Your thoughts on... the origin of your blog name?

Hello loves! I came up with a question since I don't think I've had a "Your Thoughts On..." post in awhile. So, if you have one:

What is the origin of your blog name?
Did you choose it for a particular reason, or just whatever came to mind?
Do you still like your blog name, or do you want to change it?

Some of you may be wondering what the heck { e.motion in: motion; } means. I wrote about this briefly in my "about me" section, but nobody reads those things anyway :P

"emotion in motion" is just a phrase I happen to like. I feel like it adequately sums up my blog because I'm basically writing about anything and everything that I am passionate about... ergo, my emotions, in motion. Is that kinda lame? Lol.

You may also be wondering what is the point of all the { curly braces } 'n stuff. Well, that includes a little of my coding hobby. In this case, making use of elements of css. You can click on the link to read more in-depth about that if you want. There's also a "." separating the e from emotion because of course my name starts with an "E," so I figure I'd throw that in there for flair :P

Here's a quick tidbit from Wiki:
"A style sheet consists of a list of rules. Each rule or rule-set consists of one or more selectors and a declaration block. A declaration-block consists of a list of declarations in braces. Each declaration itself consists of a property, a colon (:), a value, then a semi-colon (;)."

...So therefore, my property is "e.motion in:" and the value is "motion;" And it kind of makes sense, if you think of it in that way, lol. Yes, I am a total nerd and I actually thought out this whole naming process thoroughly because I wanted it to reflect my blog and myself : ) And that's what's up with my blog name! So what about yours?

Care to share the origins of your blog name?

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Mail love from Angelique!

Hello loves! Just wanted to do a quick post on a package I got the other day from the lovely miss Angelique, from For the Love of Beauty!

I had mentioned that I wanted to try the Dark Angels cleanser after reading her review on it. But sadly, we have no LUSH here :[ I'm sure you've all heard enough of my complaining about that, lol. But she was so kind to send me a sample of the cleanser!

And so much other goodies too! :D

Needless to say, I have already devoured all the candy :P And she even sent me some MBD masks to try.

Thank you SO much Angelique! ♥ : )


Yay! I'm so excited to use this cleanser! Well I have used it once already and I like it so far! It's a little rough on me because my skin has been a bit sensitive lately :[ but the results after are really nice so I'm just going to use it sparingly : ) Will update with a full review soon~

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Your thoughts on... Alternate Comment Form: IntenseDebate?

Hello everyone! So as you may have noticed by now, I am testing out an alternate comment form instead of the regular blogger comments; namely, IntenseDebate. After seeing other bloggers using this commenting system, I figured I'd give it a shot.

Now, I loved regular blogger comments because they are simple to input and easy to customize with css. However, the only thing that really bothered me was that there is no reply function! I'd either have to reply in my comments, or go to the commenter's blog and leave a comment. And by then, they may have no idea what I'm talking about! Or they might not check back to my comments and wonder why I never replied to them.

So that is the main reason why I wanted to try a new commenting system. IntenseDebate is excellent because I can easily reply to comments, but other aspects of it make me miss the old blogger comments. Here's a quick rundown of my main pros & cons:

PROS:

• Has a built-in reply function
• Commenters get replies sent to their email
• You get emails when you get new comments
• You can moderate comments w/ lots of options
• Customizable with css & other options
• Shows avatars
• Nice buttons

CONS:

• You cannot moderate IntenseDebate comments through Blogger itself
• The comment count of your posts when you go to "edit posts" does not show up
• It's not as easily customizable (for me, at least) as the regular blogger comments
• New commenters have to fill in the fields

Overall, I am liking the freedom to customize the look and feel of IntenseDebate comments, but the 2 biggest things that I don't like about it is that: 1) you can only moderate comments through IntenseDebate itself; not like how you can approve comments through blogger. So to see if I have new comments, I have to view my post and go to comments because I don't want to have to moderate comments through the IntenseDebate website.

And 2) IntenseDebate comments are not listed next to the blog posts when you go to "edit posts" which is inconvenient for me because I tend to go back to edit my posts and I like to be able to easily click on the "# comments" link and be taken directly to the comments.

With IntenseDebate, since the comments are no longer listed there, I need to view my blog, go to the post, and then click on comments. Maybe not that big of a deal to most people but to me, it matters -_-;

Overall though, it is an attractive and functional commenting system. Despite the little things, I like it. But I would like to know...

What do you think of IntenseDebate?

• Do you like this commenting form on my blog?
• Or did you prefer the regular blogger comments?
• Is it easy for you to use and leave comments?
• What do you like/not like about it?
• Would you use it?
  
