Mindless Rambling

So I haven't blogged in a while!! Sorry about that... I just ran out of things to blog about... ha ha. I was doing so well too - popping out like 3 posts a week. I've just been preoccupied with other thoughts besides make up and beauty stuff...

So when I have nothing to blog about, I usually do tags. Here is the 25 Questions Tag stolen from (an awesome blogger) Glam Morena!:

1. Do you apply your foundation with a brush, sponge, or fingers?
Lately, just fingers.

2. Do you apply your eyeshadow from light to dark? or dark to light?
Depends on the look - an everyday look: light to dark. A smokey look: dark to light.

3. Do you prime your eyes?
YES! It's a must.

4. Concealer first, or after foundation?
After. Often during the school year, I don't even wear foundation.

5. Go for manicures, or manicure yourself?
Manicure myself.

6. Exfoliate lips, face or both?
I exfoliated my face yesterday using St. Ives Apricot scrub - but I use that like once every two months... and I don't exfoliate my lips.

7. On average, how long does it take you to do your makeup?
I try to keep it to 20-25 mins if I'm doing the whole face for going out. But usually just 10 mins - moisturizing, filling in brows, lining eyes, curling lashes, mascara, blush and lip stuff.

8. Do you wear makeup everyday and everywhere?
If I leave the house, I always put on moisturizer w/ SPF, fill in my brows, and put blush on. This takes like 5 mins.

9. What release are you most excited about? (Makeup)
Eh... I don't really pay much attention to this sorts... but check out this awesome post about new drugstore products.

10. What's your weakness? Shoes, purses, clothes, jewelry, eyeshadow, lipstick or other?
Everything above... but lately I am more into shoes and clothes!

11. Do you whiten your teeth?
I used to w/ Crest White Strips... but I haven't used it in a really long time.

12. Wax eyebrows, or pluck?
NEITHER... ha ha yeah, that's why I have kinda bushy brows... but I just hate hate hate doing it.

13. What do you use to contour?
I don't really contour but ELF bronzer/blush duo has great contour color in the bronzer.

14. False lashes, or natural?
Natural... but I want to try out false lashes soon.

15. Favorite makeup brand?
Revlon, Maybelline, and ELF

16. Liquid eyeliner, pencil or gel?
Pencil - easiest way to apply for me.

17. Lipstick, lipgloss or chapstick?
Lipstick for sure. I'm so clumsy w/ lip gloss.

18. Pigments, pressed or cream eyeshadow?
I like pressed the most but I do enjoy cream shadows as well - serve as bases.

19. If you had to wear only one thing, excluding foundation; what would it be?
BLUSH!

20. Favourite color?
Blue

21. Favorite color combination?
I have no clue... I think right combo of yellow and blue looks great! Also pink and teal/cyan blue

22. Natural? or Dramatic? (Eye Makeup)
I'm always for natural.

23. Do you care more for quality or name brand?
I definitely care more about the quality but also the affordability.

24. Do you enjoy using face masks? If so which ones
I have only used the Queen Helene mint mask and it is okay... kinda drying though so watch out.

25. What is your current addiction? (example: lipsticks, eyeshadows, earrings..)
I'm obsessed w/ lip products right now!

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Also, I just wanted to thank all of you guys for taking your time to vote in my poll!


I like that none of you are interested in horror films like Splice! Ha ha... me neither. I went to see Knight and Day the other day - not too bad... wish it was a bit funnier but it was cute! And enjoyable. I kinda want to see Toy Story 3 - and as for Eclipse - I probably won't go to see it since I haven't even seen New Moon yet. But if I find people to come with me, I might. I am more a Harry Potter girl.

Speaking of which, I am re-reading Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows. Such a good book!! I'm so into it. I can probably sit and read this book forever - I just can't put it down. It's been 4 years since I've read it and so I don't remember a lot so it is almost like reading a brand new book for me.

Speaking of which:


ONE WORD: GOOSEBUMPS!

Well guys, stay tune for more from me. I am planning to write a few new reviews!! Please vote on the new poll and...

Sedona Lace your Face with NV Beauty

NV Beauty is hosting this awesome contest... and I was so inspired (also kinda had a lot of free time) so I decided to enter.

These are the pictures that I based both my looks in:


One thing you should know: I live in Arizona... the dessert does have some amazing sunsets and gorgeous skies! I have never been to Sedona (my parents have though) but I have been to Grand Canyon - gorgeous :D

First look is more of a smokey eye:


** I brightened the first one up a bit so the colors can show up better - different computers have different brightness. My laptop, for example, doesn't show the color as well as the computer I'm on right now. UGH!





