coordinating Amuse Bouche lipsticks in Honeycomb and Whiskey, otherwise I might have been rocking some seriously mismatched liner/lipstick combos in this post!<br />
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Okay, I admit that I almost never use lip liner when I wear lipstick; I kind of like the soft-edged look of an unlined lip (also, lazy). Sooo I'm not all that experienced with lip liners, but I like what I see in Bite's The Lip Pencil. Both pencils glided on smoothly with a creamy matte finish and didn't feel heavy. The pencils were soft enough to impart good coverage without pressing too hard, and didn't crumble or flake bits off during application.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglvcdEBtrNyrmDp-ef44jXSq3Xi1ozzAjtV3DRi6Ops0y0vipqTm2sUDjkWXD2nZkhj9rBt3KYZLcB2DzDuWqodFlnGDZ9I-AlPtBsR4ly_u5Et3u481cMh7w28YjtaiDtObGQkiP_oCc/s1600/bite-beauty-voxbox-whiskey-honeycomb-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Bite Beauty Amuse Bouche Whiskey Lip Pencil 044" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglvcdEBtrNyrmDp-ef44jXSq3Xi1ozzAjtV3DRi6Ops0y0vipqTm2sUDjkWXD2nZkhj9rBt3KYZLcB2DzDuWqodFlnGDZ9I-AlPtBsR4ly_u5Et3u481cMh7w28YjtaiDtObGQkiP_oCc/s1600/bite-beauty-voxbox-whiskey-honeycomb-2.jpg" title="" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 12.8px;">Bite Beauty Amuse Bouche lipstick in Whiskey & Lip Pencil in 044</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjj9C_2rseGr_FJ8OTE8hXe6wJHQvflI30iy01SjOoudRu5guv3RN1Spg0rcxIAWW4tvrdhkQyGZc1Y7FnSRqleLOpVV40jaECXlo5vwHjqiPE8mK08j8_r3Nogfubf3EpONzhz4oR-wSI/s1600/bite-beauty-voxbox-whiskey-honeycomb-swatches.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Bite Beauty Amuse Bouche Honeycomb Whiskey swatches" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjj9C_2rseGr_FJ8OTE8hXe6wJHQvflI30iy01SjOoudRu5guv3RN1Spg0rcxIAWW4tvrdhkQyGZc1Y7FnSRqleLOpVV40jaECXlo5vwHjqiPE8mK08j8_r3Nogfubf3EpONzhz4oR-wSI/s1600/bite-beauty-voxbox-whiskey-honeycomb-swatches.jpg" title="" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Amuse Bouche lipstick in Whiskey / Lip pencil in 044 / Amuse Bouche lipstick in Honeycomb / Lip pencil in 020</td></tr>
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I know some people like to get a super matte look by filling in their lips completely with a liner, but this just did not work for me. From a distance it looked okay, but 020 settled in my lip lines and enhanced every dry patch. Which, honestly, is probably not unusual for a lip pencil (I tried it with an Art Deco lip liner and ended up with <a href="http://www.dowantmakeup.ca/2016/02/artdeco-mystical-forest-fotd-swatches-review.html">similar results</a>). If you have dry lips like me, just let lip liners be lip liners.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsGfZuSQjkWiSYHT3a49B8kejcA3k_cDCyvBLiTrZIT_OR7ke1UUTG5nT5_SBHjFgzokpRoPbM3U1vR1R6vXgXiv7Jeg0Si2gm-czFUJ5aleHhB1I1fJja9M3k58NjbMfp0m_MNNT9qZs/s1600/bite-beauty-voxbox-honeycomb-amuse-bouche-swatch.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Bite Beauty Amuse Bouche Honeycomb Lip Pencil 020 review" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsGfZuSQjkWiSYHT3a49B8kejcA3k_cDCyvBLiTrZIT_OR7ke1UUTG5nT5_SBHjFgzokpRoPbM3U1vR1R6vXgXiv7Jeg0Si2gm-czFUJ5aleHhB1I1fJja9M3k58NjbMfp0m_MNNT9qZs/s1600/bite-beauty-voxbox-honeycomb-amuse-bouche-swatch.jpg" title="" /></a></td></tr>
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Like I mentioned, the colours I received are not really in my comfort zone. I find beiges particularly tricky because the nude lip look means you have to get the undertone <i>juuust </i>right, and not too light either. So I was a bit unsure about 020 and Honeycomb but as soon as I put it on I <i>loved </i>it. It's pretty perfect for me - it doesn't wash me out or match my skintone too closely. So glad I stumbled across such a gem thanks to the VoxBox! 020 would pair well with a medium beige shade with a bit of warmth and rosiness. Colour-wise, it's actually very close to Annabelle's Lipliner in Buff, which is a teeny bit pinker if you squint.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPNvuSJSZLfpXHO2OStjZkp60AQ3wBuSGFbNwaFvrOpirvvscFMUpP_b6Znr6GAUmZFZX9e9u4fKO5MEBOYd2u99G3Fgm_MlfTzkQWE8iw7yG0qR6vGSag4E1V95VhY-Eq7XpCYNXswfI/s1600/bite-beauty-whiskey-044-swatch.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Bite Beauty Amuse Bouche Whiskey swatches" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPNvuSJSZLfpXHO2OStjZkp60AQ3wBuSGFbNwaFvrOpirvvscFMUpP_b6Znr6GAUmZFZX9e9u4fKO5MEBOYd2u99G3Fgm_MlfTzkQWE8iw7yG0qR6vGSag4E1V95VhY-Eq7XpCYNXswfI/s1600/bite-beauty-whiskey-044-swatch.jpg" title="" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This lipstick is probably the physical manifestation of my moody teenage years. Also, I don't know why this photo's colour balance came out so differently :(</td></tr>
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044/Whiskey was also a difficult shade for me to embrace at first. I have a fair collection of deep berry tones, but nothing quite as dark. The deep brown tones in this lipstick and liner are pitch-perfect with the 90s throwback vibe that's trendy right now. Fifteen minutes or so later on my face, I was getting used to it and starting to feel pretty cool and edgy! With a shade that contrasts so starkly to my skin tone, having a defined lip line that keeps the lipstick from feathering and bleeding at the edges seemed especially important. I wore this to dinner at <a href="http://theunionvancouver.ca/">The Union</a> celebrating a close friend's birthday, and was pleased at the longevity of this duo! The very center of my lips had worn away a bit after food and drinks, but for the most part, my lips (and their lines) were still perfect.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_4M1Xs6eLQUOP_RZKxoWVAyf8E_dEQKnO-eOM-hSsgGxKNOuEnqSbxO2Q7_ecXRfjEa7l2DHyXQd5wCUgCR9eZat_UYJg80hv5LTzlqx7ThUHPCtTaTnSK18c9hsb5yp2NPYjLTITWTM/s1600/bite-beauty-voxbox-honeycomb-amuse-bouche.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Bite Beauty Amuse Bouche Honeycomb Lip Pencil 020 review" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_4M1Xs6eLQUOP_RZKxoWVAyf8E_dEQKnO-eOM-hSsgGxKNOuEnqSbxO2Q7_ecXRfjEa7l2DHyXQd5wCUgCR9eZat_UYJg80hv5LTzlqx7ThUHPCtTaTnSK18c9hsb5yp2NPYjLTITWTM/s1600/bite-beauty-voxbox-honeycomb-amuse-bouche.jpg" title="" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bite Beauty Amuse Bouche Lipstick in Honeycomb</td></tr>
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I loved the Lip Pencils, but I was surprised to find that the Amuse Bouche lipsticks gave me a lot of trouble, actually! Both Honeycomb and Whiskey often settled into my lip lines and emphasized dry patches. I know a lot of people love these lipsticks so I'm not sure if it's just me and my forever-dry lips, or these colours in particular. However, the pigmentation on the lipsticks was great and they wore well throughout the day without feeling heavy. I love Honeycomb's colour a lot so I'll be trying to make it work, but at a price point of $30 I'd expect my lips to look their best without too much fuss.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLmfsDXse8OCehyphenhyphensAz8K_tnnDI-kpgQaz-8sFaOTJyMpMRhGVJF3iy2rHTUKY2FZbXciSwbMH_xDwsNbZWG7MldZ1iicXmTT1DIy7WOzkiso2ZniN6xORqNutl4nUAxeYhL_SkGoQaRrI/s1600/bite-beauty-voxbox-lip-pencil-044.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Bite Beauty Lip Pencil 044" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLmfsDXse8OCehyphenhyphensAz8K_tnnDI-kpgQaz-8sFaOTJyMpMRhGVJF3iy2rHTUKY2FZbXciSwbMH_xDwsNbZWG7MldZ1iicXmTT1DIy7WOzkiso2ZniN6xORqNutl4nUAxeYhL_SkGoQaRrI/s1600/bite-beauty-voxbox-lip-pencil-044.jpg" title="" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bite Beauty The Lip Pencil in 044</td></tr>
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Do you usually line your lips? If you have any tips re: the Amuse Bouche lipsticks, please let me know!<br />
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<i>Bite Beauty Amuse Bouche Lipstick: $30 CAD / 0.15 oz</i><br />
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<i>Bite Beauty The Lip Pencil: $20 CAD / 0.05 oz</i><br />
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<br />Angelahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08699118218986161721noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3016186784748411687.post-9231530897920110062017-02-13T10:30:00.000-08:002017-02-13T10:30:22.709-08:00Looking back & looking forwardFebruary is a little late to be getting all retrospective about the year behind us, but by now I'm sure you are all well aware of the kind of posting schedule I keep >:D<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOK3_O5IA6caTJ_J8nFjxib5Ao5rLKRqwXX-p6Z60pEN5kH9sBC3OHc3QsuxVKCB7gDiQoxmmcjkcpJb5NERVSMZTH0BSElL-Jm_XKW8VFMws1y1V31lx5KLinWZmBGorqUG7BkH_-nD0/s1600/clinique-hulaskirt.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Clinique Hula Skirt nail polish - Pantone Colour of the Year 2017 Greenery" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOK3_O5IA6caTJ_J8nFjxib5Ao5rLKRqwXX-p6Z60pEN5kH9sBC3OHc3QsuxVKCB7gDiQoxmmcjkcpJb5NERVSMZTH0BSElL-Jm_XKW8VFMws1y1V31lx5KLinWZmBGorqUG7BkH_-nD0/s1600/clinique-hulaskirt.jpg" title="" /></a></td></tr>
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And what better nail polish to include in a post about 2017 than my closest match to Pantone Greenery, 2017's colour of the year? Clinique Hula Skirt is from the <a href="http://www.dowantmakeup.ca/2013/06/clinique-a-different-nail-enamel-summer-swatches2.html">2013 summer collection</a> and a close match to the grassy, yellow-toned Greenery. Buuuut from writing this post, I just found out Clinique no longer sells their nail polish line?? :( Which is a total shame, because I was going to talk about how this polish is so smooth, easy to use, and relatively long wearing. (The matching Clinique base/top coat sucks as a top coat and takes forever to dry though, hence all the smudges.)<br />
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2016 was a big year for me - it was the year I started an awesome, new, challenging job and took a big step towards my career goals; it was the year bf and I decided to get married, after being engaged for literally years; it was the year we finally moved in together. So you can see why things have been a little quieter around here lately. After not posting for a few months, I thought about whether I wanted to continue this blog. I started it 7 (!!!!) years ago on Tumblr as a creative outlet and have met so many wonderful people, had amazing opportunities, and made some lifelong friends.<br />