  Your feedback is much appreciated : )
  
  

Recent ELF Haul & Blush Rec's?

Hello loves & new followers!

Just thought I'd share my recent ELF haul. I have not ordered anything from ELF for a really long time. But after doing some extensive review and swatch hunting, I decided I wanted to try a few blushes and bronzers, and the raved-about Studio Powder brush. I was really pleased with the shipping time, it came in like 4 days! (versus the 1 month or so that I waited the very first time I placed an order with them) Overall, I am pretty happy with everything I got. Reviews coming soon!

Here's my order:

From top to bottom, left to right:

• Studio Powder Brush
• Studio Warm Bronzer
• Studio Blush - Candid Coral
• Studio Blush - Peachy Keen
• Natural Radiance Blusher - Glow
• Studio Golden Bronzer

I've really been getting into blushes lately! If you've been reading my blog, I've mentioned a few times that I'm pretty addicted to collecting lippies (it was worse a few years ago... currently not so bad). But now, blushes might be my new love! I've just been itching to get my hands on pretty, pinky/peachy, subtly shimmery blushes that give you that dewy, highlighted, healthy look.

I was not much of a blush-wearer before... my thinking was that it would make me look clownish/overdone. But lately that I've been playing around with what I have, I see how it can really freshen up and pull together a look. I know, I'm a newb to the blush world : ) I'm not big on loose powder blushes -- or any loose powder products for that matter... I guess I'm just a pressed powder kinda person :P I'm also wary to try cream/mousse type blushes because I don't want an overload of color. But I've read positive reviews so I'm up for change : )



Any blush recommendations?
What's your fav drugstore and/or high-end blushes?
Why are they your favs?

PS - the blushes I currently own are: ELF Studio blush/bronzer duo, Clinique Fresh bloom Allover color in Peony, and a bunch of blushes that came in a generic makeup palette.

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Review: Cellnique Derma Brightening Complex

Price: $41 for 30ml from cellnique.com

What they say: Formulated with exclusive Triple Action Melano-Targeting technology, this strongly effective yet gentle formulation works excellent on skin discoloration, dull and uneven skin tone, restores skin’s luminous glow without provoking any skin irritation or peeling. Unprecedented clarity radiates from within.

Benefits:
• Works on skin discoloration, dull and uneven skin tone
• Exfoliates dead skin cells without provoking skin irritation
• Rich moisturizing arributes for skin softening
• Promoting a firmer skin texture
• Antioxidant protection for the skin

What to do:

What's in it:

L-Ascorbic Acid - Effective in inhibiting melanogenesis (process where skin cells produce melanin or pigment) for a brighter skin. It also assists in promoting a firmer skin texture while providing sustained antioxidant protection for the skin

Kojic Acid - A natural ingredient derived from fungus (mushrooms), it works as a whitening agent, helps promote a clear, fresh looking complexion.

Lactic Acid - Noted for its rich moisturizing attributes and its ability to exfoliate dead skin cells without provoking skin irritation. It also presents the added benefits as a skin softening agent which makes it an excellent option for sensitive skin.

Full Ingredients List
Purified Water (Aqua), Sodium Hyaluronate, Ethoxydiglycol, Vitamin C (L-Ascorbic Acid), Butylene Glycol, Glycerin, Lactic Acid, Kojic Acid, Polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP), Hydroxyethyl Cellulose, Diazolidinyl Urea, Methylparaben, Propylparaben.

The good stuff:

• Smooth, liquidy texture
• Easy to apply, a little goes a long way
• Feels moisturizing
• Scent is not bothersome
• Makes skin look bright, radiant, soft, and smooth
• Whitening/brightening effect evens out skin tone
• Did not irritate my skin

The low-down:

• Expensive
• Dries slightly sticky/tacky

My take: I love love love this product! Definitely my favorite from Cellnique! I'll start off by saying that if you are looking for a whitening/brightening product, THIS WORKS. I have been using this for the past 3 months, and it takes a few weeks to begin seeing results, but after that, it becomes easy to see that your skin is visibly lighter and brighter, more even toned, radiant, and smooth. Fabulous! The effects last. My skin is still luminous, bright, and even-toned even if I skip using this product now and then. It also did not break me out or otherwise irritate my skin. It feels moisturizing without being oily/greasy and leaves skin feeling and looking healthy : )

It has a serum-type a dropper applicator. I suppose it is like a serum, very thin and liquidy and easy to smooth on. It is slightly yellowish in color but that doesn't affect how it looks when applied, it's clear. I only need 2-3 drops to cover my entire face, so 30 ml will last me a long time. The scent is somewhat fruity... I can't really place my finger on exactly what it smells like though. It is pleasent and not overbearing kind of scent.

