Battle of the Duos

So I posted that I got the Milani Sunset Duos a while back and I thought of doing a review on the product. But since I'm inspired by the Olympics, I shall compare two products side by side...

Who will win GOLD???

Keep reading to find out ;P

So, this is the product I just mentioned:

Got it for 75% at CVS a month ago.

This is me, wearing the duo + some highlighter, also from Milani called Glimmer Stripes in Honey Glimmer.




What do I think? I think I absolutely LOVE LOVE LOVE the bronzer. It is such a nice color when it comes to perking up your complexion a bit. Not too overwhelming and not shimmery either. I do notice a sort of light reflect but not so much that my face is shiny. No, this is a really great bronzer. The only complaint I have is the pigmentation, but it really isn't a complaint really. This bronzer is not the most pigmented (which is really beneficial for fair skin ladies) so I do have to build it up little by little. But since this is bronzer and no one wants to look like their just got hit in the face with faker tanner, less pigmentation is good and safe to use.

Now the blush is really pretty. However, I don't think it shows up on me as well as I hope. It is shimmery which I think looks nice in conjunction w/ the highlighter. BUT I really wish this blush goes on me a little better. Even so, I love this blush and I think when the eyes are really smoked out, it is nice to have a lighter shade of blush so the face doesn't look like a clown.

So, what I think of this duo??? I think it is fantastic! Definitely something I'd look into repurchasing.

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So, how does it compare to my ELF blush and bronzer duo??


I would say this is a really really close race!! And it is something that I'm, the judge and the consumer, is still debating about. Trust me, I've watched the replay vid over and over again just to make the call... but I can't do it.

I did a review on this before and I said this was the BEST buy of January! I say that this has the better blush! The blush in this is gorgeous on me and other people too. The only qualm is the bronzer being a bit darker than I would like but, again, really isn't a complaint because it looks fine on me.




** As you can see, Milani has the lighter bronzer and blush; and the blush is more shimmery and I would say more peachy.

** ELF on the other hand has the darker colors; the blush isn't as shimmery and it is more pinky but definitely has the peachy undertone.

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So there you have it. I guess to summarize it all, I would recommend BOTH :) But I think if you are fairer than me, I'd look into the Sunset duos first. The bronzers there are lighter and easier to work with. Of course, ELF is online and Milani can be found at drugstores... although Milani's been getting rarer and harder to find. Still, you can purchase this duo and other duos at Cherry Culture.

The rest of the look:





Thanks for reading!!

Oh and thanks so much for all the kind words!!!! I LOVE YOU GUYS!

Celebration

CELEBRATION!!!!!

I GOT INTO PHARMACY SCHOOL...

So much hard work, finally paid off!!

I'M SUPER SUPER EXCITED!!!!!


Thanks for all your good luck wishes!
I bet that did the trick ;-p


HAVE A GREAT NIGHT!!

K, I'm gonna make this fast

Due to some requests... I shall do a review on:


Maybelline's Mineral Power Concealer in SAND; I use my ELF foundation brush to smooth this baby out.
BEFORE:

AFTER:



** EDIT: next morning ->

So, what do you guys think? I really noticed a difference - especially with the redness. This concealer is great with covering redness and my circles, luckily were dark red (what the heck was I saying? I really should proofread this before posting it! Luckily my circles were dark? WTF??? Ha ha).

I don't know about blueish circles though because this concealer has a strong YELLOW undertone to it.

I love that it is easy to blend - I usually just dab it on w/ my ring finger and then smooth it out w/ my ELF brush. Often times when I do this with other concealer, the coverage just blends away leaving my face the same. But not with this so it makes life easier in the morning. WOO HOO...

For awhile, it looked a bit cakey but I am thinking that it might be the setting powder I was putting on it. HOWEVER, do make sure to put extra moisturizer in those circles you're covering up, just in case.

I think it really brightens up my eye area and I really enjoy it for it's lightweight but decent coverage. I would say this could range from light to medium coverage... and maybe heavy, depending on what your technique is.

I guess the biggest qualm I have with this is the staying power. Truth be told, staying power could be better but I think it lasts up to 5 hours. Not bad. Also, I don't think there are a lot of color choices out there. Sand is good for my under eye circles but WAY too light for the rest of my face.

So, I really hope this helps those who are in the market to try something new.

Cheers!




PS. I am suppose to find out if I get into pharmacy school this week. PLEASE wish me lots of luck!! I really need it. Right now, I am just doubting myself and freaking out. Very anxious and nervous. I really really really want this... I feel like I've found a profession that I could get very excited about and I hope that my interviewer saw that in me!!

