MUA Professional Line: Felt Eyeliner

I believe a couple months ago MUA (Makeup Academy) developed their "Professional" line which is now available in Superdrug stores and on Superdrug.com After searching and searching for the line in Superdrug store, a friend and I finally found it hidden in the Oxford Street branch. 

I have always been impressed with MUA, especially for all their products being £1, your expectations are low but boy are you impressed after trying them. I have a number of their lipsticks, lip gloss, eyeshadows and I had one of their blushes (that reminds me, I need to get a replacement). The eyeshadows are so pigmented that for £1, it's a good eyeshadow that doesn't break the bank. 

As for the MUA Professional, a number of the products were actually sold out when we had arrived but something did catch my eye. 

MUA Extreme Felt Eyeliner, £2.00

I am so impressed with this felt eyeliner. You can see it in action in my previous blog post. It has been my go-to eyeliner every since my purchase. When I first applied it on my top lash line, I felt it created bumpy lines but over a month I just practiced and practiced; gradually the lines became more smooth. Also, with the felt tip eyeliner it gives you more control over the lines and creating the wink look as never been so easy to create. 

Above you can see how defined the line is. In addition, it stays on FOREVER...that's great but when I make a mistake applying it, I can't fix it quickly; especially if I am in a rush. A lot of the time I have to wash off with soap to get rid of it. That is kinda of a pain but other than that I don't know how I would live without this eye liner. 

MUA's felt eyeliner is such great quality. I have been interested in this type of eyeliner since seeing Collection 2000 ones.

Can't wait to try more of MUA Professional line :).

XOXO

C

Don't Push It.....

Hey, everyone! As you can see from all the blog posts I have been posting in a spane of an hour, I am back in action. It feels rewarding doing blog posts once again, I just needed some momentum. In such a yucky, sticky hot climate (which LA is right now) it is hard to get the momentum to do anything. Let alone sitting down and concentrating on blog posts. 

This next blog post has nothing to do with makeup, clothes, etc but more advice column type blog post. I think I have been watching a little too much Sex and the City but there is something weighing on my mind (no pun intending - you'll understand that when I start talking about it). 

Weight. That is going to be the topic of discussion. Lord knows it has been for a couple weeks in my household. 

I have been for years criticized or bullied or picked on because I am a little chubby not huge, I just have a little meat on my bones. Do I think I could lose 5 - 10 lbs and be happy? Sure, couldn't everyone? Maybe. But that's not my place to really say.

We live in a society that is fixated on people's appearance, which celeb has lost/gained weight and it's become bad enough that girls (my age or younger) feel they need to look how people look in the magazine. Parents, I feel from my own personal opinion care more than we do about ourselves. 

But my thing is....it is NOBODY'S BUSINESS. Nobody's!! If you get comments like "oh, you should really lose a couple pounds?" "Why are eating that?" "Why aren't you exercising today or enough?", just think to yourself: are you happy with yourself? If the answer is "yes", ignore their comments. I know it is easier said than done but the moment you get rid of their negativity and their baggage, you'll feel freer and more apprecitive of what you have than before. 


I struggle all the time with my emotions when people criticize me or say something that hurts my feelings. It is a challenge but once you get over the obstacle, they will no longer have any power over you :). 

XOXO
C

Creating Looks with Wet n Wild Eye Palettes

After having those two eye palettes that I introduced in the previous blog posts for a couple weeks, I still didn't have an understanding of how to use them. I realize that they have "Lid", "Crease" and "Brow" as guidelines, I was still confused. 


By being confused, I was starting to feel negative towards them. Last week everytime I went out, I committed to using them. The saying "practice makes perfect"is so true in this case. I had a revaluation with them. 


I thought I would share how they look, ready? Here we go. 

"I'm Getting Sunburned"

And, 

                                    

Sweet as Candy

I also wanted to show the comparison between the two, side by side. 

                                                      

XOXO

C

Wet 'n' Wild Color Icon EyeShadow Palettes

A friend of mine had talked about Wet 'n' Wild eye palettes and while I was in Rite Aid, I thought I would take the opportunity to try them. It took me awhile to write this review because it has been kind of a touch and go start. 


I got two of the Wild 'n' Wild Color Icon Eyeshadow Palette collection, pictured below. 

                                 "I'm Getting Sunburned"

                                    

                      

                                              

    "Sweet as Candy"

                

         

In another blog post I am going to show you guys the looks created by these two eye palettes. All the colors are very pigmented, because they are so pigmented you can use them individually. By using them individually it makes the palettes last longer. 


I love how these two particular eye palette compliment each other very well. The "Sweet as Candy" is a lot more calmer and natural version of "I'm Getting Sunburned". The latter is more glittery and darker, definitely a night out eye look. 


These eye palettes retail at $4.99 and they are definitely worth it. Go it yours now. They are available at Rite Aid or CVS. 