So, with this eye, I focused on the dark bluish purple that is on the sky. Then I added accents of gold (which is another focus) and then the pink in my most inner corner. Then I just deepened the outer corner to emphasize on the shadows of the mountains. And the deep brown eyeliner is winged out more than usual to show the earthy colors of the mountain. It might be hard to see but there is green in the bottom lash line which represents the life on those mountains... I used my PF's highlighter to highlight my brow bone. I want it to look as magical as possible!


For the face, I tried a bit of a gradient affect - which didn't show up too well! But I contoured my cheeks w/ ELF's bronzer, then went above that w/ the CG's cheekers, and then finally topped everything off w/ Physician's Formula highlighter.




I love that lip combo!!!

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Second look is more wearable... although it is a bit on the glamorous side. Again, the first pic was brightened a bit so that other computers can be seen too:









Similar to the one above, it has pink in the inner corner (I actually used my blush to do this) and then lighter gold next to it. The the crease, I used the bright orange from the CG palette and then the outer V is deepened by MAC's sketch. Above that is a light halo of purple in my Maybelline trio and then I lined my eyes w/ the green. This look is suppose to resemble the sunsets. All the warmth and shimmer mix together to turn into a Sedona sunset! For my cheeks, I used the WnW bronzer because I didn't want pink on them... I have enough on my eyes!

I know, this post is really annoying b/c the pictures are not side by side. I will have to figure this out on later posts! For now, I'm a bit tired!

** Thanks Nicole for hosting this contest!! It is really awesome and the prizes are amazing. The Sedona brush set looks awesome (she did a review on them and they are really similar to Sigma brushes but WAY CHEAPER!!)! So if you guys are interested, you should do it. Bring on some creativity and... ya know, it helps if you have free time too.

Rimmel Moisture Renew

Rimmel lipsticks, in general, has gotten a lot of rave from many bloggers and youtubers. As I read the various reviews on Makeup Alley and such, my curiosity is sparked and I was determined to purchase one of my own and write my own review. As luck would have it, these babies were 50% at Walgreens a few weeks ago and I jumped immediately to the opportunity.

I picked up: Dusty Rose.


Now don't be fool - the actual lipstick is a lot darker than this picture. How I would describe this lipstick is a neutral but has a bit of a mauve and rosy pink undertone (more mauve though). I would say that this is one of those things people call: MY LIPS BUT BETTER (MLBB) color. So, I would say that it is darker than some of you - especially people with fair skin.



Flash // No Flash

See how my lips look a bit darker w/ no flash? The actual color comes off more creamy than glossy. Even though I would probably use this for everyday, I think it is more suitable for special events/nights and would look great with minimal make up.

So does the title "MOISTURE RENEW" hold up to it's name? YES, I think this lipstick is really moisturizing. It glides on easily and I think it is very creamy. As far as pigmentation goes, I can imagine some other colors being sheer but buildable. I chose a darker color so I didn't see any flaw in pigmentation. But I definitely love that it has SPF 18 and is moisturizing. Staying power on the other hand is not the best - it is actually just normal. I think it would last 1-2 hours on my lips if i don't eat and drink.

The only thing that I don't really care much for is the packaging. I don't like the purple and the lipstick container seems a bit flimsy. Now, I have had 2 other Rimmel lipsticks before - both in much older containers; one in Birthday Suit and one in Latino.


This picture shows Rimmel Lasting Finish Lipstick in Birthday Suit
I have to say that compared to the older lipstick, smell and taste are pretty much the same. I am okay with the smell but I hate the taste. Overall, not much of a change from the old lipstick except for the fact that it is a lot more moisturizing and has a bit more color selection.

So I guess what I am trying to say is that yes, I think I would reommend this lipstick. I think I might try other shades myself. I think I was mostly disappointed with my choice since I was hoping to buy a new summer shade. Also, I noticed that I already have similar looking lipsticks...


Maybelline's Moisture Extreme Rum Raisin // Rimmel Moisture Renew Dusty Rose


L'Oreal Color Juice Stick Chai Love You // Rimmel Moisture Renew Dusty Rose


Chai Love You // Dusty Rose // Rum Raisin


I guess it is pretty easy to see that Dusty Rose is the darkest one. Well, at least I hear that Sunset is a good dupe for a MAC lipstick so I that might the next shade I try.

Let me know which shade you like best from this line! I would love to hear your opinion.

WORLD CUP Make Up!

I don't know how but I've recently got really really into soccer - especially the WORLD CUP!!

** Did anyone see Argentina vs. Greece?? Lionel Messi #10 - AMAZING!!!!!! He is... ugh... just... there are no words to describe him!