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Anyway, I decided I'm not ready to part with it yet! It's still my creative outlet, and I still have <i>so many</i> post ideas always percolating. It is starting to shift more and more away from being strictly a beauty blog to a more personal, "lifestyle" blog, though. Things you'll expect to see this year: a series of wedding planning diaries/tips posts, more fashion nail art, and any other random stuff I manage to churn out. And one way or another, I'm clearing my photo backlog, dammit--it goes back to 2013! Whether that means just finally letting go and deleting stuff that isn't relevant or up to my standards anymore, or being a little kinder to myself and posting something without obsessing over it for hours. Although I might not be able to post so often, and (to fellow bloggers) I might not be able to keep up with my blog roll very well at times, I hope you'll keep reading. Thank you! ♥<br />
<br />Angelahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08699118218986161721noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3016186784748411687.post-76969993758600738762017-01-29T18:00:00.003-08:002017-01-29T18:00:37.934-08:00Rose Gold on WhiteNew year (sorta), fresh new nails! I thought a simple stripe of Orly Rage would be the perfect addition to a simple test run of a new white polish. (By the way, I bought Rage years ago, and I still think that name is <i>hilarious</i> for a pretty rose gold metallic polish.)<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhk7BP73TEGp2axbjUDSdqU2H-4eeW70R4dYJUmPwzmniY_GijZBFz02BzRhp1fpxdC6O_Oq7xjTZATaVOUfXEnPJGNK2laN3FCbuieDzMyh-kGTWCsQHRf5aHmMNtKfRtqyAkS095gjpE/s1600/rose-gold-on-white-nails-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Rose gold stripe nail art on white" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhk7BP73TEGp2axbjUDSdqU2H-4eeW70R4dYJUmPwzmniY_GijZBFz02BzRhp1fpxdC6O_Oq7xjTZATaVOUfXEnPJGNK2laN3FCbuieDzMyh-kGTWCsQHRf5aHmMNtKfRtqyAkS095gjpE/s1600/rose-gold-on-white-nails-2.jpg" title="" /></a></td></tr>
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I run out of white nail polish really quickly because I use it so often in nail art, both as a <a href="http://www.dowantmakeup.ca/2016/03/duckish-nail-art-colourblock-chevrons.html">base</a> and <a href="http://www.dowantmakeup.ca/2016/01/speckled-gradient-nail-art-balsem.html">accent/detail work</a>. A good white polish is surprisingly hard to come by - OPI Alpine Snow and Sephora Formula X White Matter are my absolute favourites, but I'm not too keen on spending $10+ every couple months for a new one! Shoppers Drug Mart had Ceramic Glaze on sale for $3, so I snapped one up in Pure.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzn7s7bNUn_x3kjukqzpV8ZsOQ9wliuoWbx9rbOsa0tSh2NW_Z4lbVq-N9FcV-SWJUB2x72qop7ruK4KbReIkQRP93R1DcSnvP0Y1inhBigpLsZdQ6nTm-EsZotSbQiM2QlnnNHt1Wt6I/s1600/rose-gold-on-white-nails-3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Rose gold stripe nail art on white" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzn7s7bNUn_x3kjukqzpV8ZsOQ9wliuoWbx9rbOsa0tSh2NW_Z4lbVq-N9FcV-SWJUB2x72qop7ruK4KbReIkQRP93R1DcSnvP0Y1inhBigpLsZdQ6nTm-EsZotSbQiM2QlnnNHt1Wt6I/s1600/rose-gold-on-white-nails-3.jpg" title="" /></a></td></tr>
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It's not quite on par with Alpine Snow or White Matter, but it's a pretty good white polish for the price. The brush is a little stiff and uneven though, making application not as effortless as the other two. However, the formula is smooth, opaque in two coats, and not too thick or gloppy - you'll be seeing this polish often in future posts!<br />
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Happy belated new year to you all! I have so much going on lately and so many blog post ideas for this year - I hope I can find the time to work on them and not go so long in between posts. Tell me how 2017 is going for you so far! (Also, tell me your favourite white polish!)Angelahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08699118218986161721noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3016186784748411687.post-22335623463381696582016-12-23T10:00:00.000-08:002016-12-23T10:00:01.980-08:00Nail Art: David's Tea Advent Calendar 2016 (Part 1)So uhhh hi :) School, work, and moving took up a lot more of my time than I thought, so here we are in December! Let's get right to it: I'm a big nerd for David's Tea, so when the 24 Days of Tea advent calendar came up, I snapped it up right away. I loved last year's deep teal and penguin theme so much--I even did a <a href="http://www.dowantmakeup.ca/2015/11/davids-tea-24-days-of-tea-advent-calendar-2015.html">value breakdown post</a>--that I did some <a href="http://www.dowantmakeup.ca/2015/12/davids-tea-24-days-of-tea-nail-art.html">inspired nail art</a>. I'm indifferent to this year's family of mice, but I adore the colour palette of pastel blue, jade green, and coral. Time for a skittles manicure!<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPg_YLdrsk-nmEuWUslv7CQn_An2PVTxxvv0_NBfuzdRe0Kk8SBKkr74KDPQsKHBXY6PWrjkFTVsy27hiDoLklZB33QVY_w3ZUZbIEQYvrMh1SrtmoIK6m7A8F5GQp4IBoDP_yIg2DyAM/s1600/davids-tea-advent-calendar-2016-nail-art-5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="David's Tea 24 Days of Tea Advent Calendar 2016 nail art" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPg_YLdrsk-nmEuWUslv7CQn_An2PVTxxvv0_NBfuzdRe0Kk8SBKkr74KDPQsKHBXY6PWrjkFTVsy27hiDoLklZB33QVY_w3ZUZbIEQYvrMh1SrtmoIK6m7A8F5GQp4IBoDP_yIg2DyAM/s1600/davids-tea-advent-calendar-2016-nail-art-5.jpg" title="" /></a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>By the way, moving is <i>annoying</i>. Doing this manicure made me realize a bunch of my polishes are still missing! So some of the shades I used were actually my second or third picks, because I couldn't find the other polishes that I thought were much closer to the advent calendar shades.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhN0HY1cAmYr3Td3UAE4FfBWMaPfpyD34KVkalAeGOfNUL-tQUbTK8owEtw7urbxTzXv72mXnKYiCi-zvhGMkZSYofULkpXiITPDuFne4nHmfXgBXyeBdZB7nh33lAeoZyiltQx4mDYaBw/s1600/davids-tea-advent-calendar-2016-nail-art-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="David's Tea 24 Days of Tea Advent Calendar 2016 nail art" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhN0HY1cAmYr3Td3UAE4FfBWMaPfpyD34KVkalAeGOfNUL-tQUbTK8owEtw7urbxTzXv72mXnKYiCi-zvhGMkZSYofULkpXiITPDuFne4nHmfXgBXyeBdZB7nh33lAeoZyiltQx4mDYaBw/s1600/davids-tea-advent-calendar-2016-nail-art-1.jpg" title="" /></a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>I haven't done any detail work in a while, so while it was fun to do the numbers in gold, I was definitely rusty. My favourite brush is a super long, fine eBay nail art brush that I hand-trimmed with a single edge razor to be even finer.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuezsJM9nos0hG_a5P0KrThxb4WHG-99phsGSLaIhXwyAgT-TkUl_6LqjHV6AHfjOwwHta5zzwqfEmyTNpYB5G4Kf9WfVjwZWJ-xM5plEhX-7wgc9_AojvP_BaQu1tahC-o4ys-H7v06o/s1600/davids-tea-advent-calendar-2016-nail-art-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="David's Tea 24 Days of Tea Advent Calendar 2016 nail art" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuezsJM9nos0hG_a5P0KrThxb4WHG-99phsGSLaIhXwyAgT-TkUl_6LqjHV6AHfjOwwHta5zzwqfEmyTNpYB5G4Kf9WfVjwZWJ-xM5plEhX-7wgc9_AojvP_BaQu1tahC-o4ys-H7v06o/s1600/davids-tea-advent-calendar-2016-nail-art-2.jpg" title="" /></a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>Polishes used:<br />
<ul><li>China Glaze Kinetic Candy (icy blue)</li>
<li>OPI Alpine Snow (white)</li>
<li>Sally Hansen Peachy Keen (coral, looks much less intense in real life than in the photos)</li>
<li>The Body Shop Mint Cream (jade green)</li>
<li>Orly Luxe (gold)</li>
</ul><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi440ifTMyM2s-UCz4a4WJ0DSG0f2t9Kl5EE2eGW9_vSZSyYvOJbg58Bpq6K48zeko0IeqWljiUQJ1swrykuU2Z4DE_hOqbXmoYxLEWQJ5_QT4b3D15p_kNkNIyG4QYGJm9KCvmzAQSEcw/s1600/davids-tea-advent-calendar-2016-nail-art-3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="David's Tea 24 Days of Tea Advent Calendar 2016 nail art" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi440ifTMyM2s-UCz4a4WJ0DSG0f2t9Kl5EE2eGW9_vSZSyYvOJbg58Bpq6K48zeko0IeqWljiUQJ1swrykuU2Z4DE_hOqbXmoYxLEWQJ5_QT4b3D15p_kNkNIyG4QYGJm9KCvmzAQSEcw/s1600/davids-tea-advent-calendar-2016-nail-art-3.jpg" title="" /></a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>Not sure if it's the new home or the cooler weather or what, but my top coat and peel-off base coat were not cooperating. I got some rippling along the edges of some nails (most visible on my thumbnail), and tip wear appeared very early on. While photographing, the polish on my index finger completely popped off! (You can see in the photo above, I'm trying to cover it up with my other fingers ;)). Hopefully it was just a case of applying my base coat a little too thickly.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLyt6j101kQu0yKX1Ldj_o0820B1DEM3zhiUPZ4L_5GgRQ83rPFkcTH84RVk71F3vAswPi8J4D1oSdvo8HCnzyv-KE_ka1bQ3geQmCXGg-3p4VfhjvKNIi7vDlH-3BOarjP0zT6ohW8jY/s1600/davids-tea-advent-calendar-2016-nail-art-4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="David's Tea 24 Days of Tea Advent Calendar 2016 nail art" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLyt6j101kQu0yKX1Ldj_o0820B1DEM3zhiUPZ4L_5GgRQ83rPFkcTH84RVk71F3vAswPi8J4D1oSdvo8HCnzyv-KE_ka1bQ3geQmCXGg-3p4VfhjvKNIi7vDlH-3BOarjP0zT6ohW8jY/s1600/davids-tea-advent-calendar-2016-nail-art-4.jpg" title="" /></a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>Although I haven't tried any new teas in the calendar to become obsessed with (yet), it's been nice to get reacquainted with some old favourites (Genmaicha, Ginger Pear) and re-confirm my dislikes (Forever Nuts sorrynotsorry, Sleigh Ride). What are your favourites from the David's Tea advent calendar?<br />
