How things change... and I'm sure I have a problem

It's almost the end of the year and that means it's time for me to retire all my photos for the year to my external hard drive (I'm a JPEG hoarder, I can't delete anything).

In doing so I found a picture I took in 2007 right after I finished school of my make up collection. Oh how things are different now.

**Disclaimer: I am in no way bragging about this mess. I don't think it's reasonable for a single person to own so much make up!**

2007


2011



I'm sure there's more hiding in places, but that's the general collection. I really want a 3rd steralite drawer thing just to have extra room, but I think that's just going to drive me to fill it up.... I have a problem. Someone call A&E! I need an intervention!!

Looking at that I think it's time to purge some as well. I still have all 3 of those blushes, the redd lip liner is getting very low, and my red paint I'm sure has seen better days...

How I roll... How I victory roll

BAM! After many trials and errors I discovered a trick that works for me. I love this classic style. Enjoy!

Hey Erika, Where'd you go?

So I finally took a real vacation! It was too long, we usually take a vacation in the Spring but that didn't happen in 2011. So we went down to Las Vegas... AND GOT MARRIED.

It was intimate, only 3 guests. My dress is 50s inspired. My favorite red lipstick, MAC Powerhouse (no longer produced), was our accent colour, and by that I mean I wore it and he had a red tie. ;) It was nice. I can't wait for the chapel pictures. We went to a small chapel there, and couldn't take any pictures inside, they took all the pictures and I should get those soon. 

Here's some of our pictures. Enjoy!

How To Repair A Broken Eyeshadow

The Showdown - Brush Cleaner

I did a deep cleaning of ALL my brushes today. I thought I'd do a little show down between my ol' faithful MAC Brush Cleanser and the rookie Crown Brush Make-up Brush Cleaner



MAC Brush Cleanser
235ml
$13 US
Pink in colour
Pros:
Foams
Gets brushes clean of powders
Anti-bacterial
Cons:
Doesn't work too good on emollient products like concealer, lipstick, foundation

Crown Brush Make-up Cleaner
250ml
$10 (I picked mine up for $5 at IMATS)
Green in colour (Pink on the website)
Pros:
Cheap
Anti-bacterial
Cons:
Smells strongly of alcohol (although it claims it has a vanilla scent)
Doesn't foam
Doesn't work very well on emollient products like concealer, lipstick, foundation

I really can't get over the smell of the Crown Brush cleaner. It's very strong. I think I'll stick with the MAC Brush Cleanser.

Tip: I put mine in a spray bottle, and mix in 1/3rd water, this way I can spot clean easily, and my cleaner lasts longer.

Haul - Lush, Sephora, Fabricland

Lest We Forget

Cancelling my Glymm Box

If you read my blog often, you'll know I wasn't too pleased with my first Glymm box. However it seemed they signed me up for a reoccurring monthly subscription, not the single month that it looked like. My bad for not reading the fine print, but when the options are 1 month, 3 months, or 1 year. I assume the 1 month is just that. 1 month.

So I went to cancel my subscription. I figured it should be a simple thing like "de-activate my account" or "stop my Glymm subscription". Nope. Way more of a hassle than I thought it would be.

First I went to the site to see how I do it (which won't even load for me right now to take screen captures to show you). I went my account and searched EVERYWHERE!! Nothing. So I go to the FAQ, and there it is. The very last FAQ (which I doubt is hardly ever asked).

Turns out I have to email them and ask them to stop sending me boxes. Fine. I'll play your game Glymm. So I write my email.

"please cancel my Glymm Subscription. Thank you."

I get this.



Annoying. Please cancel my account. So I send again.

"Please cancel my Glymm Subscription. Thank you."

And I get this.



I don't find these emails cute. I don't find them professional. I really wish companies would avoid trying to be all cutesy on the internet. You're a business. You mislead me into thinking I was getting 1 month subscription, and turns out you're keeping my credit card on file to bill me $10 every month. I don't like it when places have my credit card on file.

Maybe I'm just being picky.

Guest look - Snooky Make up

My fiance's cousin's wife (confusing huh?) just started posting videos and I wanted to share this one she did for a Snooky Halloween look. I really like it. The video isn't in english but it's the international language of make up, so it's pretty easy to follow along. Enjoy!!

