Your thoughts on...

Hair tinsel???

When I was getting my hair cut on friday, there was a middle-aged (think mid-life crisis middle-aged) woman getting several strands of hair tinsel in red and gold tied into her already natural (I think) red hair. From what I saw, she only got a few. I'm sitting there thinking, what is the heck is the point of that?

You could barely see it show up in, and when you did see a strand or two, it looked like she had bits of sparkly trash stuck in her hair. I've seen lots of advertisements for this stuff and it's pretty expensive to buy and get done too, even if you're doing it just for, say, a one day special occasion. I just don't see the point in it. Who wants to look like a christmas tree?

What are your thoughts on hair tinsel?

---

DHC product reviews & pics

So my first experience with DHC's Cream Foundation was not what I expected =( Luckily, if you read my last post, I concluded that it was because I used their Matte Cream before I applied the foundation, which seemed to be the cause of my disappointment.

First off, after I applied it, my face looked just a biiiit too light IMO =( I got shade Yellow Ocher 01 since it was getting discontinued and Eki recommended it. Using the matte cream first made a sticky base, and throughout the day, my face was tacky. It felt horrible. AND after a couple hours, the foundation started turning orange =(

The good part is that I like the finish it gives to your skin. It's sheer but buildable coverage that can give you a dewy, semi-matte, or matte look depending on how much you apply. The first time, I think I applied too much in addition to the Matte cream, so it was reeeally matte. It didnt' stay too well on my nose for some reason. It conceals redness but I still had to use NYX jar concealer over some spots.

Here's some swatches:

So the next day, I decided to try the foundation again, WITHOUT the matte cream. I like it a lot better! The same nice healthy glow but smooth semi-matte finish. It is still a slightly different color than my neck (not as noticeable as pic) but not as bad as the first try. And without the matte cream first, it was not too light and did not oxidize later on in the day. I also found that it reduces shine and oil BETTER than with the matte cream! Who would've thought. I'm still trying to figure out the best way to apply it. I've been using sponge wedges so far. Suggestions?

Here's a formal review . . .

DHC Q10 Cream Foundation in Yellow Ocher 01

Price: $8.75 discontinued, $17.50 reg

What they say: Creamy fuller coverage. Achieve perfect-looking skin at last! This long-lasting SPF 18 foundation offers fuller coverage to smooth over pores, blemishes, and imperfections. Enriched with age-defying coenzyme Q10, hydrating olive oil, and UV damage–fighting olive leaf extract, these ingredients can help you win the fight against fine lines. Feels silky, not heavy, on skin. Elegant matte finish.

What to do: Apply evenly at least 15 minutes before sun exposure and as needed. If desired, first apply DHC Velvet Skin Coat. Next, dispense a small amount and spread evenly over face using fingertips or DHC Makeup Sponge B. Set with DHC Q10 Face Powder.

What's in it: Active ingredients: titanium dioxide zinc oxide Inactive ingredients: water, cyclomethicone, butylene glycol, diglycerin, cyclopentasiloxane, PEG-9 polydimethylsiloxyethyl dimethicone, isononoyl isononanoate, PEG-10 dimethicone, disteardimonium hectorite, nylon-12, olea europaea (olive) fruit oil, trimethylsiloxysilicate, silica, phytosteryl/octyldodecyl lauroyl glutamate, dimethicone/methicone copolymer, glyceryl abietate/maleate, octyldodecyl myristate, phenoxyethanol, laureth-7, magnesium sulfate, alumina, methicone, simethicone, alcohol, ubiquinone, acorbyl tetraisopalmitate, olea europaea (olive) leaf extract, polianthes tuberosa polysaccharide, beta-glucan, talc (Natural Ocher 00-Natural Ocher 03, Natural Ocher 06, Yellow Ocher 01-Yellow Ocher 03, Yellow Ocher 05, Pink Ocher 01-Pink Ocher 04), aluminum hydroxide (Natural Ocher 00-Natural Ocher 03, Natural Ocher 05, Yellow Ocher 01-Yellow Ocher 03, Yellow Ocher 05, Pink Ocher 01-Pink Ocher 04), iron oxides

The good stuff:

• Various shades
• Smooth texture, easy to apply
• SPF 18
• Buildable coverage, little goes a long way
• Okay at concealing redness, blemishes, dark circles
• Long lasting
• Pretty good at controlling oil/shine
• Gives skin a healthy glow to semi-matte finish

The low-down:

• Expensive, many shades getting discontinued
• Gets cakey if you apply too much
• Can be too light/dark (read previous post too)

My take: Overall, I really like this foundation, I love the finish it gives to my skin. I just have to be careful not to apply too much and also what I apply it with/over because it already oxidized once for me; maybe also because my skin has been really oily =(

Would I repurchase: Maybe; I'm not sure what shade I'd be after this one is discontinued.