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Angelahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08699118218986161721noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3016186784748411687.post-36177571192974985692016-08-26T17:29:00.000-07:002016-08-26T17:29:05.028-07:00Colourpop Lippie Stix in LuauThe weather is finally heating up in Vancouver, so now feels around the right time to post about bright, summery lipstick! I placed a Colourpop order a long, long time ago to check out what all the buzz was about, and limited myself to buying just 3 Lippie Stix and 3 Lippie Pencils, one of which was Luau Lippie Stix. This true orange shade in Colourpop's hyper glossy finish was intended to be the replacement for Androgyne, the true orange OCC Lip Tar Stained Gloss that I <a href="http://www.dowantmakeup.ca/2015/03/occ-lip-tar-stained-gloss-trio-review-swatches.html">kinda loved</a> but ultimately returned because of the low coverage and patchiness.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrkKtH0OExNRXhERRzn2tgJrn_jlQCFtK939g4SRPTqyhDt1UDipmO3xZjVAcpvOWyTGgebWrOwtCbwtopq7HzVXyLvCIvLsnUobHeDIo5DP_sdldavAW0jCSMum6aNl_sq53smXFo6T0/s1600/colourpop-lippie-stix-4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Colourpop Lippie Stix" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrkKtH0OExNRXhERRzn2tgJrn_jlQCFtK939g4SRPTqyhDt1UDipmO3xZjVAcpvOWyTGgebWrOwtCbwtopq7HzVXyLvCIvLsnUobHeDIo5DP_sdldavAW0jCSMum6aNl_sq53smXFo6T0/s1600/colourpop-lippie-stix-4.jpg" title="" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Colourpop Lippie Stix in Luau, Lumiere, Toucan</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Surprisingly, I peeked out of my comfort zone to pick up some non-berry/purply shades: Lumiere, a matte mauve, and Toucan, a matte, bright red coral.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9mL_IaZRWJqhjSxEKJqz6wo7iMjsYRpLIEG6AgEwZoT-UC20dQQcyJsOqihMBwQRzeiJy6ARsVFMt98qSJ18U4ERvKdsfYcfd4cPnXLv_yyY2KvMdOXhyphenhyphenLc4pI0CmrE_cYOo6MW7N71A/s1600/colourpop-lippie-stix-5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Colourpop Lippie Stix" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9mL_IaZRWJqhjSxEKJqz6wo7iMjsYRpLIEG6AgEwZoT-UC20dQQcyJsOqihMBwQRzeiJy6ARsVFMt98qSJ18U4ERvKdsfYcfd4cPnXLv_yyY2KvMdOXhyphenhyphenLc4pI0CmrE_cYOo6MW7N71A/s1600/colourpop-lippie-stix-5.jpg" title="" /></a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>Luau is the truest orange in my collection--everything else I own has a little bit of coral/pink in it, including <a href="http://www.dowantmakeup.ca/2013/11/annabelle-twistup-lipstick-crayons-swatches-review.html">Annabelle Orange Pop</a>. I was pleased to see that the pigmentation and coverage was much better than OCC Androgyne. The bluish tones in my lips tone down the bright orange a little, making it slightly more muted than I think it would be on an average person. <i>But </i>you can see it's still quite bright in the photo below:<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmCDLBmzyPq4Lk16iKoBIfsy_clwT8ucwnA9u1bFDS3e5CbJjNHd__qeOzqRswiyJaLLFkkMr-kHAxt1EMDDDRg7eGe98p7vBAkJR4XdtbZYUCxtwSTrYgOVecDnxHFb-R8X5ZjeODWcI/s1600/colourpop-toucan-swatch-2--1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Colourpop Lippie Stix Luau swatch & review" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmCDLBmzyPq4Lk16iKoBIfsy_clwT8ucwnA9u1bFDS3e5CbJjNHd__qeOzqRswiyJaLLFkkMr-kHAxt1EMDDDRg7eGe98p7vBAkJR4XdtbZYUCxtwSTrYgOVecDnxHFb-R8X5ZjeODWcI/s1600/colourpop-toucan-swatch-2--1.jpg" title="" /></a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>I do love my mattes and semi-mattes but this super glossy finish on Luau is <i>so pretty</i>! If possible, it's even brighter and shinier in person.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEin6qHQFCDFH8_FEMFSKqd_1iTjGrQ5l5fFWzrmKwbdTdnOo_riA4NNHHZvphEXB1Zod7VZc6TEfX4vTRkX57AXiQrF-8jtFVAUVx11gBAYjbDGP8dn9vbf1pl-J_lO3e5WTyOLkvVOHbI/s1600/colourpop-toucan-swatch--1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Colourpop Lippie Stix Luau swatch & review" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEin6qHQFCDFH8_FEMFSKqd_1iTjGrQ5l5fFWzrmKwbdTdnOo_riA4NNHHZvphEXB1Zod7VZc6TEfX4vTRkX57AXiQrF-8jtFVAUVx11gBAYjbDGP8dn9vbf1pl-J_lO3e5WTyOLkvVOHbI/s1600/colourpop-toucan-swatch--1.jpg" title="" /></a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>On my chronically-dry lips, it's neither moisturizing or drying. I wore this on a day when my lips were pretty dry, without prepping first (!!), and it didn't emphasize the appearance of dryness or worsen it. (Side note: was later complimented by two different women on it. Bf's reaction was less enthusiastic >__>)<br />
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Overall I'm happy I went with something other than my usual berry shades! The coverage was good enough to even out my discoloured lips, and it wore well over 7-8 hours with drinking and snacking. Considering that Lippie Stix are priced at a super-affordable price $5 per Lippie Stix, the value is so good - it's so tempting to buy more!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_o6TzYRwiXpNK9QMY4yLsUQvgF9oeCba790jps9kcAQb066xsRwGU1Umo3VkmrXnVGg6dtJ2pMFcikdG5yrKLA1us3zpHZs1eZk3XIoSwXZjOaYTNpTF8RW1ZEh-WuaV6YY_-iS8kpa0/s1600/colourpop-lippie-stix-3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Colourpop Lippie Stix" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_o6TzYRwiXpNK9QMY4yLsUQvgF9oeCba790jps9kcAQb066xsRwGU1Umo3VkmrXnVGg6dtJ2pMFcikdG5yrKLA1us3zpHZs1eZk3XIoSwXZjOaYTNpTF8RW1ZEh-WuaV6YY_-iS8kpa0/s1600/colourpop-lippie-stix-3.jpg" title="" /></a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>Hopefully I'll get around to swatching the other shades I purchased, because they are just as lovely as Luau. Have you tried any lip products from Colourpop yet?<br />
Angelahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08699118218986161721noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3016186784748411687.post-44188953723306726192016-08-06T13:36:00.001-07:002018-05-04T21:25:19.619-07:00LUSH Popcorn Lip ScrubYou folks know how much I loved LUSH's <a href="http://www.dowantmakeup.ca/2015/02/lush-the-kiss-lip-scrub-the-kiss-lip-gloss-review.html" rel="">The Kiss lip scrub</a>--it was one of my <a href="http://www.dowantmakeup.ca/2015/12/favourite-beauty-discoveries-of-2015.html">favourite products of 2015</a>! After such a good, lip-smoothing experience, I wanted to try another lip scrub, this time from their permanent (available all-year) range. <a href="http://www.lush.ca/Popcorn/03766,en_CA,pd.html" rel="nofollow">Popcorn</a> was the obvious winner, because who doesn't love popcorn?<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6RcPEUGbrTRgOagg0qCJ6RdpbHGDunpLRKJiRO0NYulh8EmYciX-SZr3aYlWB79L6lWqc31kHK23gDTMnAnIM7wq7DLk2yjwZdRBZzu3z0TaK3mIsaDFas0An3hBwbikpwRFUpZ8gjh8/s1600/lush-popcorn-lip-scrub-review-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="LUSH Popcorn lip scrub review" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6RcPEUGbrTRgOagg0qCJ6RdpbHGDunpLRKJiRO0NYulh8EmYciX-SZr3aYlWB79L6lWqc31kHK23gDTMnAnIM7wq7DLk2yjwZdRBZzu3z0TaK3mIsaDFas0An3hBwbikpwRFUpZ8gjh8/s1600/lush-popcorn-lip-scrub-review-1.jpg" title="" /></a></td></tr>
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Popcorn lip scrub gets its name from the inclusion of corn meal in the formula to help scrub off dead flakes, along with castor sugar and fine sea salt. The coconut oil and jojoba oil from the scrub also help keep lips moisturized. I love the sweet and salty smell, like salted caramel corn, and similar to LUSH <a href="http://www.lush.ca/Let-the-Good-Times-Roll/9999906306,en_CA,pd.html" rel="nofollow">Let The Good Times Roll cleanser</a>.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj35ie0LLNCji__Wl_9K6DGaTu7uZIXj39pCKgxovxie74A4FCb4Q_LgT9IMJUAAXLr7GzwhuxBAvW5sFfoLZWv6PQJ6FKESPKqstn6VwUblI1XWfCIOnhh7GXFdWXqx3p6_PSyq-CB-tc/s1600/lush-popcorn-lip-scrub-review-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="LUSH Popcorn lip scrub review" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj35ie0LLNCji__Wl_9K6DGaTu7uZIXj39pCKgxovxie74A4FCb4Q_LgT9IMJUAAXLr7GzwhuxBAvW5sFfoLZWv6PQJ6FKESPKqstn6VwUblI1XWfCIOnhh7GXFdWXqx3p6_PSyq-CB-tc/s1600/lush-popcorn-lip-scrub-review-2.jpg" title="" /></a></td></tr>
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While the sprinkles and hearts in The Kiss were cute and very Valentines-appropriate, they didn't do much for my lips; Popcorn is way more functional without that stuff. The ingredients list does include fizzy candy, but I've never noticed it and am not sure it does anything. At least it doesn't get in the way of a good lip scrubbing! The pale yellow scrub does not leave any tint behind.<br />
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I use a clean, dry, cosmetic spatula or similar tool to pick up and deposit a pea-sized amount of the scrub on the back of my hand and work it into my lips with my fingers. I avoid scooping product from the jar with wet fingers because the moisture can cause the scrub to clump up. I use it weekly (because lazy) but it can be used more frequently if needed. Lastly, although you can lick off the product when you're done (due to the edible ingredients), I prefer to just gently rinse it off.<br />
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It's perfect for prepping lips, especially before using a matte lipstick for smooth, even application. Lately, my favourite combination is to use Popcorn and then apply <a href="http://www.dowantmakeup.ca/2016/03/skinceuticals-daily-moisture-metacell-b3-lip-repair-review.html">SkinCeuticals Antioxidant Lip Repair</a>. Smoothest lips ever, seriously.<br />
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In addition to Popcorn, LUSH also has <a href="http://www.lush.ca/Bubblegum/03056,en_CA,pd.html" rel="nofollow">Bubblegum</a> and <a href="http://www.lush.ca/Mint-Julips/03057,en_CA,pd.html" rel="nofollow">Mint Julips</a> available year-round, but I think I love Popcorn too much to stray. Which one would you use to keep your lips flake-free?</div>
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Available at LUSH: $9.95 CAD / 25g<br />
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<i>Ingredients: castor sugar, organic jojoba oil (Simmondsia chinensis), fine sea salt (Sodium chloride), corn meal (Zea mays), extra virgin coconut oil (Cocos nucifera), fizzy candy (isomalt, lycasin, carbon dioxide), flavor</i><br />
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Angelahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08699118218986161721noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3016186784748411687.post-9370235118338238622016-07-22T14:44:00.002-07:002016-07-22T14:44:47.394-07:00OPI Infinite Shine To Be Continued...Hi all! It has been a pretty stressful month at work, but thankfully things have cooled off and all is back to normal - a perfect time to indulge in polishes with effortless formula and soothing hues.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRlsEaBlgm4lICB7m6rBYWFHdVacBMxkmZlMZOrWbPAJECLfCAjS29loy6Czs7ydOghnZiMTaRROpugCAt4fRXmNzMfFnl5lU599Pv3UrvXMdAxPFMDF4E3rdn4FCNUqiSL3_YooN2wH0/s1600/opi-infinite-shine-to-be-continued-swatch-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="OPI Infinite Shine To Be Continued nail polish swatch" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRlsEaBlgm4lICB7m6rBYWFHdVacBMxkmZlMZOrWbPAJECLfCAjS29loy6Czs7ydOghnZiMTaRROpugCAt4fRXmNzMfFnl5lU599Pv3UrvXMdAxPFMDF4E3rdn4FCNUqiSL3_YooN2wH0/s1600/opi-infinite-shine-to-be-continued-swatch-1.jpg" title="" /></a></td></tr>
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OPI Infinite Shine in To Be Continued... (yes with the ellipsis) is a soft, periwinkle blue. It falls into pastel territory, but I like that it still has some colour and vibrance, compared to <a href="http://www.dowantmakeup.ca/2016/02/opi-infinite-shine-lavendurable-swatches.html">Lavendurable</a>, which was pretty but <i>soooo</i> muted.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8SgWyIpX8-Jz_uYvaDkD2miGu9XKu0Po5t7UrNyTdM1ObaSYnMiXW_db3MWHuDIblBI3iXlcPqx982F2RMN8EKssO4lraUVWFn-taUVGE8jSDWQ_MQtwjuSLDPt6YZBhmeghJ95iY_jQ/s1600/opi-infinite-shine-to-be-continued-swatch-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="OPI Infinite Shine To Be Continued nail polish swatch" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8SgWyIpX8-Jz_uYvaDkD2miGu9XKu0Po5t7UrNyTdM1ObaSYnMiXW_db3MWHuDIblBI3iXlcPqx982F2RMN8EKssO4lraUVWFn-taUVGE8jSDWQ_MQtwjuSLDPt6YZBhmeghJ95iY_jQ/s1600/opi-infinite-shine-to-be-continued-swatch-2.jpg" title="" /></a></td></tr>