Halloween - Harley Quinn

The new Batman game came out this week. Last year around this time the first one came out. Here's the video I made last year of Harley Quinn. Enjoy!



BONUS!!

Glymm October

So I guess I ordered the re-occurring monthly Glymm box. That was kind of a surprise. Anyway, even though I didn't want it, here's what I got.

When I first opened it:






more annoying paper junk

Customer Service = Brand Loyalty

I need to get off the topic of beauty for a moment and just talk about retail and customer service in general. This past weekend I went shopping at what I think to be a pretty fair sized mall in my area, and had the worst customer service experiences of my life. Simply due to the fact that EVERY store I went into I wasn't treated to my expectations.

I don't expect much. But a little customer service goes a long way. I'm more likely to spend $100 at a place with great customer service, than $2 at a place with shitty service.

Lets start with where I began. I walked into the mall through The Bay. The country's oldest shop, right? I see signs for Lancome's Gift with Purchase. I LOVE G with P. I'll buy whatever the minimum is just to get the free stuff. It's really worth it. Most of my favorite eyeshadow palettes were G with P. I look around at the counter, trying to remember what products Michelle Phan has used in a video I liked, since she's a Lancome spokes person. I found a mascara. PERFECT! They're about $40 and the G with P is for a purchase of $38 or more.

Happy Thanksgiving

Taking today off. Happy Thanksgiving Canadians!

Happy Halloween

Halloween is coming and I wanted to share some of my older Halloween videos before posting new ones. Here's one from a few years ago. Enjoy!

Skin79 BB Cream - eBay

I wanted to take a moment to let you know where I got my new BB Cream from. This cost me about $59 at Crystal Mall (an asian import mall here in Vancouver), but this only cost me $16 including upgraded shipping with a tracking number. This is everything I recieved:


A 40g container of the BB Cream, a sample of the BB Cream, a sample of the Gold BB Cream, and a sample of what looks like a serum.  Along with a letter addressed to me from the CEO of the company, informing me of a 100% satisfaction guarantee.

I bought from http://myworld.ebay.ca/accessorieswhole who had great communication, and quick shipping/feed back. I ordered this late Sunday night and they gave me a tracking number within 2 hours, of course that makes it mid Monday in Korea.The products came in bubble wrap in a perfect sized box, I hate over sized boxes or worse the envelopes.

I have no affiliation with this but just wanted to share my positive experience. If you're thinking of buying the Skin79 BB Cream I suggest this seller on eBay.

Quo Facial Polish

I got this when I was looking for a new exfoliator. My Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant has finally ran out. This cost me about $10 at Shoppers Drug Mart.



 The directions instruct to use after cleansing your face, and massage gently avoiding the eye area. Rinsing after. It also says to use it 1-3 times a week. You really don't want to over exfoliate.

The texture is a thick cream with micro beads that do not dissolve.

At first I really liked this product, it was gentle but I felt like it was doing something, because of the beads. Then I went to wash it away and I felt like it leaves an oily film on my face. My face is combo, leaning towards oily, and I don't really want my face left with a residue after I wash it.

Now I use it but I'll cleanse again after to remove the film. I feel like it does a good job of exfoliating. I don't get red or irritated from it, which is common for me. My skin is very sensitive.

I would recommend this product if you have a drier complexion, and are looking for a little something extra to moisturize. If you're combo/oily like me, take a pass on this one.

Friday Throw Back!

At work there have been some meetings and in these meetings they play a video where I make a brief appearance, in my short blond hair. It made me think of my first ever make up tutorial. So for your viewing pleasure, here it is!

Revlon Photo Ready Foundation - Review

Foundation Brushes

Ever get frustrated because your new expensive foundation is streaky, flaky or overall a let down? I know I have. But it might not be the foundation, it might be the way you're applying it. I'm going to show you a few of my favorite foundation application devices (oooh fancy) and share what I think is the best tool for the job.

First the "Foundation Brush", go into any beauty store and ask for a foundation brush and they'll bring you this:

Glymm Box - September 2011

I opted out of renewing my Luxe Box, and went for Glymm instead. Same idea, samples of beauty products delivered to your door for a low price.