YUM YUM

After watching a few videos on this 40 Beauty Questions (40!!! THAT'S A LOT OF QUESTIONS!!), I decided to do mine too!! Here goes:

SKINCARE
-How many times do you wash your face daily? ONCE at night...

-What skin type do you have? Dry in the winter and combination in the summer! Man can my T-zone get oily!!

-What is your current facial wash? Clean & Clear Daily Pore Cleanser for just taking off make up, Neutrogena Acne Control (or whatever the name is) for when I feel like break outs are coming.

-Do you exfoliate? Sometimes - if I feel like my face is REALLY dirty... and pimples are not going away.

-What brand do you use? I use my St. Ives one... not the most gentle so I use it like once a month... depending on the condition of my skin.

-What moisturizer do you use? I have 2. For the day time, I used up my Neutrogena Healthy Skin Face Lotion SPF 15; Now I'm using Cetaphil Daily Facial Moisturizer SPF15. For night time, I used my Ponds' Dry Skin Cream - which is amazing during winter time but probably not for summer. I'm running out of this baby too :P

-Do you have freckles? NOPES.

-Do you use eye cream? NOPES. I just use Ponds over my eyes. I figured there is enough moisture in there. But I am looking into one.

-Do you or did you have acne prone skin? NO, only around my time of the month. The worse ones are on my right cheeks and then others around my hairline that's not so bad. But lately they've become acne scars. That really sucks.

-Did you ever have to use Pro-activ? NOPES - but I know it can help a lot of people. Potential to dry out your skin - which a lot of medication do just to kill those bacteria buildup.

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MAKE-UP

-What foundation do you use? Everyday Minerals Semi-Matte in Winged Butter; doesn't look cakey at all. Very happy with it.

-How about concealer? Maybelline Mineral Power Concealer. Very light weight and covers pretty nicely.

-Do you know your undertone color? I have no clue. I think warm... but I could be wrong ;)

-What do you think of fake eyelashes? I don't wear them - never tried anyways. But could be good for really special occasion. Like if I'm gonna be on a date with a certain Olympian that I've mentioned in the past few posts *WINK*

-Did you know that you are suppose to change your mascara every 3 months? I think it is 3-6 months... isn't it. I just kinda do that anyway because my mascaras often get too dry by the 6th month. I don't think I've ever kept it for more than 6-7 months.

-What brand of mascara do you use? Right now I'm using Maybelline's Full & Soft, Covergirl's Professional Volume (something... red tube), Max Factor 2000 Calorie (DISCONTINUED IN US!!!! NOOONONOOO)

-Sephora or MAC? Probably MAC since I don't have a Sephora in my city.

-Do you have a MAC Pro-card? NOPE.

-What makeup tools do you use in make up application? Ecotools blush brush is used EVERYDAY - sometimes 3 times a day... depending. If I'm planning to wear eye shadow - ELF brushes and eyelash curler.

-Do you use make-up base/primer for the eyes? I have both TFSI and UDPP... yup - got them both at blog sales :D I will do a comparison review soon.

-For the face? No. I don't really know how important that is.

-What is your favorite eyeshadow (color or shade)? NEUTRALS!! The taupy with cool undertones or plummy undertones.

-Do you use pencil or liquid eyeliner? Pencil.

-How often do you poke your eyes with an eyeliner pencil? No but mascara wand?? YES!

-What do you think of pigment eyeshadows? Very nice and pigmented. Hard to work with sometimes because of the mess.

-Do you use mineral makeup? YES. EDM.

-What is your favorite lipstick? Right now - L'Oreal's Juice Stick in Chai Love You (AWWW)

-How about lipgloss? Revlon's Lustrous Lipgloss in Life's a Peach.

-What is your favorite blush to use? Oh man... I LOVE ALL MY BLUSHES!!! But I've been loving my CoverGirl's Cheekers in Pretty Peach.

-Do you buy your makeup on ebay? I did - Smashbox eyeshadows. Just wanted to see what all the hype was about. Extremely cheap but the shadows weren't special.

-Do you like drugstore makeup? YES - LOVE LOVE LOVE. I want your love.

-Do you go to CCO's? I don't have those in my city either.

-Did you ever consider taking make-up classes? NOPE - I got youtube. Youtube is what got me into make up.

-Are you clumsy in putting on makeup? I can do my left eye really well but when it comes to my right... it can never look as good. SAD!

-Name a makeup crime that you hate? Cakey foundation. It just looks so horrible in day light. I feel like cakey foundation can also emphasize large pores! YUCK. Just too much make up can make people look really really OLD - like a lot of eyeliner.

-Do you like colorful shades of makeup (lipstick,eyeshadow) or neutral ones? Um... depends I guess. I pretty much stick to the neutrals though.

-Which celebrity always has great make up? Jen Aniston. Megan Fox. Can't think of anyone else really.