I've also been using their Eyebrow perfect Pro Powder & pencil. Liking the powder a lot but not used to the pencil yet.

Swatches L-R powder (copper brown), pencil (brown)

I'm partial to my HG Physician's Formula eyebrow pencil so I don't care for the DHC too much. The lead is very very firm and makes a really harsh line. I haven't used it enough to know if it softens up or what. The tip is very fine too and can't be sharpened but I guess since it's more for filling in little spots rather than big ones. I already broke a little piece off the top; it's so hard =( But on the other hand, I'm really LOVING the powder. It's super sheer but buildable, you just keep twisting it back into the cap to pick up more color. It's easy to apply and IMO better than using a brush and powder. Loves it!

Formal review . . .

DHC Eyebrow Perfect pro Powder in Copper Brown

Price: $3.75 dicontinued, $7.50 reg

What they say: Eye-lighter. Designed for use with DHC Eyebrow Perfect Pro Holder (sold separately), this professional-quality eyebrow powder filler features a gentle sponge tip for delicate application. Boasts moisturizing olive virgin oil in its long-lasting, waterproof micro-particle powder formula. Choose from five gorgeous shades.

What to do: Insert into DHC Eyebrow Perfect Pro Holder and twist to secure. Remove cap and apply powder to eyebrow area as desired. To dispense additional powder, insert the applicator tip into the cap and twist. For external use only. Avoid contact with eyes

What's in it: vinyl dimethicone/methicone silsesquioxane crosspolymer, dimethicone, silica, octyldodecanol, hydrogenated castor oil stearate, polyethylene, stearoxymethicone/dimethicone copolymer, sucrose tetrastearate triacetate, euphorbia cerifera (candelilla) wax, olea europaea (olive) fruit oil, tocopherol, iron oxides, titanium dioxide

The good stuff:

• Sheer but buildable color
• Various shades
• Easy to apply
• Long lasting
• Unique sponge tip and packaging

The low-down:

• Small size, Idk how quickly it runs out

My take: I love this stuff. It's so convenient and easy to use. 'Nough said.

Would I repurchase: Yes.

DHC Eyebrow Perfect pro Pencil in Brown

Price: $2.75 on clearance, $7.50 reg

What they say: Pencil Perfect. Designed for use with DHC Eyebrow Perfect Pro Holder (sold separately), this precision eyebrow pencil helps you enhance the look of your eyes like a pro and boasts moisturizing olive virgin oil in its long-lasting, waterproof formula. Choose from five gorgeous shades.

What to do: Insert into DHC Eyebrow Perfect Pro Holder and twist to secure. Remove cap and delicately enhance brow area as desired. For external use only. Avoid contact with eyes.

What's in it: hydrogenated castor oil, hydrogenated palm oil, stearic acid, hydrogenated coco-glycerides, lauroyl lysine, rhus succedanea fruit wax, hydrogenated polyisobutene, silica, copernicia cerifera (carnauba) wax, paraffin, microcrystalline wax, euphorbia cerifera (candelilla) wax, squalane, butyrospermum parkii (shea butter), olea europaea (olive) fruit oil, tocopherol, dimethicone, chamomilla recutita (matricaria) flower extract, iron oxides, mica. May contain/peut contenir: titanium dioxide

The good stuff:

• Various shades
• Firm lead
• Pigmented

The low-down:

• Creates a very harsh line
• Lead is so firm it breaks easily
• Better for filling in small areas

My take: It's okay, I used it for drawing on the ends of my brows but the line is really defined since it's just so hard! I think this is better use for filling in small sparse areas. The color is ver pigmented though.

Would I repurchase: No, or not any time soon.

---

DHC samples reviews + NOTD

I tried out a few of the samples I received from DHC, wanted to give a little feedback on some of them . . .

DHC Eye Bright

Price: $21.50 for 0.52 oz.

What they say: Eye enlightenment. Promote healthy-looking skin around the eyes by reducing puffiness and brightening dark circles. Stimulate weary-looking eyes with depuffing caffeine, revitalizing Isodonis japonicus (a Japanese botanical), and brightening, calming licorice extract. You’ll notice a reviving, cooling, soothing sensation the moment you apply this quickly absorbed, lightweight gel. The delicate skin around your eyes has fewer oil glands and is therefore especially susceptible to dryness, so it is vital that your revitalizing treatment also hydrates. Knowing this, DHC formulated Eye Bright with rich moisturizing ingredients, including sodium hyaluronate—a superior moisture magnet—and soothing, refreshing cucumber.