Glymm is $10/mo. I paid for 1 month, and I'll go more into detail about if I do/do not order again.

You can get this at www.glymm.com

house keeping

This is what house keeping did with my mess of make up in my hotel. I'm away for work. Regular posts will resume Monday.

Published with Blogger-droid v1.7.4

Veet Easy Grip Strips Review & At Home Waxing Tips

So I try to get free samples where ever I can, and this time around I got a sample of Veet Easy Grip Wax Strips.



The sample pack came with a leg strip, a small strip that looks like it could be for the lip or the eyebrow, and a post waxing wipe they call "Perfect Finishing Wipe".

FOTD - Sept 2

Okay, so more like eye of the day. I couldn't get a good face shot. I'm wearing NARS Habanera Duo, MAC Creme Liner in Black, and NYX Doll Eyes mascara.

What's On My Face?

I try to keep my makeup simple for work days, but sometimes I get stuck on certain products. I guess that's bound to happen when you own as much make up as I do. So this week, this has been what's on my face consistently...

MUFE HD Foundation - I ran out of BB Cream, and until I get my lazy butt to ebay or cystal mall I'm out of luck. I'm #115



NYX Eyeshadow base in E03 Skin Tone - much much darker than my skin tone...



Urban Decay Skull Palette - I've used different colours this week, but all from this palette. Today is Cherry  (top left) and Grifter (top right)



NARS Laguna Bronzer - Very very nice bronze, no shimmer



NYX Doll Eye Mascara Long Lash - An IMATS grab. It's ok, but I think it makes my eyes itch...

Nails of the Day - Aug 29

Just a quick post with my funky french. I'm bored of the basic white and pink so I tried out blue with glitter! I like it, it's a little dramatic though...

tips - OPI Blue My Mind



all over - Sinful Colors Hottie (a blue gelly base with blue glitter)

Geeze, what a slacker

Sorry about the lack of posting lately. I've been working hard on non-blog type stuff. I have had the chance to apply on a better position at work, and we'll see how that turns out.

Oh yeah and this...




The boyfriend has now become the fiance. I'm very excited and very happy. :) Soon posting will be back to schedule. :)

Great DIY Skin Care

There are so many great DIY skin care videos from some of my favorite YouTubers, I thought I'd share since I have very little time this week for creative posts. Here you go!

Nails Of The Day

NOTD - Rimmel Lasting Finish Pro
270 Steel Grey

Loose Button: Lets Do The Math

My subscription is up with Loose Button, and I wanted to figure out how much everything works out to be, and if it was truly worth the money. Lets look back...

June

Luxe Box by Loose Button: August

I received my 3rd and final Luxe Box in the mail today. I say final because I bought the 3 month deal, and I'm not sure yet if I'll buy another 3...

This post is picture heavy! I'll talk about my over all feel, and what I think the value of this purchase turned out to be.

new blog post from my phone

Just a test post

Published with Blogger-droid v1.7.4

Summer Trend - Bright Pink

My favorite colour, hands down, pink.


*items listed below

Fingers, lips, everything! Here's some of my fave pink lips ;)

Sailor Mercury Inspired Makeup/Soft Smokey Eye w/pop of Colour Tutorial

Moving on to the next look in my Sailor Moon inspired make up tutorials, I bring to you Sailor Mercury. Her character is very smart, shy but kick ass. I created a look I feel she would rock.

Orange You Glad I Posted This?

I'm hooked on bright colours right now, and on my nails it's ORANGE!!





This is a colour I've had for a while, but it's one of my favorites! It's a jelly finish, so it takes a couple coats to cover. But finishes super shiny! Have a great weekend everyone!!

How To Treat A Sunburn

The sun is out, and ooooh do us pale girls love it. However it does not love us back, and we burn. So many people burn, but did you know the best way to treat it? I know a few tricks that I want to share with you.


my leg after a weekend at the lake last summer

Sailor Moon Inspired Make Up

I'm taking inspiration from one of my favorite animes ever, Sailor Moon, and creating unique looks based on the characters. Starting with Usagi/Serena/Sailor Moon.

Enjoy!



It's a very fresh, clean, innocent look. Nothing over the top. A focus on big eyes!