XOXO
C

The Body Shop Mini Haul

While I was in Toronto, my cousins and myself went out a little outside the city to where my Aunt lives, which is Mississauga. As they are musicians, they had rehearsals for a gig they were doing that evening, so they stuck in me in one of the biggest malls called Square One for 3 hours. I knew being in a mall that long I could do some serious damage....and I did. I did throughout the whole trip but this was the first. 


I guess that's what vacations are for: to eat and shop. 


One of the shops I stopped into was The Body Shop (all I wanted to do was look around, not really buy anything).  We have The Body Shop in London but I have never been interested in buying because the products are somewhat expensive for the quanity of their products. 


However, there was a really great deal going on (I think it is still going on), it was buy 2, get 1 free or buy 3, get 2 free. I totally took advantage of it. I got 2 of the same eyeliners, 2 body butters and a body lotion. The body lotion I have actually lost. That seems to be a theme in my life lately. 


One of the body butters I got was actually in the miniature collection, which was in the deal of 3 for $10. The first one is called Satsuma Body Butter (pictured below). I don't know what Satsuma is but it smells orange to me and there's an orange on the cover. It smells completely amazing and it makes my skin so soft. Also, my skin sort of shines in the sun when I go out. 

Another body butter I got was Pink Grapefruit Body Butter (pictured below). I also got the lotion in this flavor, I believe. I am so impressed with the body butters. I really want to get some more. My friend was telling me how she has so many body butters and that they are really delicious. I am now on the same page as her. 

The last product I got was 13 Eye Definer Eyeliner: Brushed Amber. It retails for $11 and I have to say it was worth every penny. I got one for myself and one for my friend, I really wanted to try their makeup for awhile. At first I was very skeptically about trying it because $11 for an eyeliner is a bit pricey.

As you from the picture above it is a goldish/brown color. The pencil is soft but firm enough that it doesn't break while I sharpen it like my 17 Photo Flawless Eyeliner. 

From the swatch above you can see how pigmented the color actually is. I mostly use it on the bottom lash line to bring out the color in my eyes. Sometimes I will use it on both lashes and I am very impressed. It lasts a really long time, I could way it all day and it wouldn't fade. 


Two thumbs way up for The Body Shop products!!! 


XOXO
C

July 4th Aka American's Independence Day Outfit :)

As an American, the Fourth of the July is a time to celebrate independence day and also to enjoy the day usually barbequing with friends and family. This Fourth of July I spent the day with my dad walking around our neighborhood and doing some makeup shopping with a Coffee Bean ice blended in hand. 

This color was meant to be white, but it didn't really show up so I am doing the next best thing but use your imagination (imagine it is white hehe). Anyway, what was my outfit you ask? Well, I had to show my love for my country. Target helped me out with that one! 

I love this shirt!! It is definitely for the Fourth of July. The shirt, which is clearly VERY patriotic is from Target (the most amazing store in America and so incredibly priced) and the tank top (which you can see a peak of) is also from Target. It is a mint chocolate kinda of color. 

The jeans are a very dark blue flare, I am not sure exactly where they are from. But I do remember they couldn't fit me and now they do...that has been happening to me a lot lately. Probably not since I have been eating everything in sight. The shoes are my favorite pair of Converse, multi color laces. 

Hope you all had a fabulous Fourth! My evening hit a high note with the songstress, Shoshana Bean. Omg, starstruck!! 

XOXO
C

Back!

Hey everyone, I am glad to be back and doing more regular blog posts. Even though I have to say it was nice to be disconnected for a little while. Toronto is the most stunning city and it was wonderful to see my whole family (I definitely had "omg moments" when I saw my cousins who I held when I was little). 

I'll be doing some haul videos or blog posts about all the goodies I bought in Toronto. I spent half my time in malls. I was haunting for those discount deals (which I did find). I was surprised that Toronto or maybe Canada in general is really expensive. I tried to ask myself "Can I find this LA or is this unique to Toronto?" "Do I really need this?" Alas, neither of these questions helped when I was buying makeup. I have a SERIOUS issue!! 

I have some cool new clothes, makeup, jewellery to share with you guys :). I'm excited. 

For now, here's a picture from LA before my trip and a picture of Toronto:

 

 

Beautiful view from Runyon Canyon, Los Angeles

And, 

Gorgeous sunset from a little town Elora, Ontario 

One more, 

Toronto :)

XOXO
C

BON VOYAGE

Happy Wednesday Bloggers!! There haven't been a lot of blog posts from me due to the fact that I have been getting errands, packing and last minute things done before heading on my vacation. I am leaving today, yayay! 


I am going back home to the USA, precisely LA. So glad to be heading home after the intense school year and be back in my motherland with my friends and all the things that make LA amazing. 


From LA I'll be heading to Toronto for 5 days to visit my Canadian family on my dad's side, as he is Canadian. Even though he does everything in his power to ignore his Canadian roots. He tells everyone he is American but we know the truth ;). 