What to do: After cleansing, apply a small amount evenly to eyelid and under-eye area. Press gently into skin with fingers.

Ingredients: water, cucumis sativus (cucumber) juice, butylene glycol, sodium hyaluronate, isodonis japonicus extract, placental protein, carbomer, potassium hydroxide, methylparaben, saccharide isomerate, caffeine, dipotassium glycyrrhizate, allantoin

The good stuff:

• Easy to apply
• Cooling gel, smooth liquidy texture
• Moisturizing
• Seems to help with puffiness

The low-down:

• Expensive
• Didn't seem to absorb too quickly
• Haven't tried it long enough to say anything about dark circles

My take: If this wasn't so expensive, I'd want to try it longer. I like that it's refreshing and cooling when you apply it and it and it goes on smoothly because of it's watery texture. I think it did seem to help with my puffiness a bit but not with dark circles so far. I've had more success with it in one day than I've had with LaRocca's 24K Gold eye cream for a week (will review soon).

Would I repurchase: Maybe, but not right now.

DHC Matte Cream

Price: $28.00 for 1.4 oz

What they say: Degreaser.If unwanted oil is inducing regular beauty meltdowns, Matte Cream can help you maintain some dignity. This “mattifying” formula minimizes sliding makeup and unprofessional-looking glare by absorbing oil before it surfaces on your face. Use it alone, under makeup, and as a spot treatment to keep you looking cool and composed day in and day out.

What to do: Before applying makeup or as a daytime shine-control cream, smooth over shine-prone areas until completely absorbed. For oily complexions, apply over entire face.

Ingredients: water, stearic acid, pentylene glycol, glycerin, cucurbita pepo (pumpkin) seed extract, kaolin, chlorella vulgaris extract, behenyl alcohol, glyceryl stearate SE, potassium hydroxide, phenoxyethanol, allantoin, dipotassium glycyrrhizate, tricalcium phosphate, paeonia suffruticosa root extract, allium sativum (garlic) bulb extract, silica, zinc oxide, silver, disodium adenosine triphosphate

The good stuff:

• Cute packaging
• Smooth texture, applies easily
• A little goes a long way
• Did a decent job at controlling shine/oil

The low-down:

• Expensive
• Dries to a tacky finish
• Oxidized my foundation
• Was no match for shine/oil by the end of the day
• W/ foundation applied over, feels even worse

My take: This pretty much ruined my first expereince with DHC's Cream Foundation (will explain in next post). First off, it's a regular light cream that goes on smoothly. It did not absorb quickly for me and when it did "dry," it still had a tacky feel to it. I applied the foundation over it and for a few hours, my face was so light! Then a few hours after that, my face turned orangey. I will say that it did do an okay job at toning down shine & oilyness for most of the day but I've found that the Cream foundation works even better at holding back shine/oil without using this cream first, AND it doesn't become too dark/light. Also, with the foundation over the cream, you can really feel it all sitting on your face. Every time I touched my face, it was tacky/sticky.

Would I repurchase: Not anytime soon. Maybe if my skin ever goes back to being dry, I'll give it another shot.

DHC Mineral Mask

Price: $35 for 3.5 oz

What they say: Natural wonder. Minerals, clays, and ash do the dirty work for skin that’s stressed out or harboring impurities and oily shine. This mask will provide interim shine control, leaving skin feeling detoxified and looking brighter.

What to do: After cleansing and toning, smooth over face, avoiding eye and mouth areas. Leave on for 5 minutes, then rinse with lukewarm water. Follow with your favorite DHC toner and moisturizer.

Ingredients: water/eau, glycerin, bentonite, butylene glycol, titanium dioxide, kaolin, sucrose stearate, sodium hyaluronate, pentylene glycol, iron oxides, xanthan gum, phenoxyethanol, citric acid, glycine soja (soybean) seed extract, chlorella vulgaris extract, aloe barbadensis leaf extract, allantoin, sodium dehydroacetate, morus alba root extract, royal jelly extract, panax ginseng root extract, dipotassium glycyrrhizate, hinokitiol, blue 1, pueraria lobata root extract

The good stuff:

• Thick, sticky texture
• Easy to apply
• Dries quickly
• Don't have to leave it on for long
• Instantly softens and smooths skin
• Gives a healthy glow

The low-down:

• Expensive
• Made my nose itchy :(
• Does not smell good

My take: Overall, I really liked this mask, since it's so quick to use. The results are nice however, I think it's basically a glorified version of my Queen Helene Mint Julep Masque, except it doesn't smell good. It's even the same color. It gives the same results. It's just 10x the price.