Summer, Sunshine and Your Make Up

Now I'm not sure if you can truly call this weather "summer", but the calendar does say the days are long and the nights are short. Don't think that just because it's not 35 degrees out your beauty products are safe from being ruined from the heat.

Keep beauty products away from direct sunlight. There's someone in another suite in my apartment complex that likes to keep all their beauty things on the window ledge. Yeah it looks nice, but it's not good for your hair, face, and body products.

Avoid leaving them in the car. I don't know how many things my friends have lost to the heat that gathers in the glove box or ash trays of their cars.

Here's a couple tips on how to make your makeup and beauty products last their full lifetime, by avoiding certain climates.

1. Check the label. Does it say to keep you product between a certain temp?

IMATS Vancouver 2011

Saturday was the International Makeup Artists Trade Show, held right here in the beautiful city of Vancouver, B.C.   This is the second time IMATS has been in Vancouver, and the second time I've gone. I went alone last year, it just happened to be the same weekend I was out here training for work (how convenient), this year I went with my friend Patti. She's so fun to hang out with, and she'd never been downtown!?

It was held at Canada Place and the venue was sooooooo much better than last year. It was at the Hyatt I think, last year and it was way too small. You couldn't move and they had the stage in the hotel across the street. This year everything was together and I really enjoyed it.

I got up bright and early on a Saturday and put my face on. I like to pump it up a little for events, so I rocked my favorite bright pink lip, OCC Anime Lip Tar, and a strong neutral eye.

Click below for more, and so so so many pictures...

My Secret Nail Weapon!

I think I finally found the combo, that secret combo that helps keep your nails, long, strong and healthy! I can wear the same polish for up to two weeks with out chips! My combo is.....

Bond Aid!



This stuff dries your nails, restores the pH balance and primes them for anything! Polish, acrylic, glue, anything.

Followed by Seche Restore



My nails have been super strong, and when they're strong I can grow them out.



I like the way my nails look long naturally, they curve better than any gel or acrylic can. Does anyone else have a secret to long nails?

All opinions expressed in the above video are mine, and mine alone. I purchased all products with my own money. I am not affiliated with any company mentioned above.

FOTD - Saturday July 16

I've been wearing a lot of neutral makeup during the week to work, so this last Saturday I wanted to spice it up a bit and broke out my old trusty Ben Nye Lumiere Grande palette and rocked some bright colours.

Luxe Box by Loose Button - July

I came home to a package today! My July Luxe Box by Loose Button!! I filmed opening it, but it didn't turn out, so it's a wordy blog today. Here's what I got!



4 Samples this time!



I don't own any Essie Nail Polishes, but have heard great things about them! This one seems almost full sized, if not actually fully sized. I can't remember how big Essie polishes actually are. The colour is In Stitches. An interesting colour that's hard to describe. I'll swatch it later on.

The hair oil treatment is great, I'm trying to keep my hair as healthy as it can be. It's the longest it's been in a long time (almost 10 years!), and the ends dry out. I can't wait to try this stuff!!

This Stella perfume is NOT my favorite scent, and I regret spraying it in my room. It's musky, and I'm more of a floral scent type of person. I've been wearing Coach Poppy lately. This is something I'll be giving away.

Lastly is a red lip liner. Loose Button, how'd you know I LOVE red lips!? This red is more blue based than my current red lip liners, which is definitely a bonus! It will go great with my Viva Glam I lipstick!!

I'm glad I got items I haven't tried this time. Totally worth the $10 this month!!

e.l.f. Eyeshadow Review and FOTD using e.l.f.

So I opened up all the packaging and took some pictures, and my sad attempt at swatches (I have no idea how bloggers get good swatch pix!!!!)

Here's the deets about the eyeshadows and my over all opinion.

e.l.f. Haul

I received my e.l.f. (eye lips face) package today, finally. I opened it up, and will be posting reviews and swatches soon! Enjoy!





I bought the products using ebates, and earned $6! Yup, on a $16.00 purchase. Wicked deal, I can't believe people are buying online without this!!



All opinions expressed in the above video are mine, and mine alone. I purchased all products with my own money. I am not affiliated with any company mentioned above.