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I'm a fan overall of original OPI's nail polish formula (Alpine Snow is one of my top two white polishes), and the Infinite Shine range is no different. The flexible, wide brush and smooth, forgiving formula are still present in Infinite Shine -- no clue if it really does have 10 days of chip-free wear though, since I am always changing my polish!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgASmv468lSsFdISNasXrwRKLvETOQevLhRKJFFdPaoB17-BDo1BEJmI8xahkSihfvRyf6uEcqcfRocRFOtuG_h4AIGBqUdHMgVVRtra3g0ro1v7y674Omjw295wQbggyE8QV5X-gmDWZ0/s1600/opi-infinite-shine-to-be-continued-swatch-3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="OPI Infinite Shine To Be Continued nail polish swatch" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgASmv468lSsFdISNasXrwRKLvETOQevLhRKJFFdPaoB17-BDo1BEJmI8xahkSihfvRyf6uEcqcfRocRFOtuG_h4AIGBqUdHMgVVRtra3g0ro1v7y674Omjw295wQbggyE8QV5X-gmDWZ0/s1600/opi-infinite-shine-to-be-continued-swatch-3.jpg" title="" /></a></td></tr>
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Doing my nails is such a peaceful, relaxing moment for me: I catch up on terrible reality TV, pick out a fun colour, and just unwind. How do you de-stress after a long week?Angelahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08699118218986161721noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3016186784748411687.post-33057778879815770922016-07-09T17:13:00.004-07:002018-05-04T21:26:15.653-07:00Clinique Pretty Easy Brow PaletteWayyyy back in December, I named Clinique Pretty Easy Brow Palette as one of my <a href="http://www.dowantmakeup.ca/2015/12/favourite-beauty-discoveries-of-2015.html">favourite beauty discoveries of 2015</a>. I finally got around to editing the photos and sitting down to write this post to show what a difference a good brow powder can do!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM_Nf63Px9SJuzjuwgqYkxHxwGtpHO-vl6eaK6HqlzgOjLHEzU__9krfUeeZ-fyv5omIL05oYNhoJChga6Ai2pZexIo-F0wwhDzVPo3XWcWQa-Fxq_x68STzUbZs7lmmbDGMVlDXsFWFo/s1600/clinique-pretty-easy-brow-palette-review-5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Clinique Pretty Easy Brow Palette review" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM_Nf63Px9SJuzjuwgqYkxHxwGtpHO-vl6eaK6HqlzgOjLHEzU__9krfUeeZ-fyv5omIL05oYNhoJChga6Ai2pZexIo-F0wwhDzVPo3XWcWQa-Fxq_x68STzUbZs7lmmbDGMVlDXsFWFo/s1600/clinique-pretty-easy-brow-palette-review-5.jpg" title="" /></a></td></tr>
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Clinique Pretty Easy Brow Palette made its debut last year as the all-in-one product to get your brow game on. The sleek, mirrored compact holds a brow powder, highlighter, and wax (fixative), as well as the tools needed to apply each product.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-FkdXNg0sftn2hZA9DTWqdendkIWnk7XD2EJq0G-C3kAy9l8BZdcRLvSk9DM6Two5vIgkgC7K-nipm2O1OjQmPRyt0pD-QKWAv2Rkf6iKjHIZlLtTWjwXntp2T1i-RhishAjYZqV5krI/s1600/clinique-pretty-easy-brow-palette-review-7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Clinique Pretty Easy Brow Palette review" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-FkdXNg0sftn2hZA9DTWqdendkIWnk7XD2EJq0G-C3kAy9l8BZdcRLvSk9DM6Two5vIgkgC7K-nipm2O1OjQmPRyt0pD-QKWAv2Rkf6iKjHIZlLtTWjwXntp2T1i-RhishAjYZqV5krI/s1600/clinique-pretty-easy-brow-palette-review-7.jpg" title="" /></a></td></tr>
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The brow powder is a matte, cool-toned brown. It's not as buttery or pigmented upon first swatch as an eyeshadow, which is kind of a good thing: it's much easier to build up your brows than to apply too much and try to tone it down. And by the way, the colour is <i>such</i> a good match for typical Asian hair and skin tones. It took me a long time to start using brow product because a lot of my early drugstore picks for dark brown brows had a warm or reddish tint, which is not quite right for most Asians--you want something a little cooler or greyish.<br />
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The powder highlighter is a satiny, slightly warm vanilla shade. In comparison to the brow powder, the highlighter is closer to the texture of an eyeshadow. On my skin, it almost disappears (in a good way), leaving a subtle sheen that lifts the brows and anywhere else that you want a little pick-me-up.<br />
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Despite how it looks, the fixative has hardly any colour to it once applied, and further defines brows while still keeping the overall look natural. If you have very unruly brows, it may not help much to tame them, though.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbUDMPj72I3bsMKjorYNsun6kLNwO7pPYccqCxLa7ubGoY5bUt__BaRC1rKHBsb0BlCx08Z5AG7USN0tlInEEOW6WMhu8pFRJmj-kjLadMAQ_B3uiA8m08eInitAQ3kgVrrKwi7Tr_Rsc/s1600/clinique-pretty-easy-brow-palette-review-1-a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Clinique Pretty Easy Brow Palette review FOTD" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbUDMPj72I3bsMKjorYNsun6kLNwO7pPYccqCxLa7ubGoY5bUt__BaRC1rKHBsb0BlCx08Z5AG7USN0tlInEEOW6WMhu8pFRJmj-kjLadMAQ_B3uiA8m08eInitAQ3kgVrrKwi7Tr_Rsc/s1600/clinique-pretty-easy-brow-palette-review-1-a.jpg" title="" /></a></td></tr>
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Seriously, filling in your brows makes such a difference! The only thing that changes between the before and after is my eyebrows (and lips, but that's because I forgot, whoops.) The brow powder both builds up well and blends easily, allowing you to define the tails of your brows and also softly fill/extend the inner brow without that "blocked-in brows" look. Wear time is good and I didn't notice any significant fading over the course of the day.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnimTKZoEd7pY0cW3Z-NgWehfxvdWw1UrY2YQVdS1DbXmUawnyTgGNftkSq5yW0vGzu6b2K8OeP85V9U-ACUe9qOwVkSgNwcO71zsH0l7Hii-pE79PfwEus3H9EP67HgwbARZhBoroP_k/s1600/clinique-pretty-easy-brow-palette-review-3-a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Clinique Pretty Easy Brow Palette review FOTD" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnimTKZoEd7pY0cW3Z-NgWehfxvdWw1UrY2YQVdS1DbXmUawnyTgGNftkSq5yW0vGzu6b2K8OeP85V9U-ACUe9qOwVkSgNwcO71zsH0l7Hii-pE79PfwEus3H9EP67HgwbARZhBoroP_k/s1600/clinique-pretty-easy-brow-palette-review-3-a.jpg" title="" /></a></td></tr>
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As for the tools included in the palette, they're okay for on-the-go use. I know the numbering suggests using that pointed sponge (1) to apply the brow powder, but I much prefer using the angled flat brush (3) because it's much more precise and results in a more natural look. That being said, I do wish that the angled flat brush was firmer and denser for more control. Lastly, I would prefer using my little finger to apply the highlighter than the fluffy flat brush (2). Again, they're okay considering they're just mini-applicators thrown in with the product, and work in a pinch.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0rNK0RHKbOTUX7EXznWO2sdXFzb-g4B7tlDyNSlbq8yoacxSLcYCqI5uRQW36jgLTN-yk9wgmRuRYvXsxUGymzCoNcFJlljIYSRufDpvtwgh5YpuuwqqIe6kAlxaXa2N8tmBcAr6ttiU/s1600/clinique-pretty-easy-brow-palette-review-4-a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Clinique Pretty Easy Brow Palette review FOTD" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0rNK0RHKbOTUX7EXznWO2sdXFzb-g4B7tlDyNSlbq8yoacxSLcYCqI5uRQW36jgLTN-yk9wgmRuRYvXsxUGymzCoNcFJlljIYSRufDpvtwgh5YpuuwqqIe6kAlxaXa2N8tmBcAr6ttiU/s1600/clinique-pretty-easy-brow-palette-review-4-a.jpg" title="" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Can you tell which brow is my favourite brow? :P</td></tr>
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Clinique did a great job with this product! The brow shade is spot-on and the soft texture makes it hard to overapply, and thus very beginner-friendly. (I suspect it would also make a very good option as a subtle contour...) At $43, it's not the most budget-conscious option out there, but it would be so good for someone loves having three brow products in one convenient and portable package. If you can do without the highlighter and fixative, <a href="http://www.sephora.com/brow-shaper-P122659?country_switch=us&lang=en&skuId=57299" rel="nofollow">Clinique's Brow Shaper</a> contains the brow powder only, and for less than half the price ($21).<br />
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Available at Clinique, <a href="http://www.sephora.com/pretty-easy-brow-palette-P400706" rel="nofollow">Sephora</a>, Shoppers Drug Mart Beauty Boutiques: $43 CAD / 0.06 oz<br />
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Angelahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08699118218986161721noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3016186784748411687.post-65258055809267226082016-06-29T09:30:00.000-07:002016-06-29T09:30:00.151-07:00Pastel Easter nailsQuick and long-overdue nail post today! I took a quick picture of these nails to share on <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BDlPQrvHlfh">Instagram</a> close to Easter weekend, then promptly forgot about writing a proper post about them, soooo here we are.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisnBzEeJG7b4bO6_olcdRFT2pWZlkVeXfrA-_0eSLC3Tm0iTOuBjX06FMb07g6uqiEy2mHdKlHdUFcB6CnrsC1IrVNLf-trI-WuDDcxkrYZmjs_6TKcTteX5wWvgdbVprYUude4lm-Yp0/s1600/pastel-easter-nails-4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Pastel polka dot easter nails" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisnBzEeJG7b4bO6_olcdRFT2pWZlkVeXfrA-_0eSLC3Tm0iTOuBjX06FMb07g6uqiEy2mHdKlHdUFcB6CnrsC1IrVNLf-trI-WuDDcxkrYZmjs_6TKcTteX5wWvgdbVprYUude4lm-Yp0/s1600/pastel-easter-nails-4.jpg" title="" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Direct sunlight</td></tr>
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When I first did my nails in this polka dot, pastel skittle mani style, I was so in love with them. I took tons of photos in different lighting, indirect sunlight, direct sunlight, in my lightbox, etc.. so this post is also unintentionally serves as a comparison of different lighting sources for nail photos 9__9<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5dRFNi-W4jh1eEv4IeC-HlnV7i_nxaibCsBFQoHMO_dEVilPi6n_f6B8VDnG93Ea5A7SBbNkFWjUqKZE-SRAzCMtc7cssIHG0uPOjvKAXP9DYedm0cTwCQ00naXU_GICw_ogZL8-r9nU/s1600/pastel-easter-nails-3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Pastel polka dot easter nails" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5dRFNi-W4jh1eEv4IeC-HlnV7i_nxaibCsBFQoHMO_dEVilPi6n_f6B8VDnG93Ea5A7SBbNkFWjUqKZE-SRAzCMtc7cssIHG0uPOjvKAXP9DYedm0cTwCQ00naXU_GICw_ogZL8-r9nU/s1600/pastel-easter-nails-3.jpg" title="" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Direct sunlight</td></tr>