-If you could leave the house using just ONE make up item,what would you use? BLUSH!! I have no circulation on my cheeks - so my face looks pale all the time. I am a big fan with rosey cheeks - natural or make up. It keeps you looking ALIVE!

-Could you ever leave the house without any makeup on? Yeah. But I love blush.

-Do you think you look good even without any makeup on? Yeah. I look tired but I'll still look like myself :)

-In your opinion, what is the BEST makeup line? I love different brands for different things. ELF for cheap brushes, Revlon for liners, Maybelline for pretty color eyeshadows, Rimmel for nail polish...

-What do you think of Makeup?? I enjoy make up. I love using it.... and I don't know why I didn't start earlier. Most girls start out using make up in high school... me? 2nd year in college. But I adore the natural look. I think make up is meant to make you look like yourself but a little bit enhanced. Rosy cheeks give me a healthy glow. Mascara and liners give me bigger and awake-looking eyes. Pretty earthy shadows really bring out the brightness and color of my eyes. But overall, I use make up so that I tell myself that - I look good! I feel good! Now go and kick some butt!!

People always assume that because you use make up, you are shallow and care too much about how you look. I say - I'm a young adult. When I leave my house, I like to look polish and ready to face the world. I usually only wear blush and lipstick but with that - it makes me feel like I'm not the lazy couch potato. I hope you understand what I'm getting at!

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SO, feel free to do this; I tag anyone who's interested!!

So, did you make it all the way down here??? REALLY - you read all 40 questions??? NO WAY!!! I feel special. Thanks for taking the time to do that.

And to reward you... ha ha - did anyone watch Short Track skating last night???

Apolo won Bronze!!! WhoO HOOO.... but not only that but another American has made headlines and definitely grabbed my attention.

Little JR Celski - this dude is amazing. 5 months ago, he got in an accident during the Olympic trials. Cut his leg with his blade... horrific scene. He could've died!! But he's back and stronger than ever, winning the Bronze medal in the 1500 m (I think). Well last night, he got disqualified... because they thought he caused an accident or something. He got so mad... and then he started just changing his clothes RIGHT ON TV!!!!! Oh my god, it was the hottest thing I've seen since... I don't even know....



ha ha ha... oh my god. So hot.

Anyways - I'm a girl... I like hot boys just as much as I like make up...

And this is why I like the Olympics. Okay, I'm signing out. Have a great day!!!!!

PS. The act of him taking his gear off... was like icing on some delicious sundae... YUM YUM.

Star-Spangled Banner

Let me tell you guys something:

I LOVE THE OLYMPICS!!!!!! WOO HOO VANCOUVER 2010!!!!!!

You know who else I love??? Newest Olympian crush:


APOLO ANTON OHNO!!! Yeah, OHNO he won again!!!

EDIT BIG TIME:


Since he is skating tonight skated tonight and won BRONZE... would've won GOLD but whatever baby!! He's the most decorated short track skater in history... (yes, I follow the Olympics RELIGIOUSLY!! also w/ figure skating, skiing, half-pipe! (Shaun WHITE!))... I decided to do this look - inspired by him and USA colors. On my lips - it is NYX round lipstick in Apollo... YUP YUP - it was too perfect. How could I resist?





** I hate that the pics make my forehead looks way darker than my face!!




** This look is not done until I dawn on my Apollo lipstick from NYX!! Different spelling but you get the idea.

---->>> I think that the Olympics is a magical event. The ENTIRE globe gather together and unite under one goal - to be the best. I love that these athletes are fighting to beat each other, but their greatest struggle is in themselves. Yes, you can train and train and train but when it comes to the actual moment, can you live up to all the pressure, all the expectations?? Can you calm your nerves, bite hard on your dreams and go for it 100%??

Someone said it - and they said it best - we are all inspired by these athletes not for what they can do but the fact that they are willing to fail - in front of all of us - to try to achieve their goals.

It is a beautiful story, when someone surpasses all obstacles and all the doubts and the fear to follow their life dreams. I think it is beautiful. I think that is what LIFE is all about - you gotta work hard, and you gotta try hard and you cannot always be afraid. Even if you don't win, the satisfaction that you did everything you can will leave you fearless, and bigger than anyone else. And I think these people - yes, I wish I can do whatever that is that Shaun White did at the half pipe - are truly magnificent not because of their physical power but because of their determination, their passion, and their perseverance, that is what makes them all Olympic champions in my heart. <<<-----


Check it out - it was raining outside all day today :)

Oh and yesterday I went bowling - first time in 10 years!!! And guess what??? I WON! WEIRD!!

Major Bargain!! Go Walmart!