One thing I want to note though is that I only use this at night, after cleansing. When it dries, it becomes slightly sticky/tacky to the touch. I would use it during the daytime too but I'm always in a rush so I can't wait for it to fully absorb. Plus, using it just at night is giving me satisfactory results anyway. The only other things to note are the price ($41) and availability (online only), and that it is not meant to help with skin pigmentation or spots. Instead, Cellnique recommends Derma Whitening Essence for that. I want to try that too!

Would I repurchase/recommend: Yes, I would definitely repurchase this product despite the price because it works. I would HIGHLY recommend this product to anyone who is in search of a whitening/brightening product that improves skin tone and radiance!

This is what my skin looks like with NO FOUNDATION!

Disclaimer: Cellnique provided me with the product reviewed in this post.

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Revisit: Avon Nail Experts Pearl Shine Polish [How to fake it: Healthy Nails Pt. 3]

Hello loves! Today is the third and last part of my "How to fake it: Healthy Nails" series! I wanted to go back and revisit a product which I had originally deemed unsatisfactory: Avon Nail Experts Pearl Shine Polish. My original review was here. I thought that it didn't really give my nails a nice shine... wasn't impressed.


To recap from my previous post, these are what my nails looked like after using Island Girl "Yellow Out." Tinted purple and the surface texture is accentuated.



I was unsatisfied with the way my nails turned out after using Island Girl "Yellow Out." So on a whim, I decided to use the Pearl Shine polish OVER the Yellow Out.

And VOILA!
2 coats of smooth, glossy goodness.

Price: ~$4.
I don't see it on Avon anymore, but found it elsewhere online for under $4.

What they say: Leaves nails with a lustrous pearl finish... and a healthy buffed look. Helps strengthen with vitamins. Brushes on fast... dries instantly.

The good stuff:

• Nice packaging
• Pretty color
• Dries quickly
• When used over another polish, makes nails look healthy, smooth, and glossy!

The low-down:

• On it's own, it just makes nails look dull/buffed.

Now tell me those don't look like healthy nails to you!

This polish did the perfect job of toning down the purple tint from the Yellow Out, and made my nails look super smooth. No trace of the previous rough surface texture. Also, it DID give my nails a nice healthy shine with slight shimmer and a healthy pinkish color.

My conclusion: After revisiting this product, I have changed my mind about how I thought about it. Layering 2 coats over an unsatisfying manicure yields perfectly smooth, healthy-looking nails, even if they aren't healthy underneath all that polish :P Definitely a new go-to in my polish collection when I lazy to paint my nails & want to go for that "healthy natural" look!

So...
If your nails are dry, cracked, peeling, or just plain abused... I hope I offered some useful suggestions over the past three days for products that can give you instant (Fake it!) healthy nails! : )

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{e.motion in: motion;} review featured on ELF facebook fan page!

I don't have a Facebook, so I'm not up to date with all the going-ons of FB X)
Thank you Maritza for the heads-up!
http://www.facebook.com/elfcosmetics

Lol, free publicity for Hime Eyes too! : )

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ELF was one of those brands that I really was surprised with. After my first few orders, I was quite disappointed, but after giving it another shot, I quickly found a few HG gems in their products : ) While it's been really hit or miss for me, I can totally appreciate their wallet-friendly pricing and wide range of products... plus how they always have special promos!

I actually just made an order w/ them... blushes (I've really been getting into blushes lately!), bronzers, and the raved-about Studio powder brush. I did some extensive review/swatch hunting, so I hope I am happy with my purchases : )

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Review: Island Girl - Yellow Out [How to fake it: Healthy Nails Pt. 2]

Hello loves! To recap from my previous post, this was what my nails looked like after using ELF's Nourishing cuticle pen on them. Healthy, but the surface was still rough and my nails were slightly yellow. How to fix this?

So, the first thing that came to mind was my Island Girl "Yellow Out," which is supposed to take the yellow out of nails. I got this the last time I was in Waikoloa, but haven't tried it since. So I figure now was a good time to test it!

Price: ~$4. I think this is only available in Hawaii.

The only directions were that this is NOT to be used as a top coat over other nail polish, and it is supposed to take the yellow color out of nails.

The good stuff:

• Applies smoothly
• Dries quickly
• Does take the yellow out of nails, BUT...

The low-down:

• ...Only because it tints them purple.