ARGENTINA all the way BABY!

** But anyways, America is playing against Algeria tomorrow and WE HAVE TO WIN OR ELSE WE MIGHT NOT BE ABLE TO MOVE ON!
I gotta say that I'm so proud of our guys right now. They are fighters and I just love it!! We are definitely the underdog - because we are not a soccer nation at all. But the fact that we managed to tie with England and almost defeat Slovenia is saying something. I love the fact that we were down 2-0 and then fought til the end. Should've won that game... but whatever, America still rocks! Still has chance!

So back to make up. I was so inspired by all the insane fans who painted their faces... so... I gotta do what a make up lover does...

PAINT HER FACE TOO!!

**** PICTURE HEAVY ****











I didn't have face paint so I used eye shadows... and BLUSH! American flag is pretty easy to draw... except the first time I made it backwards. Ha ha!

I LOVE using that Physician's Formula highlighter! I used it over the flag to give it a glow and as brow bone color. This is such a great product! Very pigmented... and gives a golden glow!

The blush is CG's cheekers. Extremely pigmented! If I didn't have this, I'd use lipstick or something.

Matte white is from the ELF quad. LOVE this color - extremely pigmented.

The cream shadows from Revlon was for me to lay down the base for the colors first so that the colors will stick to my face better! I also used a white eye liner from Prestige that I didn't take a picture of to outline the flag.

I had so much fun creating this look! Hopefully I'll get to wear it again when the day comes to root for the them in the finals... key word is HOPE :D

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In other news, I am trying to understand and relate to you guys better. Please vote and check out the poll at the top right of the page! Please vote!! These questions will be random and won't always be make up related. It's just a fun little questionaire I have for you all.

The last one went like this:

- I guess most of you didn't care too much for Lady Gaga's music video or even care to watch it!! Ha ha! Good to know.

Let Me Break It Down For You:

Items I recommend buying that are UNDER $3!!


These are great items for people who are starting out with make up and need to just get started... Why spend a fortune if you don't really know what you are doing yet?

** Names are not exactly correct... I just don't have the items w/ me but you guys got the picture right?

+ WnW Trio - Mojave Mauves (might not be sold anymore...). I use that trio a lot! A LOT for everyday look. Trust me, no matter what you do w/ it, you'll always get a nice natural-everyday look. Pigmented, easy to blend... very beginner friendly.

+ ELF $1 Eye brushes - amazing qualities. AMAZING for beginners.

+ WnW Eye Kohl Pencil - okay, I use this EVERYDAY to do my brows... and it works wonders! SO CHEAP - $0.99 CHEAP! Can't get any better than this.

+ ELF $1 Eyeshadow quad - These can produce great pigmentation and allow you to practice with colors and smokey eyes!

+ NYC nail polish - well, these are hit or miss. The one I have is in Mod Mauve and I really like it! Stays on a long time and hasn't gotten goopy on me yet!

+ Burts Bees - LIP BALM! Always a MUST MUST and this is my all time favorite. I've tried so many but I always always go back.

+ B&BW's hand sanitizer - You need a clean hand to apply make up and just in general - always good to have hand sanitizer in your purse. I love these b/c they smell great and usually they are 5 for $5 @ the store.

Items under $5!!


These are the items for you guys who want to find some nice cheap thrills!

+ Milani single shadows - you can buy these @ cherryculture. AMAZING qualities and are known to be MAC-dupes.

+ CoverGirl single shadows - some are misses and some are HITS! People really like Tapestry Taupe, Brown Smolder, Mink, Shimmering Sands trio... it goes on and on

+ CoverGirl Cheekers - I enjoy these blushes! Some have insane pigmentation! But either way, these babies have strong lasting power and comes in so many different colors.

+ Jane Blushes - I have 2 - Blushing Petal and Blushing Plum. Both are great and simple and have perfect pigmentation! Blushing Petal is the color that is natural and easy to wear. Everyone needs a color like this.

+ Sally Hansen Double Duty Base Coat and Top Coat - this thing makes my nail polish stay on twice as long. It is amazing - seriously, go check this out. You would not be disappointed.

+ CoverGirl Professional Mascara - doesn't flake - gives nice volume and length. Very natural and yet it can build on itself to give you nice volumized lashes. A lot cheaper than Lash Blast but the applicator is not awkward to use!

+ B&BW's mini lotion - great to have in your purse! Smells nice! Moisturizing... a must have for emergencies!

Items for UNDER $10


For those of you who are just looking for more fun with make up. If you want to experiment with drugstores, here are some things that is worth your while!