Would I repurchase: No, it's just too expensive and I can get the same results for a fraction of the price.

My skin after:

And here's the NYX polish in "South Sea" Looveee the color ! ! It's a bright, metallic blue. The only thing is that this polish is super sheer (are all NYX polishes like that?) and I had to apply like 3 coats for the color to show up.

---

DHC goodies & Tag from Amy ♥

My DHC stuff came in today ♥ L-R I got: cute soap tray~ Eyebrow Perfect Pro Powder (copper brown), Eyebrow perfet pro holder, Eyebrow perfect pro pencil (brown), Q10 cream foundation (02 yellow ocher), and samples! Eye wrinkle stick, Mineral mask, Matte cream, and Eyebright.

One thing I did not know though is that their products are SO TINY! Everything is so small! Not that I paid TOO much for it (I bought all the stuff they're gonna discontinue :P) but it's just really tiny... Does anyone know how long these products actually last? Like the eyebrow stuff is barely the size of my pinky finger ._.

More samples and a gift certificate =)

Can't wait to try everything out :D Reviews coming soon~ Does anyone else use these DHC products and how do you like them? (:

Also, the super sweet and lovely Amy from http://amynaree.blogspot.com/ gave me the "gorgeous blogger award" Thanks so much girl! If you haven't already, check out her blog! Much awesomeness there (:

The rules are to list 6 interesting facts about myself. I did that tag a couple times back X3 but I try to think of new things xP

1. I am currently obsessed with Korilakkuma (if that's not obvious enough already hehe)

2. I'm going to school to (hopefully) get a Digital Media Arts certificate and B.A. in Art. I also want to go to beauty school sometime in the future.

3. I was born on my dad's birthday! I was his birthday present (:

4. I wish I was shorter! I'm only 5 ft but I still want to be more short xP

5. I'm a glasses nerd. I wear glasses everyday. I used to hate it before but now I love it since I'm too lazy to wear contacts, even though I have like 3127318965 pairs.

6. I ♥ Journey. The band, not the shoe store (:

---

Queen Helene Mint Julep masque review

Price: $3.99 from Drugstore.com

What they say: Mint Julep Masque is the original natural home treatment developed by a dermatologist that helps dry up acne pimples, rinse away blackheads and shrink enlarged pores. Simply apply Mint Julep Masque to your clean face and neck. Within minutes it firms and hardens, drawing out impurities from your pores. After the masque is removed, your skin will feel clean, refreshed and smooth. Even for individuals who are fortunately free of skin problems, Mint Julep Masque is a refreshing facial treatment that helps relaxed tired muscles and ease tension lines on the face and neck. No animal testing. No animal ingredients.

What to do: Cleanse face and neck thoroughly. Apply masque generously and allow to dry for about 15 minutes. Leave on problem areas overnight, if desired. Remove with warm water and a washcloth.

Ingredients: Water, Kaolin, Bentonite, Glycerin, Zinc Oxide, Propylene Glycol, Sulfur, Chromium Oxide Greens (CI#77288), Fragrance, Phenoxyethanol, Methylparaben

The good stuff:

• Cheap!
• Lots of product
• Easy to apply
• Refreshing
• Leaves skin feeling clean
• Smooths skin and improves tone/complexion
• Minimizes pores
• Seemed to have a whitening effect on my skin?

The low-down:

• It's kind of like applying toothpaste on your face xD
• Did not seem to help with pimples
• Did not help reduce oil (not that it said it was supposed to but...)
• Made my skin a little itchy in places I did not remove well

My take: I've been using this mask every night for about 5 days now and I'm pretty much loving it =) It's kind of weird applying it though since it really feels like you're smearing toothpaste all over your face! It's green, thick, minty and sticky xD It dries up fast and tightens the skin quickly. After 15 minutes, I'd wipe it off with warm water and a cloth and the results are immediately apparent. My skin was smoothed, soft, and glowy (did get itchy spots in places that I was careless to wipe off good... so be thorough!) After a few days of using it, I think I notice a whitening effect . . . maybe it's in my head but my skin looks lighter to me xP probably cause my tone and complexion is really improved as well! Also minimized my pores some.

I did have one irritating pimple though, and it did not really dry it out or minimize it at all. Also, since it's a clay based mask, I was hoping it would help with my new oilyness, but it didnt =( So I'm still on the hunt for a better oil-reducing mask! Besides that, my skin seems to be improving daily =) It's veeeery smooth. I think after awhile though I won't use it as much since my skin will probably start to tolerate its effects.

Would I repurchase: YES! It's so cheap but I won't have to repurchase for a long time since there's so much product!