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No joke, I got sick of this look less than 24 hours later. The pastel colours that I thought were so fun and spring-appropriate the day before were now toothache-levels of sweetness and baby shower-y. I couldn't get them off fast enough lol!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrAyKcxN71ADIwpmkTsI0Qbs77ibC6QKKk8o1pHl7zZC3yOLfs1j3nq7EvNVE7bA7efgoNTm7U1qG1vzQjHRvkZRcajBmPDjfET08KRexkWipwRHju6LWwIatNOCPYLTp9xqtWGxk8044/s1600/pastel-easter-nails-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Pastel polka dot easter nails" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrAyKcxN71ADIwpmkTsI0Qbs77ibC6QKKk8o1pHl7zZC3yOLfs1j3nq7EvNVE7bA7efgoNTm7U1qG1vzQjHRvkZRcajBmPDjfET08KRexkWipwRHju6LWwIatNOCPYLTp9xqtWGxk8044/s1600/pastel-easter-nails-2.jpg" title="" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lightbox</td></tr>
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Details: Orly Artificial Sweetener (very appropriate name, actually) for the dusty pink, Mineral Fusion Glint of Mint for the pale green, Joe Fresh Butter for the yellow, China Glaze Lotus Begin for the lavender, and OPI Infinite Shine To Be Continued... for the dusty blue. I used one of my favourite white polishes, Sephora Formula X White Matter for the dots.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDX9qgLOdeYDzFtvZFEBfsKp3yKIuNk7aUYHBFAwTl4SBj_9WWENzZvr2id0ovTeVVOUqoKvxW2dTyOENXvuhbnKBNrpSLG5iG-IlspFJdYLl9C9kQThzPD7UoW7H3ENGh4kFh_2Jwsrw/s1600/pastel-easter-nails-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Pastel polka dot easter nails" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDX9qgLOdeYDzFtvZFEBfsKp3yKIuNk7aUYHBFAwTl4SBj_9WWENzZvr2id0ovTeVVOUqoKvxW2dTyOENXvuhbnKBNrpSLG5iG-IlspFJdYLl9C9kQThzPD7UoW7H3ENGh4kFh_2Jwsrw/s1600/pastel-easter-nails-1.jpg" title="" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Indirect natural light</td></tr>
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Individually, I love each of the nail polish shades I used, but their pastel powers combined must have been a little much for me! Would you wear this look?<br />
<br />Angelahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08699118218986161721noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3016186784748411687.post-57958664366828683802016-06-18T16:19:00.004-07:002016-06-18T16:22:55.254-07:00Recap: London Drugs Beauty Event 2016Another year, another preview of all the new and exciting things coming to London Drugs this year! This year's Beauty Event had 16 different brands presenting new releases in skin care, cosmetics, and fragrance. As always, I won't be writing about everything I saw that night, but hopefully you are just as excited about the favourites I'm sharing today. The lighting was very blue, but I've tried as best as I can to correct for colour accuracy.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIX2_FkIXpMZ0DfWktMhPHT3FT0JEiVmSDceMQGTKe6iMufc-XbP7eEUadhz-FG1r8nfieyAWRBEF3Slj92xNFmKiL_CuVLE0_tirlQ_Cj57_KYEO6do3HJ8SX_sMf9ZTi8MlN7YKriZs/s1600/ldbeauty_2016.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Sally Hansen Color Therapy nail polish" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIX2_FkIXpMZ0DfWktMhPHT3FT0JEiVmSDceMQGTKe6iMufc-XbP7eEUadhz-FG1r8nfieyAWRBEF3Slj92xNFmKiL_CuVLE0_tirlQ_Cj57_KYEO6do3HJ8SX_sMf9ZTi8MlN7YKriZs/s1600/ldbeauty_2016.jpg" title="" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sally Hansen Color Therapy nail polish shades accompanied by matching jellybeans :D</td></tr>
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A new range of nail polishes is coming this year from <b>Sally Hansen</b>. The Color Therapy line has argan oil infused into the polish formula, which promises to nourish nails.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuNrkwSuFkiCClIDqlrArThf_FgxC6-twWLw9IMfQhEcjzxn24oXCzuMAK_BOI6RtqaZoprV3H3bTta5_mNOj2cYX1PVghLwqHDqjcLRlWkLvxeUstPUFXZYL6kBQngoACGnjF5eQkt_o/s1600/ldbeauty-2016-sally-hansen.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Sally Hansen Color Therapy nail polish" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuNrkwSuFkiCClIDqlrArThf_FgxC6-twWLw9IMfQhEcjzxn24oXCzuMAK_BOI6RtqaZoprV3H3bTta5_mNOj2cYX1PVghLwqHDqjcLRlWkLvxeUstPUFXZYL6kBQngoACGnjF5eQkt_o/s1600/ldbeauty-2016-sally-hansen.jpg" title="" /></a></td></tr>
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I'm a little wary of the affect that the argan oil may have on the wear time of the polishes, but hopefully it will make a different to my sad, dry nails.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3XoNpChN7hP4rVYVPFCVMEGJeE1QEOYWEYSydyuz03hzw3iUNDtRMr1-F5N8WIZn7PxHYb8CX2Y6w18ZHvlbbIHsGJ_k3w6rj1HZnu2WkJbDpoZhW6mrPKz1yD5siD_bMv2DpVfnuQAY/s1600/ldbeauty-2016-annabelle.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Annabelle mascara" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3XoNpChN7hP4rVYVPFCVMEGJeE1QEOYWEYSydyuz03hzw3iUNDtRMr1-F5N8WIZn7PxHYb8CX2Y6w18ZHvlbbIHsGJ_k3w6rj1HZnu2WkJbDpoZhW6mrPKz1yD5siD_bMv2DpVfnuQAY/s1600/ldbeauty-2016-annabelle.jpg" title="" /></a></td></tr>
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<b>Annabelle</b> is releasing a total of 7 (!!!!) mascaras this year for every lash need out there, including a waterproof version of their Big Show mascara. I'm most into the Blast Off mascara (bright yellow packaging), which is a lengthening and curling mascara. I wasn't able to get good photos of their other upcoming releases, which include a smooth gel lip liner, and more <a href="http://www.dowantmakeup.ca/2013/11/annabelle-twistup-lipstick-crayons-swatches-review.html">TwistUp Lipstick Crayons</a> in super-shimmery metalic shades.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_EoKPTQdP0Zm5wVzeROF2Or3FSV92-wZvNCFfM9EJ0Oe74aja_oMdJchYsQgXaFAHE4HdNjc_dqfnBYa7gZ4d_ksVHAOYbG8XNEdFp52VFzU0l4AKYLM7FkuwedpU4gMLF2Gs1aNLRWQ/s1600/ldbeauty-2016-elf-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="e.l.f. Lipstick" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_EoKPTQdP0Zm5wVzeROF2Or3FSV92-wZvNCFfM9EJ0Oe74aja_oMdJchYsQgXaFAHE4HdNjc_dqfnBYa7gZ4d_ksVHAOYbG8XNEdFp52VFzU0l4AKYLM7FkuwedpU4gMLF2Gs1aNLRWQ/s1600/ldbeauty-2016-elf-1.jpg" title="" /></a></td></tr>
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London Drugs will be expanding the range of <b>e.l.f. </b>products they currently carry, including e.l.f. makeup brushes. New this year are these double-ended Day To Night lipstick duos in four different shades.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2beYral7ayxbX2kcx2yAudnUVLfRv3rGyI82WeiS8Y2PcpTTCwhNuxgeS8Rb46DtwKikeSHc2LO1oAqTJIdmctvu-2l3hHLS1Cmclgd-5QJzv9c3zkO924EcHujkNtwnQQ-mbnhp9ceU/s1600/ldbeauty_2016-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="e.l.f. Contour Palette" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2beYral7ayxbX2kcx2yAudnUVLfRv3rGyI82WeiS8Y2PcpTTCwhNuxgeS8Rb46DtwKikeSHc2LO1oAqTJIdmctvu-2l3hHLS1Cmclgd-5QJzv9c3zkO924EcHujkNtwnQQ-mbnhp9ceU/s1600/ldbeauty_2016-1.jpg" title="" /></a></td></tr>
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e.l.f.'s blush/bronzer duo has gotten a lot of love since it was first introduced, and now they're adding a four-pan contour/highlighting palette to the lineup.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTrYJUBFOOD9MSI7gWmUySyUPmZiyhXArnInKtjGbBjO_oIz083ZXbvk5CEwasOPldaJ0-wilE3R2dtVI1N6NVp7QfG6HkOkFg7EIRCBAny7lRkqIU_ME-FokQedWO9opgjjWRtsNWAOQ/s1600/ldbeauty-2016-essie-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Essie Gel Couture nail polish" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTrYJUBFOOD9MSI7gWmUySyUPmZiyhXArnInKtjGbBjO_oIz083ZXbvk5CEwasOPldaJ0-wilE3R2dtVI1N6NVp7QfG6HkOkFg7EIRCBAny7lRkqIU_ME-FokQedWO9opgjjWRtsNWAOQ/s1600/ldbeauty-2016-essie-1.jpg" title="" /></a></td></tr>
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With the popularity of gel manicures rising, <b>Essie</b> (much like other brands) has responded by coming out with a line of polishes that promise the gel-like shine and longevity without the need for UV lamps. The Gel Couture range has a literal "twist" to classic Essie polishes, with the bottles in a twisted shape. (No lie, my first reaction to the shape was, "are these going to fit weird in my nail polish drawers?")<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi05Qeb-KC-6uyd4_n07bpaqoH7QTKV-kzI1GlkfMt1D_Fnyemp8NSg158hReBuxa0iD3W-mQVcDegUNtTlgqMJAba251aaqquM9I57db8lMDxsUkmKesnuKnE4b1oaJszQlXlJC5it7l4/s1600/ldbeauty-2016-kiss-ny-pro-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Kiss NY Pro Egoism Matte lipstick" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi05Qeb-KC-6uyd4_n07bpaqoH7QTKV-kzI1GlkfMt1D_Fnyemp8NSg158hReBuxa0iD3W-mQVcDegUNtTlgqMJAba251aaqquM9I57db8lMDxsUkmKesnuKnE4b1oaJszQlXlJC5it7l4/s1600/ldbeauty-2016-kiss-ny-pro-2.jpg" title="" /></a></td></tr>
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<b>Kiss NY Pro </b>is a new NY-based brand with a Korean beauty aesthetic. I am <i>so </i>excited about the Egoism Matte Velvet lipsticks, which come in a variety of conventional colours, plus stunning shades like lavender, teal, navy, and black (I posted a few swatches on <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BGsysuZHlVJ/">Instagram</a>).<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY0EAxctnvhUphkjW8c9WsTMgOmhjZhlq5JJy3MQgWCG8KI0eoqnCWNQadG0uK3DIWKZmEtRUGLkSY8kPJBbuF_-g2ekG5LrXgIb8owK5dwOhzSzte8DmzJffuhBbp6T8Ih3DzACgFJSE/s1600/ldbeauty-2016-kiss-ny-pro.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Kiss NY Pro Moisture Tattoo lip stain" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY0EAxctnvhUphkjW8c9WsTMgOmhjZhlq5JJy3MQgWCG8KI0eoqnCWNQadG0uK3DIWKZmEtRUGLkSY8kPJBbuF_-g2ekG5LrXgIb8owK5dwOhzSzte8DmzJffuhBbp6T8Ih3DzACgFJSE/s1600/ldbeauty-2016-kiss-ny-pro.jpg" title="" /></a></td></tr>
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And because you can never have enough lip product: there's also the Moisture Tattoo, pigmented lip stains in high-gloss shades. Unfortunately we will have to wait until September-ish for Kiss NY Pro to start getting carried in London Drugs stores!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuntC2v4kfdTF0hHkD2xTBNS562qgqahPOAZxpPcqUClmJ2jb1eu3A0B3cNPWqgYrT_rDzr0vMCPmYl8tdGHPVbcs0J-ZvLnBIXKQJQiS18AGnCoh4kfYQ_pbaggwPRW2Q6yfScaRDXXQ/s1600/ldbeauty-2016-makeuprevolution-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Makeup Revolution blush palette" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuntC2v4kfdTF0hHkD2xTBNS562qgqahPOAZxpPcqUClmJ2jb1eu3A0B3cNPWqgYrT_rDzr0vMCPmYl8tdGHPVbcs0J-ZvLnBIXKQJQiS18AGnCoh4kfYQ_pbaggwPRW2Q6yfScaRDXXQ/s1600/ldbeauty-2016-makeuprevolution-1.jpg" title="" /></a></td></tr>