Ingredients:
(click to view larger)

(Here is a look at this polish. It did not indicate it was a matte polish anywhere on the bottle, but that's what the finish dried to. It was also a lot darker IRL than in the bottle/pictures)

Upon closer inspection, the ingredients listed are EXACTLY the same as those in my other Island Girl nail polish, which is a "regular" polish. Strange, much? I thought it was supposed to be a specialized nail "treatment?" Do they just slap the same sticker on every bottle because they don't think anyone will read the tiny ingredients list?? Or is it REALLY just a regular nail polish?

It also contains bismuth oxychloride... I was a little iffy when I noticed that, but it's not like I'm using it on my face, so... eh.

Anywho, here are the results:

They certainly do take the yellow out of my nails, by giving them a sheer purple tint. When it dried however, it accentuated the rough surface texture of my nails, which I didn't like.

My conclusion: I honestly think that because the ingredients are exactly the same as the other Island Girl polish, and because the directions specifically state NOT to use this as a top coat; this is just a "regular" nail polish that has a sheer tint to it (unless it is truly mislabeled?)

Furthermore, I do not think it is a specialized treatment because all it did was make my nails slightly purple. I suppose it made my nails look "healthier" because of the added color... but I kind of feel like it made me look like I was getting hypothermia or something too :/ It also really accentuated the rough texture of my nails in their current state. So, I think this would probably fare a lot better on someone that already has nice nails, and just wants to tone down any yellow. I personally would not repurchase this. Although I only own 2 Island Girl nail polishes (and I'm not sure of the formulation of the different colors), I was definitely not impressed with the ones I purchased. I doubt I will buy any more polishes from this brand.

You may be asking, "So where are the HEALTHY nails, Erynn???"
You will see in Part 3... : )

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Product Spotlight: ELF Nourishing Cuticle Pen [How to fake it: Healthy Nails Pt. 1]

I'm digging this review out of the pile, because I feel like I didn't give the ELF Nourishing Cuticle Pen enough blog lovin'! It is certainly worth the $1 and then some, and I will explain why.

Price: $1.00

What they say: Relieves dry nails and flakey cuticles. The unique pen delivery system moisturizes cuticles effectively and the quick dry formula allows for a no mess application. Fortified with Vitamins E, A, C, Pro-Vitamin B5 and Aloe, this fast-acting complex deeply hydrates, nourishes and seals in moisture. The key ingredients Avocado and Almond Oils help to condition nails and cuticles for improved appearance. The result is softer, easy to manage cuticles and healthy hydrated nails.What to do: Remove cap. Brush onto cuticles and bare nails as often as needed.Ingredients: Isododecane, sweet almond oil, grape seed oil, avocado oil, tocopherol, ascorbyl, panthenol, aloe vera oil.

The good stuff:
Inexpensive
Sleek design
Portable
Moisturizing & effective

The low-down:
Can get a little oily if you use too much

My take: I'm really satisfied with this! It really does seem to nourish and moisturize my dry cuticles and keep them that way for awhile. I use this often. If you apply too much though, it does tend to get a little oily. Other than that, no complaints!! [review from: August 15, 2009]

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Now, on to my reasoning! - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Now, I am certainly not a nail afficionado, and no, I honestly do not even take very good care of my nails. I abuse them with constantly changing up nail color, never using a base coat, peeling off the old polish, going over old polish, etc.

And probably my worst offense yet? Ripping off my false nails.
The sorry state of my nails after the damage was done:

Gross.

Now, I don't need anyone to tell me this was a bad thing to do, because of course, I knew it was :P I literally peeled off the top layer of my nails due to my impatience...

I wore my Yukiumi nails for a week, but I decided I wanted to take them off... after soaking my nails in warm water for like... 10 minutes (instead of the recommended 30), I got tired of waiting and decided to just pull them off. Horror! Well, I do have pretty resilient nails... and it was late, and I was tired and wanted to get it done with. So there (needless to say, I will not be so impatient next time and do it properly) :P

But obviously, I cannot leave my nails looking like that! Yuck! And that's where ELF Nourishing Cuticle Pen came to the rescue! It was really one of those products that I bought, used a few times, deemed "satisfactory" and then stashed away in a dark corner, never to be used again. However, the first thing that popped into my mind to fix the horrid state of my nails was that cuticle pen! So I dug it out of hiding.

Even though it is a "cuticle" pen, I had this "brilliant" idea to just rub it all over my nails (why the heck didn't I read the product description better?!). And VOILA! My nails look and feel sooooo much healthier. Not dry and peeling like before! I was skeptical that they would stay that way (I figure they would just dry out again once the effects wore off), but they actually stayed "nourished"! : ) Whoo! Although the surface was still a bit ridged/bumpy to the touch and slightly discolored (this is where part 2 comes in... stay tuned), at least my nails look 100% better than before!

