Happy Halloween!

In order to celebrate the Halloween Spirit, I decided to play a little bit with some color and did a look featuring the character Bayonetta from the game Bayonetta. I probably should've just donned a black shirt and some earrings, but it came to me after I took the pictures, and honestly I don't think I could get the same nice shots I got.

Anyway, how was your weekend? Did any of you dress up? Let me know! I love hearing about costumes and seeing different looks!

I was playing around with Picnik

What I used:
Revlon PhotoReady in Nude
MAC Prolong Concealer in NW20
NARS Orgasm Blush
88 Palette
Urban Decay Alice in Wonderland Palette
Shisem Lashes
Rimmel Moisture Renew Lipstick in Burgundy Shine

HAPPY HALLOWEEN!

And please join my giveaway if you haven't already! There's only a week left!

FoTD: Easy and Simple

I'm trying to get back into the swing of things so I decided to post a simple FoTD. I decided to apply my MAC Studio Fix Fluid used my iPhone with the flash to see if I would look ghostly. To my relief, I don't. It seems that I have gotten back to my pale winter shade so even NC30 would be too dark right now, this also means my MUFE 123 and my MAC Face and Body are also a tad too dark =(.

What I used:

MAC Studio Fixed Fluid in NC25
MAC Eyeshadow Satin Taupe
Urban Decay Naked Palette-Naked Eyeshadow to blend &
Virgin as highlight
Revlon Color Stay Eyeliner
L'Oreal Lineur Intense in Carbon Black
NARS Laguna Bronzer
MAC Pink Swoon Blush
MAC Viva Glam V Lipstick
 

And just cause I'm still obsessed with this line. This was taken right across the street from the MAC store in Times Square

Rough Week

"There is a bridge connecting Heaven and Earth. It is called the Rainbow Bridge because of its many colors. Just this side of the Rainbow Bridge there is a land of meadows, hills and valleys with lush green grass.

When a beloved pet dies, the pet goes to this place. There is always food and water and warm spring weather. All the animals who have been ill and old are restored to health and vigor; those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again, just as we remember them in our dreams of days and times gone by.

The animals are happy and content, except for one small thing; they each miss someone very special to them, who had to be left behind. They all run and play together, but the day comes when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance. Her bright eyes are intent; her eager body begins to quiver. Suddenly she begins to run from the group, flying over the green grass, her legs carrying her faster and faster. You have been spotted, and when you and your special friend finally meet, you cling together in joyous reunion. The happy kisses rain upon your face; your hands again caress the beloved head, and you look once more into the trusting eyes of your pet, so long gone from your life but never absent from your heart.

Then you cross the Rainbow Bridge together, never again to be separated."

It has been a devastating time for me since I have come home from Vegas. I had come home refreshed and happy to start up my blog writing only to find an array of issues waiting for me at home. Some issues I would prefer not talk about on my blogger, but the main issues at hand have been the loss of two dear family members for me.

Now when I say family members, I mean two of my dearly beloved pets. I came home to a phone call from my mother telling me that she had to put down one of our oldest cats, Midnight. Midnight and her sister were both found at the South Street Seaport way back in 97' when me and my mother were enjoying a gorgeous sunny day out. A group of people crowded an area and both my mom and I went to see what was going on. Firemen had been trying to rescue some kittens found in a small hole by a door. A lady already had one in her hands and it was a beautiful blue gray kitten. I looked at my mom and asked her if we could take one and though she was hesitant, she agreed. We were handed Midnight's sister Schnookie first and while I held her my mom waited for the last of the kittens to be rescued. The last firemen came up with Midnight, the runt of the litter, puny and skinny and my mom took her. Midnight was black with a tuft of white hair sprouting from her chest and though she was cute, it seemed no one wanted her because she was black and also the tiniest. So that's how we got Midnight.

Midnight had some kidney problems as she got older. We almost lost her about a year ago but she fought and stomped her way back to health and I thought for sure she would have been with us for just a bit longer. My mom is heart broken. It was her first baby after our first dog had passed away. So on the way back from the Vegas, I sat in the car and wept because that small kitten we both found was gone.

Then, the real big one hit last night when my mom called me and asked me to hurry over for our dog, Buffy. Buffy was another rescue animal. We took her from an acquaintance at the time and she was a skinny healthy, beautiful, black chow mix. She was terrified of men but never of me and my mom. It was instant love for the three of us. Buffy always knew when I was sad, she would walk on over with her long tail swinging ready to give me kisses. She would always sit down next to me when I came over cause she knew I would spoil her with love and food. When my mom would wait with her outside of the train station, her tail would be wagging the moment she saw me. The relationship I had with that dog was more than a pet/owner.

Buffy had been dealing with what we think were a series of mini strokes the past month, where her face would blank out and she wouldn't even recognize anyone. Last night she had one and never recovered. She sat on the bottom of the stairs with a blank stare in her eyes. My mom waited and hoped I think for her to recover but after four hours of waiting, she knew it was time. So we put her down last night. I think what was the hardest for us was the fact that we couldn't say good bye to her, rather we had to say good bye to a shell of who she was.