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<b>Makeup Revolution </b>is another exciting new brand coming to London Drugs. The UK-based brand was really popular at the Beauty Event because they had so many gorgeous products. Above is a shot of one of their 8-pan baked blush palettes.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYaVG3ApmFGWAoWx_A4XV4IdTiRePGgdjfwfMWAibcGHnhWrU7Vj3UuiqqVFh8xXmPqtPkTs5E_kyS4a5fVnd84nhWCRpeSQhdFc1aHQXkfp0S0U3pfsCEf7IniI3mnPuRzRAQRuBC5D8/s1600/ldbeauty-2016-makeuprevolution-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Makeup Revolution Vivid Baked Highlighter" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYaVG3ApmFGWAoWx_A4XV4IdTiRePGgdjfwfMWAibcGHnhWrU7Vj3UuiqqVFh8xXmPqtPkTs5E_kyS4a5fVnd84nhWCRpeSQhdFc1aHQXkfp0S0U3pfsCEf7IniI3mnPuRzRAQRuBC5D8/s1600/ldbeauty-2016-makeuprevolution-2.jpg" title="" /></a></td></tr>
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For major glow, there is also the Vivid Baked Highlighters in three shades.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisHPPVaeb6VySsPi6hVKnvoG5gWVyXeWginpwNha_tMWXHXPDw4KpieLiGOWprw-jqliLHFw5TG2mR57vXQ2EQIWuLO8zwifv7TzR4h1N3h2Kgi_JrYkZQ38FnwJ_OyXwntBclqXS_kNw/s1600/ldbeauty-2016-makeuprevolution-3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Makeup Revolution Ultra Contour Palette" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisHPPVaeb6VySsPi6hVKnvoG5gWVyXeWginpwNha_tMWXHXPDw4KpieLiGOWprw-jqliLHFw5TG2mR57vXQ2EQIWuLO8zwifv7TzR4h1N3h2Kgi_JrYkZQ38FnwJ_OyXwntBclqXS_kNw/s1600/ldbeauty-2016-makeuprevolution-3.jpg" title="" /></a></td></tr>
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Or get two baked highlighters (as well as six other contour/highlighting shades) in one package with their Ultra Contour Palette.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbMgw2evV0W94Kw6lsM7rPgX7dJYYsCl-Jn2pT9kvNdiJ075Z4BLU4aErSwfivD-mrUelqW1X7FzG_bgBuqShbaRMsKAIcxsKNL4Nw41seJJ1kyjxoMdPL79ynb_XscOP_R46GH5FgmaU/s1600/ldbeauty-2016-makeuprevolution-4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Makeup Revolution eyeshadow palette" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbMgw2evV0W94Kw6lsM7rPgX7dJYYsCl-Jn2pT9kvNdiJ075Z4BLU4aErSwfivD-mrUelqW1X7FzG_bgBuqShbaRMsKAIcxsKNL4Nw41seJJ1kyjxoMdPL79ynb_XscOP_R46GH5FgmaU/s1600/ldbeauty-2016-makeuprevolution-4.jpg" title="" /></a></td></tr>
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For eyeshadow fiends, there are a number of large 18+ shade palettes. Above is one of the Salvation Eyeshadow Palettes in the Unicorns Unite colourway.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjelhzEYYInGnLU07DD7XVDPQj2gKBVeagV9Yov_3U2ReyaX3VlMHhKvRAru_n0jBAJLA8jOYnKdQwwQObBjLBroejOHvSPhPXoPIEY8Qnc0WgR5ZHnHEPu6kppLMInlmD-Xeuvxohqw8Y/s1600/ldbeauty-2016-neostrata.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="NeoStrata skincare" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjelhzEYYInGnLU07DD7XVDPQj2gKBVeagV9Yov_3U2ReyaX3VlMHhKvRAru_n0jBAJLA8jOYnKdQwwQObBjLBroejOHvSPhPXoPIEY8Qnc0WgR5ZHnHEPu6kppLMInlmD-Xeuvxohqw8Y/s1600/ldbeauty-2016-neostrata.jpg" title="" /></a></td></tr>
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You guys know I am a big fan of <b>NeoStrata</b>'s<a href="http://www.dowantmakeup.ca/2015/09/neostrata-glycolic-renewal-review.html"> Glycolic Renewal</a> line, which I was introduced to at last year's Beauty Event. This year, a number of new products have been/will be introduced, including All-in-One serums with retinol, and four new face cleansing products.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRYYHOJIr_DfaLv1bGuqZpRVHbc_hC_7j_vs6VUMbNUmdHywCYKUjcKbsKheS7NbXiR9x8gJmgr52P_a7AxYloVk1nXVZbXWtYt-DxqTJMMbbt2TFjOfoPDKGvBmXvxIF7OI9vGsg2pS4/s1600/ldbeauty-2016-nyx.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="NYX ombre blush" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRYYHOJIr_DfaLv1bGuqZpRVHbc_hC_7j_vs6VUMbNUmdHywCYKUjcKbsKheS7NbXiR9x8gJmgr52P_a7AxYloVk1nXVZbXWtYt-DxqTJMMbbt2TFjOfoPDKGvBmXvxIF7OI9vGsg2pS4/s1600/ldbeauty-2016-nyx.jpg" title="" /></a></td></tr>
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A bunch of us fell head over heels for the new Ombre Blushes from <b>NYX</b>. The display blushes they had out were <i>so </i>pretty. However, a couple of bloggers (including me) have since discovered that the Ombre Blush samples we took home from the event have very little ombre effect. I'm still excited to test it, but I'm glad I got this shot at the event as the blush I took home doesn't look like this.<br />
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Also, <i>very cool</i> news: NYX is launching a new shade of their Soft Matte Lip Cream in the shade Vancouver. Yes, us Vancouverites are getting a lip cream shade named after our city! :D<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgidG_DLxa68AIt9crjwLtbalPyT5wToFybIwXuh9G-o8sf2cXNLvu35Xr6zcEsqVHVhIhkObevCz5NK2oGeKdmqddJUdF9zPxw4c0YZPWMsJsrfAGG6b4ZZt6ABYbY8QLDVdyiQI6zjGo/s1600/ldbeauty-2016-revlon-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Almay foundation and concealer" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgidG_DLxa68AIt9crjwLtbalPyT5wToFybIwXuh9G-o8sf2cXNLvu35Xr6zcEsqVHVhIhkObevCz5NK2oGeKdmqddJUdF9zPxw4c0YZPWMsJsrfAGG6b4ZZt6ABYbY8QLDVdyiQI6zjGo/s1600/ldbeauty-2016-revlon-2.jpg" title="" /></a></td></tr>
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The new <b>Almay </b>Age Essentials line features a foundation with SPF, a creamy stick concealer, and a lip treatment (the white bullet with a spot in the middle).<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtqbycTK9-4jPgeMphVXCt-iBeb308cNJ5ahf3hCcO89vrZPBa0jTBqJ0X5ytwdE_fo-O9hvBBLGPSzqpwNnTM38qnLno78h4HTKclRYniiUjC0CoHnT1P0Q5NE5BmWue6eaH_HJJ_F98/s1600/ldbeauty-2016-revlon-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Revlon mascara" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtqbycTK9-4jPgeMphVXCt-iBeb308cNJ5ahf3hCcO89vrZPBa0jTBqJ0X5ytwdE_fo-O9hvBBLGPSzqpwNnTM38qnLno78h4HTKclRYniiUjC0CoHnT1P0Q5NE5BmWue6eaH_HJJ_F98/s1600/ldbeauty-2016-revlon-1.jpg" title="" /></a></td></tr>
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More mascara: <b>Revlon </b>has five new mascaras this year, including the Ultimate All-in-One mascara (red cap) that volumizes, defines, lifts, and lengthens.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyI4VZCdqfVv3zGKh2KNFxcTim0GrG7Ja5woDe69mGdU66wAHHzGRxWq3iAEd_MSpyMGzyx2k0IZwzRepXEIa9mJDX-VlMOoAAZpaYRbKgxo4cyQHbhBOUPMiiVLqYcffhWtAraGlDlBk/s1600/ldbeauty-2016-revlon-3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Revlon brush" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyI4VZCdqfVv3zGKh2KNFxcTim0GrG7Ja5woDe69mGdU66wAHHzGRxWq3iAEd_MSpyMGzyx2k0IZwzRepXEIa9mJDX-VlMOoAAZpaYRbKgxo4cyQHbhBOUPMiiVLqYcffhWtAraGlDlBk/s1600/ldbeauty-2016-revlon-3.jpg" title="" /></a></td></tr>
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I am really excited about the new line of makeup brushes coming out from Revlon, but unfortunately they didn't include any info about this in our press booklet :( I recall that there are 10-11 brushes total for face, eyes, and lips (above is a blush brush). They had a nice weight and feel to them, and a featured a cool geometric pattern on the handle.<br />
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Okay, that's all for now. I hope you saw something that excited you and is worth checking out at London Drugs! For me, I'm most excited about the Kiss NY Pro matte lipsticks and Makeup Revolution's gorgeous baked blushes (take ALL the macro photos!)<br />
<br />Angelahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08699118218986161721noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3016186784748411687.post-6078689386335240172016-06-15T16:54:00.003-07:002016-06-21T22:42:12.492-07:00Sibu Sea Buckthorn: Nourishing Face Cream, Seed Oil, & Omega-7 OilHi all! After a very long, totally unintentional hiatus, I am back and ready to blog again. Most of it was genuinely being way too busy/stressed with work/school/life to blog, but after things died down, it was surprisingly hard to get back into the habit of blogging again. I have a lot of catching up to do!<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEha9PTne6dJOXg_H_pbxAsu1LbDTDXZz-9Wlput5E8Uxsu2HpOb1pN-HPnevTEzpQbU_x4gpAmHsVJWGqZOlQWJYcS8Wu1V9oAH8duMZpwu9q6u6ueseVwy11jlq8ceOLsukiLY7pWYZQs/s1600/sibu-beauty.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Sibu Beauty skin care review" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEha9PTne6dJOXg_H_pbxAsu1LbDTDXZz-9Wlput5E8Uxsu2HpOb1pN-HPnevTEzpQbU_x4gpAmHsVJWGqZOlQWJYcS8Wu1V9oAH8duMZpwu9q6u6ueseVwy11jlq8ceOLsukiLY7pWYZQs/s1600/sibu-beauty.jpg" title="" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sibu Nourishing Face Cream, Sea Berry Seed Oil, Omega-7 Oil</td></tr>
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We'll start with a skin care line that I have been wearing and testing while I was MIA: Sibu's sea buckthorn skin care and dietary supplement products. Sibu's headliner ingredient is a berry from sea buckthorn shrubs, said to be high in vitamins C and E, as well as fatty acids Omegas 3, 6, 7, and 9. These properties, Sibu says, make their sea berry products helpful in addressing "problematic skin"--from rosacea and eczema to acne.<br />
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My usual skin care review research turned up a 2014 post from <a href="http://thebeautybrains.com/2014/07/is-sea-buckthorn-oil-good-for-skin/">The Beauty Brains</a> (specifically about Sibu, actually) citing some studies indicating improved wound healing and potential to protect against UV damage. I wasn't able to find too many studies out there yet on the topical benefits of sea buckthorn oil.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkE11PqKnGLCSU7qVKHMXVurq2D6a5E600QhLfIeJo6lSHOZ2kQyr0vw06EcX96RdUoKtAKqtFY-ECs4o7zTAGVSP9N8u53XqLtx9bryon6U2skYaWn563o7SyhoYEjIAS1a2EAo14R2A/s1600/sibu-nourishing-face-cream-review.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Sibu Beauty Nourishing Face Cream review" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkE11PqKnGLCSU7qVKHMXVurq2D6a5E600QhLfIeJo6lSHOZ2kQyr0vw06EcX96RdUoKtAKqtFY-ECs4o7zTAGVSP9N8u53XqLtx9bryon6U2skYaWn563o7SyhoYEjIAS1a2EAo14R2A/s1600/sibu-nourishing-face-cream-review.jpg" title="" /></a></td></tr>
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Nourishing Face Cream is a medium-weight moisturizer in a frosted glass bottle with pump packaging. I like the product but find it better suited for my skin in colder, drier weather. With the weather warming up here (it was 30°C the weekend before last!), my face needs a very heavy blotting by afternoon. The product is broadly described as being "rescue for problematic skin", but because it contains so many emollient and occlusive ingredients, such as meadowfoam, soybean, argan, coconut, and avocado oils, I wouldn't recommend it for oily or acne-prone skin types. Those moisturizing ingredients would be right at home in a dry-skinned person's routine though!<br />