So I'm not a big Walmart shopper. One) the stuff there isn't always the prettiest things when it comes to clothes and girly accessories.
Two) It is always messy in someway!
Three) The people there scares me sometimes - especially when it is busy! Too many people makes me want to just LEAVE!

But I am going to a friend's Bday part today and I wanted to get her something pretty... but I'm broke so also cheap. I thought Walmart was on my way and why not? It's been awhile since I last stopped by. Maybe there are some good stuff there.

CHECK THIS OUT:



This one is black - more triangular shape - with really pretty colors to accent it.



This one is cute! With blue/white stripes. Please ignore my face in the last one. I don't know what my problem was!

** I think I'm gonna keep the blue one and give my friend the black one. I think I've seen her w/ something like that before... so I am guessing she likes the style.
I found these two scarves... for.... $3 EACH!! So $6 overall. WOO HOO I say.. WOO HOO!!! There are so many cute scarves over there too actually, these are not the only ones! They are all ranging from $3 (clearance stuff) to $8. Honestly, I think everyone would really enjoy these scarves. Don't hesitate going to Walmart.

Happy Valentine's Day and New Year :D

I think I'm a little late on the New Years one... but BETTER LATE than NEVER :D

I tried another Valentine's Day look:





* Doesn't look too bad w/ glasses :D I don't know why my lips look like that in the last pic! I guess it is just instinct to pout there.... no idea why :)

Besides that... although I don't have a "significant other" right now, I still feel really excited about Valentine's Day. I don't know why! Maybe all the lovy mushy stuff all around me is getting to me too :D But anyways, I'm wearing pink nail polish, eyeshadow and pink shirt :D

And have no worries, I'm going out w/ some friends for one of my friend's birthday! Anyways, enjoy this awesome day!

If I were to be someone's Valentine... I want to be Apollo Ohno's :) Did you see him last night.... ahhh!!!! GO APOLLO <3



See ya all later.

** Sorry for being MIA last week. This week should be a lot better.

What a morning!

Wow - it's only 1:40 pm and already so much has happened! Nothing good... I would say but it is these times when I'm sad or lonely or whatever, I go on my blog and write my thoughts away and I feel better :)

And it is always so nice to see comments from all of you guys - I totally consider you all to be my new cyber friends! You have really made my day - just the idea that someone out there is listening to what I have to say. It's very nice.

Okay, well, this post will just be a bunch of random things...

First of all, I won Mocha Mish Mash's Valentine's Day contest!! Yay!!! I got my package yesterday and check out these 5 awesome Milani nail polishes:


From left to right: Metallic Mango, Garnet Gems, Golden Goddess, Bella Berry, Brown-a-licious

I think the coolest of the bunch is Garnet Gems. It is black/navy but it has RED sparkles/glitter in it. So cool looking. I don't know if I can pull it off but I will definitely try them out.

My favorite by looking at the bottle is Brown-a-licious. It just looks like a deep red with golden sparkle in it. I think this will look so awesome on the nails!



I have Golden Goddess on right now. I have to say that I enjoy the nail polish and application is so effortless. However, I don't think I look good w/ golds at all! Gold necklaces or gold eye shadows. And there is no exception for gold nail polish either.


Look, my polish collection has grown exponentially!!


I have this as a base and a top coat... let me tell you - this stuff is amazing! And it is less than $4!! With this as a base coat - my nail polish have stayed unchipped for a week!! YES it is true. Even colors that tend to chip the 2nd day after application has managed to stay 3x longer! Get this if you are looking for a great base or top coat. Doesn't really help w/ your nails turning yellow though... but I don't really know anything that would help.

** If you guys do.... please let me know :D

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On other news: the continuation of my Project 10 Hit Pan. Well it isn't really going all that well because I've been buying cosmetics items.... BUT I still have been working hard to use up some items:



Look - I see the pan on my Rimmel bronzer!! WHOO HOO... Let me tell you that they give you 14 grams!! for this. Yeah BIG "14" so it just shows you how much I've used this item.

And my daily Neutrogena moisturizer is GONE!!! Every last drop!! I really enjoyed this product but I think I'm gonna branch out and buy something else... I hear Cetaphil might be good. Definitely requires SPF something though!

Other products following the hit pan direction:



I will soon have to buy a new night creme and nail polish remover soon! Oh and a new lip balm because that's all that is left in the Softlips! Burts Bees or Palladio lip balm - HERE I COME!

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Oh by the way, I keep forgetting... BUT... CHECK OUT NV BEAUTY'S VALENTINE GIVEAWAY

PLEASE JOIN THAT GIVEAWAY FOR AWESOME PRIZES!

Thanks so much for reading everyone!!!

Please comment - I love to hear from you all :D

Have a great day and a great weekend.