To sum it up, it has been a really shitty week. I know some of you may just glaze over this in passing, but I just want to say if you have a pet, hug them and love them and in your way show them how much you care about them because like life, they can be gone in an instant.

I don't have any of my other photos of Midnight, this was years ago though

This is my Boofy <3

I'm Alive!

Hey all you lovely people! I just wanted to let you all know that I am back from Vegas (Sadly) and the reviews will soon commence! I have a bunch I want to cover, such as MAC Pro Long Wear Foundation, Lash Stiletto Mascara, INGLOT eyeshadows and lip gloss, etc., so I have a lot.

If you haven't joined my giveaway yet please do! Time is running out! The deadline is 11/7/10!

My One Year Giveaway!

Happy Birthday To Meeee

Jersey Takes Over Vegas

Lunch!

Aria Midori Love

Hi Guys!!!

Hey all you beautiful people! I was super excited to do some posts on my iPad While I was in Vegas but it seems that the iPad doesn't have the full uploading option.

But I just wanna say hi to everyone and just let you know that I will be trying to post while I'm away!!

A Review: MAKE UP FOREVER HD Invisible Cover Foundation

I finally joined the bandwagon and bit the bullet for this foundation. I am glad that I did though! Make Up Forever's HD foundation has been the Holy Grail for many people, including many YouTube Guru's. What do I think? I really like it, a lot. I think that this is what a high end foundation should be like. No heaviness or cake-like appearance, and it should apply with ease and blend flawlessly into the face.

So what does Sephora say about it?
HD Invisible Cover Foundation
What it is:An oil-free medium-to-full-coverage liquid foundation that covers skin imperfections flawlessly while remaining invisible on-screen and in real life.

What it does:
This foundation creates a soft-focus effect, which is designed to meet the coverage concerns of those in the spotlight. It leaves your complexion with such a flawless finish, it can withstand bright or harsh lighting.

Now, onto the price. This foundation costs a whopping $42 USD! This is one of the reasons why I hesitated and waited so long to purchase this foundation. Anyone who is tight on money can find other alternatives for this foundation. Many people have compared Revlon's PhotoReady foundation to this, I personally don't think they're that similar, however Revlon's foundation is a favorite of mine and costs a fraction of the price. If you are looking for a dewy finish that looks nice for photos and are on a budget I would suggest that you check out the PhotoReady foundation. 

The MUFE foundation contains 1.01 fluid ounces and has no SPF. This is a great foundation for photos. There is no white cast whatsoever. At Sephora, a person can select from over 20 shades, which can be overwhelming if you're unsure of what color you are. When I first checked out the line, I had researched online to find matches. At the time I thought I was a NC 25 from MAC (I'm darker now) and many people said that MUFE's HD foundation in 118 was a match. I asked for a sample and took it to Vegas with me back in April and found that it was too light for me. When I finally purchased it about a month ago, I was deciding between 120 and 123. I ended up going with 123 since it disappeared and matched my neck. 

I apply this foundation with my ELF Studio Flat Top Powder Brush and set it with MUFE's HD Microfinishing Powder. You don't have to set it with their powder, I think any translucent powder should do. The foundation doesn't feel heavy and does cover all my redness. I usually take about one and a half pumps to cover my entire face. On to the pictures!

Pros:
-No SPF, great for photos
-A variety of shades to choose from
-Comes with pump
-Creates a dewy flawless finish
-Medium to full coverage

Cons:
-Can be expensive
-A variety of shades to choose from, lol
-Needs to be set with a powder

Would I repurchase: Yes I would

Have you guys tried this foundation? Do you love it? Hate it? I wanna know!

Remember to join my Giveaway! 

My One Year Blog Anniversary Giveaway!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

It is time for my one year/birthday giveaway!  I thought really hard about the prizes and are giving some you guys some of my favorite cosmetics and also a little something extra special. Each set of prizes will come with a pair of earrings that I made myself!

This Giveaway is open internationally! Contest begins today 10/7/10 and will end 11/7/10. You guys have an entire month! Winners will be chosen at random from random.org!

Before I get to the prizes, here's how to enter:

1) You MUST be a follower of mine

2) I will not accept entries from people who only have a blog/profile to enter giveaways. So if you're name is "IHeartGiveaways," chances are you will be disqualified.

3) Comment on this entry and tell me how you found me, what you like about this blog, and ways that I can improve it. Comments that say "enter me" will be disqualified as well.

4) You will gain additional entries for posting on your blog/twitter/etc. Please let me in your comment where you have posted it with the link.

Now that all the technicalities are out of the way, on to the prizes!!

1st Place will win:
-Sephora by O.P.I. Beauty Insider Nail Polish Set. This is different from their Rocker Chic Set!
-A Stila 4 quad shadow in Montmartre
-MAC Venomous Villains Lipstick in Innocence, Beware!
-Rimmel Moisture Renew Lipstick in Spotlight Beige
-Handmade one of a kind koi earrings made by me

2nd Place will win:
-Milani Minerals Blush in Luminous (a NARS Orgasm Dupe)
-Revlon Berry Darling Blush
Maybelline's Colorsensational Lipstick in Born With It
-MAC Lipstick in Plink! (This is discontinued)
A Pair of Koi Fish Earrings made by me

3rd Place will win:
-Revlon Merlot At Midnight Blush
-Victoria Secret Eyeshadow in 24k
-Revlon Superlustrous gloss in Lilac Pastelle
-Revlon Colorburst lipstick in Peach
-Flower Earrings created by me!