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Lower on the ingredient list are a handful of citrus-based oils: tangerine leaf, bergamot fruit, and grapefruit peel, which I'm guessing are what gives this face cream its bright, cheerful scent. It is important to know, though, that citrus oils have potential to be photosensitizing or irritating to skin, especially in higher concentrations (see this <a href="http://www.cir-safety.org/sites/default/files/citrus2013slr_final%20for%20posting.pdf">CIR review</a>). I've used Nourishing Face Cream daily for several weeks and have not experienced any irritation or photosensitvity that I know of. That being said, I would be cautious about using this or any other skin care product containing citrus oils prior to a lot of UV exposure such as tanning or a summer day at the beach. If you are careful about this <i>and</i> low concentrations of citrus oils are not an irritation risk for you, Nourishing Face Cream has very good moisturizing properties that would suit dry skin.<br />
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Last, somewhat nitpicky note: some products have pumps that are sensitive enough to allow you to control exactly how much to dispense. Nourishing Face Cream's pump is not one of those. The amount that gets dispensed in one pump is not quite enough for my whole face, but two is way too much, so I use the excess on my neck.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIp0dzIfFjOTo1gKJfWRkEzaD-skvEw-IpyQtvjMBlzZGdmLUJ3kPxlg8PRUBozzaBGNj-s_41PcmAvH6d4on-LNJG315QfyzW-UsMmfbJ3E8BGEBxFgajKljXp7nzcwsrIGKRNJVp8-g/s1600/sibu-sea-berry-seed-oil.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Sibu Beauty Sea Berry Oil Review" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIp0dzIfFjOTo1gKJfWRkEzaD-skvEw-IpyQtvjMBlzZGdmLUJ3kPxlg8PRUBozzaBGNj-s_41PcmAvH6d4on-LNJG315QfyzW-UsMmfbJ3E8BGEBxFgajKljXp7nzcwsrIGKRNJVp8-g/s1600/sibu-sea-berry-seed-oil.jpg" title="" /></a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Sibu Sea Berry Seed Oil is a straightforward product containing only organic sea buckthorn seed oil. This is the topical grade version, a pale, sunshiny yellow oil in an amber-coloured dropper bottle. I've used a few facial oils in the past, and this one is the "driest" of them all: compared to the argan and rosehip oils I've tried, it doesn't slip and slide around as much, and absorbs a bit more quickly. It also doesn't make my face as shiny/oily as the Nourishing Face Cream.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhkfzLTWPtlfdH5Hec3CXKw5Nl6BH-2KZjqNtn_dhwLZ4MtBZzLVbV_0N56zaCA8mEYsOYshSdKapPqO1MpHT-H3xVbXeyM_N_p8NXDZNogKRq0RJmBXpPQpc6wRYDL9YHwxO7intqvIw/s1600/sibu-sea-berry-seed-oil-review-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Sibu Beauty Sea Berry Oil Review" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhkfzLTWPtlfdH5Hec3CXKw5Nl6BH-2KZjqNtn_dhwLZ4MtBZzLVbV_0N56zaCA8mEYsOYshSdKapPqO1MpHT-H3xVbXeyM_N_p8NXDZNogKRq0RJmBXpPQpc6wRYDL9YHwxO7intqvIw/s1600/sibu-sea-berry-seed-oil-review-2.jpg" title="" /></a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I use 2-3 drops all over my face as the last step in my skin care routine, either morning or night. My forehead/right eyebrow area are problem spots for me, and I find that I get dry flakes around there if I apply foundation after using this oil. It's not quite moisturizing enough to address my drier skin patches, but may be a nice, lightweight option for someone more in the normal or oily type.<br />
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As a dietary supplement, sea berry seed oil and pulp oil improved the symptoms of atopic dermatitis (eczema) in <a href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15539258">this double-blind study</a> of 49 patients. However, I found <a href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22336810">another article</a> indicating there is "no convincing evidence" that dietary supplements of any kind can improve eczema (this is also what my dermatologist told me a few years ago, though my own personal experience has proven otherwise.)<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjedZLbeutCl-7pAoInlxM_E0vsv7oMoPoQlPGwRRXBxU4F-wt7P_N0VNCQxBWyzO7x44I17ugm9tjqNxEb0_ZBvL4GJsbcgGZ-gnIoHU2BGrrr59jsrx1T8eHQZy_K0AFOj8HYDXJgkPQ/s1600/sibu-beauty-review.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Sibu Beauty skincare review" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjedZLbeutCl-7pAoInlxM_E0vsv7oMoPoQlPGwRRXBxU4F-wt7P_N0VNCQxBWyzO7x44I17ugm9tjqNxEb0_ZBvL4GJsbcgGZ-gnIoHU2BGrrr59jsrx1T8eHQZy_K0AFOj8HYDXJgkPQ/s1600/sibu-beauty-review.jpg" title="" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">top: Nourishing Face Cream / bottom: Sea Berry Seed Oil</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnfjX5u90acAt9XT5W8fp2cAcz2a_DBaviHamUAoSe8o8ZUWnzQts4i5owOduGXLjmI-bmeyKhUPBq37_DMYT7wb12fglCCggS8aGUvMBHzUZanwIBItDLfMJI1WuN_ch2URiwvWkBzXo/s1600/sibu-omega-7-oil-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Sibu Beauty Omega-7 Sea Berry Oil Review" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnfjX5u90acAt9XT5W8fp2cAcz2a_DBaviHamUAoSe8o8ZUWnzQts4i5owOduGXLjmI-bmeyKhUPBq37_DMYT7wb12fglCCggS8aGUvMBHzUZanwIBItDLfMJI1WuN_ch2URiwvWkBzXo/s1600/sibu-omega-7-oil-1.jpg" title="" /></a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Omega-7 Oil is Sibu's dietary supplement version of the sea buckthorn oil. In addition to the dropper bottle version, sea buckthorn supplement is available in softgel capsules or puree. Sibu says this oil "supports heart health, mucosal membranes, metabolic systems, healthy skin & nails". Sea buckthorn is very high in omega-7 (if you google "Omega 7", a lot of the top results will be related to sea buckthorn), but unfortunately there isn't as much information or studies available on the benefits of this particular fatty acid as, say, Omega-3.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsf-nR3N8Qlsg-sEw5kTp0gAhFnvaz21zNNjNgpHhlRUhT32QrIwGf9MP04zm_aY39TM0OkkSNmd6Iwh5szA6N6bVgdHYch11y88n1ZCoudRDwoWCBodMQ8XtzTxkKATDEpDM2r7qxyBc/s1600/sibu-omega-7-oil-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Sibu Beauty Omega-7 Sea Berry Oil Review" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsf-nR3N8Qlsg-sEw5kTp0gAhFnvaz21zNNjNgpHhlRUhT32QrIwGf9MP04zm_aY39TM0OkkSNmd6Iwh5szA6N6bVgdHYch11y88n1ZCoudRDwoWCBodMQ8XtzTxkKATDEpDM2r7qxyBc/s1600/sibu-omega-7-oil-2.jpg" title="" /></a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
It has an odd, plastic-y taste. Directions indicate to take 2 full dropperfuls, but just one drop under my tongue was unpleasant enough. I wouldn't recommend taking it by itself, but it can be mixed into a smoothie or yogurt to help mask the taste. As with any dietary supplement, it can be pretty hard to gauge effectiveness - it's a little easier if the effects are mainly external (stronger nails, etc), but there's no way for me to tell if there was any boost to my heart health or metabolism.<br />
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Is it worth checking out? The price point for the skin care products is pretty reasonable! The Nourishing Face Cream was surprisingly moisturizing and packed with lots of hydrating oils, which makes it great for winter use but probably not a great option for oily skin types. (But again, you should be careful about sun exposure while using this due to the citrus oils added. Always patch test!) The Sea Berry Seed Oil, while not a favourite, is a nice addition to my growing collection of facial oils. It might be worth a look if you've found other oils too heavy or greasy, or want to try 100% pure sea buckthorn oil with no other ingredients added. I would skip the Omega-7 Oil until there are more studies examining its efficacy as a supplement for its various health benefits.<br />
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Available at <a href="http://sibu.com/">Sibu.com</a>: Nourishing Face Cream ($24.95 USD / 30 ml); Sea Berry Seed Oil ($19.95 USD / 10 ml); Omega-7 Oil ($34.95 / 50 ml)<br />
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<i>Nourishing Face Cream ingredients: water, Hippophae rhamnoides (Sea Buckthorn) oil, glycerin, behenyl alcohol, cetearyl alcohol, polyglyceryl-10 pentastearate, Olea europaea (olive) fruit unsaponifiables, benzyl alcohol, Limanthes alba (meadowfoam) seed oil, caprylic/capric triglyceride, Glycine soja (soybean) oil, sodium levulinate, Citrus aurantium dulcis (orange) peel oil, xanthan gum, sodium anisate, Butyrospermum parkii (shea) butter extract, Argania spinosa kernel oil, Cocos nucifera (coconut) oil, Persea gratissima (avocado) oil, Plukenetia volubilis seed oil, panthenol, sodium phytate, Citrus aurantium bergamia (bergamot) fruit oil, Citrus grandis (grapefruit) peel oil, Citrus reticulata (tangerine) leaf oil, Coriandrum sativun (coriander) fruit oil, Cymbopogon citratus leaf oil, Aloe barbadensis leaf juice<br />
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Sea Berry Seed Oil ingredients: therapeutic grade organic Sea Buckthorn seed oil<br />
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Omega-7 Oil: Sea Buckthorn seed oil</i><br />
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Angelahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08699118218986161721noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3016186784748411687.post-30492070412112174342016-04-20T22:51:00.000-07:002016-04-20T22:51:17.162-07:00Empties #5It's been a while since my last empties post (or any kind of post at all, sorry T___T)<br />
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I know some people do a monthly empties post, but I basically just throw stuff into an empty David's Tea bag, and when it starts overflowing then I'm like yep, time to post about empties lolol. Depending on what new press samples I'm getting, it can take a very long while for me to get through even some of my favourite products! If I had to sum up the products in this post, it'd be "staple products". These are products I'm reaching for on a daily basis; the bare necessities (tea, hand cream, mascara, lip balm, etc) that I need to get through a day.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsbkAnyl2Bq7cAbcGyrU06NyKgsFwTsLkG0pwcKRY6EUUGJf4EQoTerAERqE-yC3TDFLL_66BZA8r0I7UHTNeGSO_EZr1OY30u_Btem4Aw0XiELUcIhEd5E7Fom-PZ2kC_GhbKydU17A4/s1600/empties-2016-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsbkAnyl2Bq7cAbcGyrU06NyKgsFwTsLkG0pwcKRY6EUUGJf4EQoTerAERqE-yC3TDFLL_66BZA8r0I7UHTNeGSO_EZr1OY30u_Btem4Aw0XiELUcIhEd5E7Fom-PZ2kC_GhbKydU17A4/s1600/empties-2016-1.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>Our lineup this time:<br />