+ Maybelline Quad in Chai Latte - Either you like it or you don't. At first, I was skeptical. I mean, what is it about this quad that I'm suppose to like? But, I really enjoy it! Great for everyday b/c the shadows are just so neutral and natural!

+ Revlon Quad in Coffee Bean - If you don't like Chai Latte, let me tell you that this is very similar... again, perfect for everyday look. Useful shades - pigmented and easy to blend!

+ Maybelline's Mineral Power Concealer - so light weight but covers so easily and flawlessly. Great for redness - under the eyes, around the nose, and other marks.

+ L'Oreal HiP Shadows - Sassy is in the picture but they have way more colors and selections. So pigmented and with so much variety of colors. Definitely a must-try for those beauty lovers. Also MAC-dupes worthy!

+ Mabelline's Moisture Extreme Lipstick - People love the ColorSensational but I still love these ones the most! SPF 15 is great. Smells great and pigmentation is lovely. I really enjoy these - especially for the moisturizing effect.

+ Revlon ColorBurst Lipstick - Colors are very unique and has a very good staying power. It feels so light on the lips and the packaging is to die for!

+ Revlon Super Lustrous Lipgloss - Okay, so it should come to no surprise that these lip glosses are amazing. I think these might be the best lip glosses that I have! Some are more sheer than others but overall, texture, smell, packaging, and color selections are superior!

+ Rimmel Natural Bronzer - Man, I cannot stop raving about this item. It's been in my make up drawer since the beginning and I find myself using it so much! Lovely matte bronzer for fair to medium skin tone.

+ Maybelline Dream Matte Powder - speaking of matte - this thing will keep your face oil-less and IS NOT CAKEY! I use this all the time as a setting powder. Works great for me even though I don't have oily skin. This is probably holy-grail materials to those who have to deal with oily skin during the day. Too bad you can't use this on oil-spill. I'm sure it would work ;p J/K.

+ Revlon Colorstay Eye Liner - stays on all day without smudging. It is just a really reliable item to have! Wish it was more smooth and creamy... but we all get used to things. It's all good.

Items for OVER $10


You guys know I don't like to spend too much on make up, but there are some things I really enjoy using; A splurge once in a while - not so bad. Buy yourself some gifts - award yourself for being awesome!!

+ UDPP - I use to not like to wear eyeshadows. Not because I didn't know how to apply (that you can learn and practice...) but because it always look horrendous at the end of the day. It has changed now... my shadows stay looking nice all day and I never EVER have to worry about it! It's so reliable and such a great investment! $18

+ Ecotools 5pc Brush Set - BEST THING I'VE BOUGHT at the drugstore... NO JOKE! I have a use for every single item (except for the brush holder... b/c I lost that...) but AHHH!! SO SOFT! So useful!!! Make up beginners, you guys should look into this FIRST before you look at other brushes... because these will be the best drugstore brushes you'll find. $12

+ Lancome Lipsticks - The only "high-end" lipsticks that I've ever tried and these are really expensive... BUT I adore the packaging, love the pigmentation and texture and moisturize. Has SPF and it smells amazing! ha ha - it is definitely one of my favorite lipsticks. $25

+ Physicians Formula Shimmer Strips - Really fun to use as highlights and even eye shadows! If you are looking to have some summer glow or beachy bronze look - check these out! Very pigmented... it will not disappoint $12

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That's all I have... Sorry this post is extremely long! I was gonna make it into three parts but then I was like... nah - what's the point of that! Just give it all!

Thanks for reading!!

Summer Look - 2nd Attempt

2nd attempt actually looks a lot like 1st attempt. But what can I say? Besides I used different product and also my camera likes to wash out the colors on my lids.

Anyone who has a Cannon PowerShot SD790IS knows that this camera is great for just vacation pictures but when it comes to colors and dark environments and such - NOT SO GREAT.

Anyways, this is what I came up w/...









Trust me when I say the colors are so washed out! I mean... UGH!

I also have been playing around with the Milani Glimmer Stripes - so I get that nice glow on my cheeks:




Hard to see... but it's there. Very nice and pretty. I have decided that it is almost impossible to compare highlighters... especially the Milani and the Physician's Formula ones. But I will do my best on my next post to talk about them.

Besides that, I love bronzy eyes, darker liner, peachy blushes, and cute golden-pink shimmer on the lips. I think those combination are great together.

This was a quick post! Well, I am off to take a nap or something... watch more World Cup and later, maybe even tennis!! All of this unless I have to go to work.

BTW - Bath and Body Works and Victoria's Secret are having their semi-annual sales!!! What are you guys planning to get?

Me - I think I will try to invest in some new bras. I definitely need it!

See ya all later!