I may include other goodies with your prizes! Have fun everyone and good luck!

A Piece of Me (October 2010)

Time to do "A Piece of Me!" Head on over to Notes from the Toothfairy if you guys are interested to play!

This Month:

I Like: That it's my Birfday month!!

I Don't Like: BUGS! OMG I HATE THEM! They eat me up alive. I swear aren't they all suppose to be dead by now cause it's cold? 

I Want You To Know: I'm super excited for my next post!!

I've Planned: To have an awesome month of course!

I Want to Say to Someone Special: This is for my followers, thank you again for all the love you've shown me. You will never know how much it means to me! <3

Celebrating My Blog Anniversary With Some "Venomous Villains"

As of today this beauty blog is officially a year old! I can't believe how fast time has flown. I literally remember the anxiousness and excitement that filled my body as I posted my first entry. I was so nervous that I would be lost in a sea of bloggers, alone and sad, but YOU have found me and helped me find a place in this wonderful blogger environment. Thank you, thank you, thank you for all the support and love that you all have given to me, it truly means the world to me. To this day whenever I see a comment, it truly makes me dance with glee. It makes me happy to know that people are interested in my reviews or just daily ramblings and I really hope to continue this journey of growth with all of you for many more blog anniversaries!

Not only is it my blog anniversary, it is also my birthday month!! In sixteen days I will a quarter of a century young! Haha. It's so surreal but exciting at the same time. So this month will contain a lot of celebrating not just on my part but also for you guys!

To start off the celebration I'm going to show you guys my MAC Venomous Villains haul! This was such an anticipated line and I couldn't wait for this line to launch! I adore Disney and adore the classic villains. The evil laughs, the sinister grins, and conniving thoughts are key characters for Disney villains and I feel that MAC captured the essence of each with the names and packaging.

Some people didn't like the packaging and thought it was tacky, but I really liked it. Perhaps the only thing about the packaging I didn't like was that it wasn't a matte finish. I hate the finger prints, I feel I'm ruining the product. I know I'm not but I don't want my fingerprints all over it! I will agree that the packaging would have been exquisite had it been the sketches that were on the boxes.

My only other gripe is perhaps the selection of some of the Villains. I was actually shocked that they didn't include Ursula! She's an iconic classic Disney Villain who definitely cared about she looked. I mean who can forget the scene where she's talking to Ariel while moussing her hair and applying her lipstick from her clamshell? Perhaps MAC wanted some diversity and chose Dr. Faciller, but if they had wanted a guy for the line, what about Gaston? He's one of the first metrosexual's I've ever encountered. However, getting that gripe out of the way, I truly adored most of the products that came with this line. Out of the four that MAC selected my two favorites were Maleficent and The Evil Queen. I love Sleeping Beauty and one of the reasons is cause of Maleficent. She's so classy and evil. Muahahahaha!

All right, enough with my rambling, here's the haul and little blurbs of what I think. I actually made collages with the pictures just because I had so many!  I got something from every villain except Dr. Faciller, just because the pigments didn't stand out to me and the powders look fun but I didn't know if I would ever really use them. If you want to look at the product in more detail, click on the images to enlarge!

Here is a shot of the entire line

 Bite of An Apple Blush. The Evil Queen looks down on you and your paleness! This blush has a red undertone and is heavily pigmented. Apply this will a light hand!

Here are the beauty powders. I don't like Maleficent here. She doesn't look as calm and chic as she does in the other ones. Anywho, Briar Rose is a gorgeous blue pink powder while Oh So Fair is a subtle soft pink with some shimmer. It's very subtle that it may be hard to show up on darker skin tones.

Maleficent's Mineral Eyeshadows in She Who Dares and My Dark Magic. Both are shimmery and are probably most pigmented with a base or applied wet.

 I love the lipsticks! My favorite is Violetta. Toxic Tale looks great in pics but can be very orange-y. Heartless is a great red that I think will look perfect on anyone cause it's a neutral red. You're all probably wondering why I have Innocence, Beware! in a separate collage. That's cause Steph from Beauty and Gardens sent it to me! I actually do like it very much, if it wasn't sold out I would probably get a backup. I will say that you can't have chapped lips for this product, unless you wanna look like a hot mess haha.

Last but not least are the lip glasses. I love them all but my favorites are Strange Potion and Wicked Ways. Strange Potion is a peachy coral that will look amazing on almost everyone! Wicked Ways is opaque cherry red with slight shimmer. Hot house is gorgeous fuchsia but does leave behind some shimmer. Revenge Is Sweet is a juicy pink that gives you tons of shine.

I hope you all enjoyed my haul, let me know what you think and what you guys picked up from this line! Next entry is going to really special so sit tight while I get everything together! <3