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<b>Eucerin Calming Creme </b>- I used this up <i>really </i>quick when I got an eczema flareup on my hands. The colloidal oatmeal is calming on the skin, and the mineral oil helps lock in the moisture barrier. I would slather this all over my hands and then put on some white cotton gloves to really seal the deal. Since then, I've discovered Eucerin Eczema Care cream, which I prefer a little more--it seems more hydrating and soothing since it's formulated specifically for eczema.<br />
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<b>Nature's Bounty Hair, Skin & Nails Gummies -</b> in a <a href="http://www.dowantmakeup.ca/2015/05/empties-4.html">previous post</a>, I said I liked Nature's Bounty's non-gummy supplement but wanted to try the gummies next, because who can say no to gummies? Unfortunately I finished the bottle and felt I got better results in terms of reducing hair fallout with the non-gummy multivitamin. Of course I don't have hard evidence of this, I'm just guessing it was some kind of synergistic effect of the biotin + vitamins/minerals that the non-gummy version has.<br />
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<b>Lorna Vanderhaeghe GLA Borage Oil </b>- I had a chance conversation with a nutritionist/naturopath about my eczema last summer, and she recommended, among other things, taking this specific brand of borage oil. I ended up not really looking into her other suggestions because the borage oil pills worked <i>so </i>well for me. At the time, I had been frustrated that the eczema around my mouth was "inactive" (not cracked, severely dry, or weeping) but still dry and red no matter what I did. I was genuinely so surprised at the improvement and how the redness went away within a week or so of taking this. I've experimented with other, less expensive brands of borage oil and still get good results too. If you also have eczema, I can't promise that you'll have similar results, but I'm so much happier with the condition of my eczema now.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiboAb-_FZ1D_dViCImbCfAnrHlIohdRx3-9aWHDaL7FBieRKCO3Bae5bujXX_ZbP_wsttmHKNECF9XCn7e-LTjMrl2nopoefJNxkHzLgnUZ_8ymmr0lZVRHOlRoB-M6V1kAI1RBjk3ZBo/s1600/empties-2016-mascara.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiboAb-_FZ1D_dViCImbCfAnrHlIohdRx3-9aWHDaL7FBieRKCO3Bae5bujXX_ZbP_wsttmHKNECF9XCn7e-LTjMrl2nopoefJNxkHzLgnUZ_8ymmr0lZVRHOlRoB-M6V1kAI1RBjk3ZBo/s1600/empties-2016-mascara.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
</tbody></table><b>Clinique Lash Power Mascara </b>(press sample) - surprisingly skinny, delicate spoolie for a big name like Lash Power! It was nice at defining my lashes but not my favourite of Clinique's mascaras.<br />
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<b>Clinique High Impact Waterproof Mascara </b>(press sample) - my favourite Clinique mascara, it truly added length and volume without clumpiness or smudging. You can tell how much I was using it because the lettering has worn off the tube!<br />
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<b>Lancome Definicils Waterproof Mascara </b>(press sample) - I was the kind of person that always believed that there was no high-end mascara out there that could do what a budget mascara couldn't. The moment I fell in love (while also bemoaning the $$ I'll be shelling out for future Lancome Definicils purchases) was when bf looked at me wearing this mascara and asked if I was wearing falsies. Okay yup sold for life. The one thing that sets this mascara apart from all others I've tried, is how phenomenal it is at keeping my straight, stubborn lashes super long and curled all day long (even compared to other waterproof ones).<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTARyUf-kDhNCGveIf_oEKTOwwYa8hLLMmqIfDZUonxgiQFDuX3qaro5LHSTGY-Rxprce1ZkyZpByLB5q4n_Dhps2PMz1MTjTS_KfVrP5liFCxovOQVOR64XhdPa3DRYI4ipkCPguz_Cc/s1600/empties-2016-tea.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTARyUf-kDhNCGveIf_oEKTOwwYa8hLLMmqIfDZUonxgiQFDuX3qaro5LHSTGY-Rxprce1ZkyZpByLB5q4n_Dhps2PMz1MTjTS_KfVrP5liFCxovOQVOR64XhdPa3DRYI4ipkCPguz_Cc/s1600/empties-2016-tea.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
</tbody></table><b>David's Tea Kenyan Tinderet </b>- I was recommended this tea when I said I was looking for a good black tea to hold up well against some sugar and milk. Maybe I'm just not a connoisseur, but it was just another okay black tea for me.<br />
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<b>David's Tea White Nectarine </b>- makes a very tasty cold-brewed iced tea! Be careful not to oversteep, since it's a white tea.<br />
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<b>The Body Shop Lavender Chamomile Facial Blotting Tissues </b>- TBS blotting tissues used to be a staple product for me (I emptied the rose one <a href="http://www.dowantmakeup.ca/2015/05/empties-4.html">here</a>), but they've discontinued all but the tea tree oil version for oily skin :(<br />
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<b>Sephora Herbal Rose Blotting Papers - </b>the one I moved on to after TBS tissues. These tissues are large enough to use one for my whole face, powderless, and have a light, very pretty rose scent. I've heard that Sephora downsized these to 50 tissues per pack though, which cuts the value in half from when they came in 100 tissues like mine.<br />
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<b>Epic Blend More Moisture Lip Balm in Green Apple</b> - I really used this one up all the way to the bottom! I liked the green apple scent and Epic Blend's More Moisture formula is so hydrating. You can check out my original review <a href="http://www.dowantmakeup.ca/2014/06/epic-blend-lip-balm-review.html">here</a>.<br />
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<b>La Roche-Posay Effaclar A.I. </b>- my one and only staple spot treatment for the occasional pimple. This is the one I moved on to after my <a href="http://www.dowantmakeup.ca/2014/08/empties-1_6.html">Clinique Spot Treatment Gel</a> died, and honestly I prefer the LRP. The salicylic acid (BHA) busts up blemishes--the whiteheads, red ones, and even the ones still lurking under the surface. It has a creamy texture that vanishes into the skin, instead of leaving a shiny or white residue.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl479zU5kHItJMJaNOjHbkCk4yuTEYvQGRg_SesxVFYpy4f2jasqCsYtd3Ynwvz_9rt_KwxMk0wC_a0nsrvRqjogxIU5l2tsVeuZaHbSNnILrnJTreC3Kc1PiY_9FpKNH-JXWSY1pvt2c/s1600/empties-2016-tbs.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl479zU5kHItJMJaNOjHbkCk4yuTEYvQGRg_SesxVFYpy4f2jasqCsYtd3Ynwvz_9rt_KwxMk0wC_a0nsrvRqjogxIU5l2tsVeuZaHbSNnILrnJTreC3Kc1PiY_9FpKNH-JXWSY1pvt2c/s1600/empties-2016-tbs.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
</tbody></table><b>The Body Shop Almond Hand and Nail Cream </b>- I saved this one for last to show the picture of how truly emptied this one really is. I squeezed every last drop of hand cream out of the metal tube. I love all things almond, including the almond scent in this lightweight but moisturizing hand cream. One issue I have with any hand cream in a metal tube is that eventually the metal packaging gets a tear in it from squeezing, bending, etc, so at some point this tube was retired from purse duty.<br />
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That's it for now! What have you emptied lately?<br />
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Angelahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08699118218986161721noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3016186784748411687.post-91163907232990487812016-04-02T17:30:00.002-07:002016-04-07T05:21:23.254-07:00Rose Floral Nail WrapsHi folks! Sorry for the radio silence this week; I've been preoccupied with adjusting to a new job, as well as the next module in my program. Of course, I couldn't let the week go out without squeezing in a nail post though!<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCHQ4_AZZHO3fEG1F0RFzFve90MfB-xeMYap34v6F0LhglH8fx8l21nPg6YHyQFE0arRkZg9vILmoBSEAIFgSFfT0-ZFdwasSoHGbRrYCqWHmTyLVAa5IBp6GvzwVzQB5VQyQgRIKNCtg/s1600/born-pretty-rose-nail-wraps-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Born Pretty rose nail wraps swatch + review" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCHQ4_AZZHO3fEG1F0RFzFve90MfB-xeMYap34v6F0LhglH8fx8l21nPg6YHyQFE0arRkZg9vILmoBSEAIFgSFfT0-ZFdwasSoHGbRrYCqWHmTyLVAa5IBp6GvzwVzQB5VQyQgRIKNCtg/s1600/born-pretty-rose-nail-wraps-2.jpg" title="" /></a></td></tr>
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Here's another <a href="http://www.bornprettystore.com/14pcs-sheet-floral-nail-wraps-pink-roses-nail-full-stickers-mds1014-p-23252.html" rel="nofollow">floral nail wrap set</a> I received from Born Pretty. I loved the large rose design in shades of pink, orange, and yellow, and the way each colour is outlined makes it almost look like stained glass.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJsvVFkppxaq8pwM6GsR_7FE2yqcBRSWPFC8aHb0sGxL4y_vCJhRKDsVPBJPADs3hHWxhCQvapYykSiyVIXVeTKvjoQpB9xrSlbJ8ZDPc7qtSdadFADO1QunGSHZQ7Wvnea5aq1LUAAsE/s1600/born-pretty-rose-nail-wraps-3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Born Pretty rose nail wraps swatch + review" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJsvVFkppxaq8pwM6GsR_7FE2yqcBRSWPFC8aHb0sGxL4y_vCJhRKDsVPBJPADs3hHWxhCQvapYykSiyVIXVeTKvjoQpB9xrSlbJ8ZDPc7qtSdadFADO1QunGSHZQ7Wvnea5aq1LUAAsE/s1600/born-pretty-rose-nail-wraps-3.jpg" title="" /></a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
However, on the nail, the rose print looks a bit big and the overall effect becomes more abstract-looking than floral.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjias-1RZsOHiAEJ1nMGNUYup4bGFoJhQvvxA89f6SCWGEYDtkFQb63QxU51rUs5exEGgPeeV32HlawMXVW5SxNMasRNvPUAqc_6m0kWMC19jc9Vx9cxCD3sRxh75HcjX-eS41wj6fF2JA/s1600/born-pretty-rose-nail-wraps-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Born Pretty rose nail wraps swatch + review" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjias-1RZsOHiAEJ1nMGNUYup4bGFoJhQvvxA89f6SCWGEYDtkFQb63QxU51rUs5exEGgPeeV32HlawMXVW5SxNMasRNvPUAqc_6m0kWMC19jc9Vx9cxCD3sRxh75HcjX-eS41wj6fF2JA/s1600/born-pretty-rose-nail-wraps-1.jpg" title="" /></a></td></tr>
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Wear time, application, and removal are about the same as my last nail wraps from Born Pretty: tip wear will show fairly quickly, but the price ($1.69 USD) is reasonable for an easy and fun look that lasts a few days. For application tips, check out my <a href="http://www.dowantmakeup.ca/2016/02/born-pretty-vintage-floral-nail-wraps-how-to-apply.html">previous nail wrap</a> post. <a href="https://www.blogger.com/"></a><br />
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Hope you're having a great weekend!Angelahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08699118218986161721noreply@blogger.com