Looks, feels & smells like toothpaste :P

Dries quickly (sorry blurry)


My skin after:

---

My Strapya order came in :3

I'm so happy :D It came in super fast too!! Even from Japan =) Here's all the stuff I got:

Immediately onto my DS!

This is supposed to be a cellphone holder but it's kinda big so it fits my camera really well :D

The inside is so cute!

I definitely will be placing another order soon (:

On a sad note, Muffin mauled me, so I'm limping (yes, THAT bad), and some one/thing did some real damage to my car =( I wanna KILL someone . . .

---

EOS Lip balm review

EOS lip balm in Sweet Mint

EOS lip balm in Summer Fruit

Price: $3.99 from drugstore.com

What they say: Welocome to the evolution of smooth.™ To keep your lips looking and feeling healthy, we created this 95% organic,100% natural lip balm that's petrolatum and paraben free, just like you. Packed with antioxidant-rich Vitamin E, soothing shea butter and jojoba oil, eos keeps lips moist, soft and sensationally smooth. long lasting moisture shea butter & vitamin E, smoothes on clear, 95% organic, 100% natural, USDA Organic. New smooth sphere precisely glides on to lips. Twist off top. Not tested on animals. No animal by-products. Certified organic by VOF. Made in USA

What to do: pucker up, smooth on, smile!

Ingredients: Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Oil, Olea Europa (Olive) Fruit Oil, Beeswax (Cire D'Abeille), Simmondsia Chinensis (Joioba) Seed Oil, Mentha Piperita (Peppermint) Oil, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea Butter), Stevia Rebaudiana Leaf/Stem Extract, Flavor (Aroma), Tocopherol

The good stuff:

• Relatively inexpensive
• Looks cool =) convenient design, portable
• Lots of product
• Easy to apply
• Smells/tastes great
• Natural ingredients
• Goes on superrrr smooth
• Long lasting
• Moisturizing
• Adds shine

The low-down:

• Bigger size than I expected
• Some people might have a hard time applying?

My take: I loooove this stuff. Definitely high up on my fave lippie list ! ! The pros speak for themselves. It's a clear, moisturizing, glossy balm. The smells are heavenly and sweet. It lasts pretty long and isn't very expensive and just looks so unique! The only thing is I expected it to be a bit smaller, but I guess the size is good since you get more product that'll last you a long time. It is easy to apply but you kind of have to get used to applying it though, it's a bit like Eyeko Fat Balm.

Would I repurchase: YES! I want the honeysuckle honeydew one! I also want to try their stick balms now =)

---

NOTD & packages :D

So, I decided to paint my nails yesterday to try out that beautiful color I brought back from Waikoloa. Nail art stickers courtesy Dana :D

Unforunately, the color on nails is NOTHING like in the bottle. Idk what's with the pics but in real life, the color is A LOT more dark purple and it dried to a MATTE finish! I am not a fan. It didn't say it would do that anywhere on the bottle so I expected it to be a shiny fluorescent bright fushia-y purple =( I guess that's what I get for buying cheap, unknown-brand polishes -___-;;

So I decided to paint over it with my new Rimmel polish... and the effect was A LOT better. It does dry really fast too! I like it now it's a shiny, iridescent silvery purple at different angles. The color in the pics is SO wrong! xD I wish it was that bright colored!

And FINALLY, my drugstore.com order came in, after like 1 month >:( Here's what I got:

• Ecotools 5 piece brush set
  So excited for this!


• Queen Helene Mint Julep maskIt's a clay mask, hopefully will help with my still newly oily skin =(


• 2 EOS lipbalm (Summer fruit & Mint)
  Product overview: I didn't expect these to be so big! But they're still pretty cool =) They smell GREAT! And go on smoothly and moisturize well. It's long lasting and not sticky. The application reminds me of Eyeko's Fat balm since it's so big but it still is easy to use.


• 2 pack Softlips strawberry lipbalmAlways wanted to try Softlips products.

ANDDD my package from Krystal came in ^____^ Thank you for the super fast shipping!! I bought her DS since I'm getting rid of the one I have . . . totally wanna decoden this one out :3 Hope you can get your DSi soon, girl! :D


Btw - Latest on Strapya . . . Rilakkuma / Relakkuma is like my FAVORITE thing right now =) so cute ! !



Hope everyone is having a great week! I'm so swamped with school and art projects x_X But I'm LOVING Illustrator CS4 so far . . . I have mastered the pen tool ! ! ! This took a good 4 hours maybe, first time I've ever used the pen tool besides practice. For Digital art class.

I've been meaning to post some of my artwork assignments, but they're all on giant paper so I haven't brought any home yet xD

---