So in conclusion: if you tend to abuse your nails like I do, this is definitely a must-have in your nail stash!!! It does an excellent job at nourishing cuticles, as well as revitalizing worn-out nails. I would HIGHLY recommend this product, and at only $1, you've got nothing to lose!

Stay tuned for part 2...

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My Nail polish collection

Hello loves! I've more or less gotten over my blogger slump... and have lots of things to write about! I decided that my blogging this week is going to consist of nail-related posts... so why not kick it off with... what else? Nail polish!

Since we don't have much selection here, pretty much my entire collection of China Glaze and OPI polishes were gifted to me by the lovely and super sweet Miss Dana! ♥ ;)

And as you can see... I have more or less run out of space to keep my collection :(

How/where do you store your nail polish?

Anywho, on to the polish!

These are the light pinks I have (sorry for the crappy lighting) The Ulta polishes are SUPER light pink. Kind of a white-pink. But still pink nonetheless. The ELF polish on the far right used to be more on the light pink side... but now it turned a bronzey-pink kinda color. Now that I look at it, I realize I should've grouped it with the polishes below -_-;

From left to right: Avon Nail Experts Pearl Shine polish, Avon Nailwear nail enamel - Classic Rose, OPI - Oh So Glam!, Ulta Nail Lacquer - Diva, Ulta Salon Formula nail lacquer - Sweet nothing, ELF nail polish - Blush.

I realize that I own A LOT of pink nail polish. While I love pink, I've come to the realization that I do not really like how ANY pink polish looks on my nails & with my skintone :/ Strange, huh? But the shades are all so pretty, I cannot resist!

From left to right: China Glaze - Jetstream, China Glaze - Wild Mink, China Glaze - It's Poppin!, Ulta Super Sheer Nail Gloss - Princess, NYX Girls nail polish - Apricot.

While lime green is one of my favorite colors, I never realized how little green poilshes I have! I have not tried the NYC one yet. Limonyte is one of my absolute favs colors ever to wear on my nails! The Bon bon polish isn't really green at all, just looks green. It's mostly glitter.

From left to right: NYC Long wearing nail enamel #118 - Big Money Frost, China Glaze -Limonyte, Bon Bon green glitter nail polish.

I have a lot of blues (okay well the first few are teal/turquoise). I like they way blueish shades look on my nails : )

From left to right: LA Girls Flare Bright Delights Nail Lacquer - Jade, Hard Candy Just Nails - Frenzy, NYC Color in a Minute - East Village, NYX Nails - South Sea, China Glaze - Blue Sparrow, OPI - Yoga-ta get this blue!

I also like how purple looks on my nails. Flattering for every skintone~! ELF Royal purple is my fav purple everrr, and it's only $1!

From left to right: Island Girl nail polish - Mahalo, OPI - Purple-opolis, ELF nail polish - Royal Purple, LA Girls Flare Bright Delights Nail Lacquer - Purple.

Some whites and one silver. The ELF polish is more metallic/pearl white; very pretty. The Rimmel polish is my fav for topping off dull polish. It is a glittery/shimmery pearlish shade.

From left to right: LA Colors Art Deco Nail Art Lacquer - White, ELF nail polish - Moonlight, NYC Long wearing nail enamel #134A - French White Tip, Rimmel Play Fast - Out There, OPI - Gone Platinum in 60 Seconds.

A base and some top coats, one "treatment" and a french manicure polish. The Nailene Top Coat has been my fav, but sadly, I am running out. The NYC top coat is really good and does dry quickly, but sometimes it changes the polish color slightly, or makes the finish look "hazy." I rarely use a base coat, but when I do, the only one I have is the Avon one, and it works well. More to come on the Yellow Out polish...

From left to right: Avon Nail Experts Smooth Beginnings base coat, NYC Color in a Minute Quick Dry Top Coat - Grand Central Station, Island Girl nail polish - Yellow Out, Nailene French Manicure polish, Nailene Acrylic Strong Top Coat.

2 shape glitters & the only yellow/gold I own!
From left to right: NYX Girls - CN227 (silver hearts), NYX Girls - CN238 (gold stars), Essie - Flirty girl.

And last but not least, my Urban Decay Apocalyptic Nail Kit.
From left to right: White Widow, Gunmetal, Apocalypse, Grunge, Meltdown, Big Bang, Fbomb.

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