I am going to be heading to the airport shortly so I might not even have time to do anymore blog posts other than this. 


HAVE A GREAT START TO YOUR SUMMERS!!! 


Peace, 


XOXO
C

Outfit of the Day: Today

Today is quite a hot day for London. Yes, the sun is shining and the heat wave is upon us! That's why today I chose an outfit that would accommodate such weather conditions.  Drum roll, pleasse!!! 


Here's the outfit I have chosen:

This shirt is one of my favorites: it is a shirt from Zara from their Los Angeles store (the precise store is located at The Grove). I can't remember the price but I remember my mom and I got it on sale. Anything not on sale (for the average Joe) is just expensive! 

This shirt's color is a combination of blue, a darkish blue/purple and silver. All the "drama" is at the front of the shirt. When I turn around it is completely blank. It is flowers of those colors and it looks as though someone used water paint. It really is a perfect shirt for the summer, it is allows any amount of breeze to come through. A god send. 

Then, the bottom half is legging (which are a serious must in this weather) and my new sandals from my aunt. I love them and how the leather is criss crossed. OH and they are lace ups, sort of. 

I wore this to go to the theater with my dad. A theater with no A/C except ceiling fans, oh boy. That was uncomfortable. But the poor actors who were sweating like pigs. I feel for them. 

XOXO

C

What's On My Toes?

Hey everyone, hope everyone is having a wonderful weekend with the sun blazing! Apparently there's meant to be a heat wave arriving. Good thing I'm escaping to LA for the summer ;). As summer is here, I am really embracing the bright colors for nail polish choices. 


This is going to be a new segment, especially for the summer. Got to get those toes sandal wearing ready. 


The color I chose for what is going to be my first week in LA, is called Natural Collection Hibiscuis Nail Polish (pictured below).

At Boots, £1.99

I first got this color for a friend in December and in my quest recently to wear more bright colors, I thought I would try it again. By this time I had already collected several of Natural Collections nail polish so I was confident in picking it out. Also, when I looked at it more closely I realized what an unique pink it was. I don't believe I have seen anything like that before with other brands. 

It is ONLY £1.99, like the price only is enough reason to get it. Even if you are experimenting with colors. 

Here's what it looks on my toes:

Let's ignore my toes and look at the pretty color. I am wearing it with sandals today, so I think it just makes them pop and look perfect the summer :). 

Any colors you are drawn to more during the summer? 

XOXO

C

NAIL POLISH OF THE DAY: PINK GRAPEFRUIT

I am really excited to do this Nail Polish of the Day. Today it is 17 Lasting Fix Pink Grapefruit Nail Polish. A friend of mine LOVES this nail polish and I believe she said this is the one that she would repurchase. So already I was excited to try it. This nail polish gave in my 17 free gift Nail Bar in A Bag and I was counting down the days until I could try this one. 

Priced at £2.99

Today was that day. I put it on first thing in the morning. I love how it looks on my nails. It is such a pretty pink and unlike anything I own or have seen. It looks lighter in that picture to the above but it is actually a little darker. Below is what it looks on me!

Love the color and I got it for free, but even the regular price is not that bad....£2.99. I had to put on three coats, though, because my nail was showing through but that's really not a problem. 

My 17 nail polish is slowly growing bigger and bigger everyday :). 

XOXO
C

MAKEUP OF THE DAY: YESTERDAY

Hey everyone! I am trying to do regular posts because once I head off on my two summer vacations, there might be long intervals where I don't post anything. Lord knows it has happened before. Today's "Makeup of the Day" is very simple. Mostly natural because I was going to the gym and spending the day with my aunt. So nothing very exciting but I thought I would share anyway :).

 This is probably as natural as I would go, in terms of the amount of makeup on my face! I am really self conscious of my blemishes and imperfections on my face. Speaking of face, to cover those blemishes and breakouts I used a combination my friend told me about when I didn't have any foundation. That is: concealer set with press powder. 

That's exactly what you see above. I am wearing Collection 2000 Lasting Perfection Concealer on my blemishes, as you can see it is a bit dark and doesn't match my actual skin color but under the circles/discoloration it works perfectly. Under my eyes I am wearing the same concealer. On my eyes though, I am wearing Benefit Stay Don't Stray Primer. It opens up my eyes and makes me look a lot more awake than I usually look at 8:00 am. 

To set the concealer and the primer I used Natural Collection Press Powder (Neutral). I press powder I swear by. 

Then, finally, on my lips (to make them natural with a hit of color) I used Collection 2000 Pure Gloss Sheer Lipgloss (Sherbet). I got this when I purchased 2 other Collection 2000 products, it was my free gift. I love it!! I have always been a HUGE fan of lipgloss since 5th grade. 

All my technology is on my side again, so I'll have some posts for today :). But, for now, this was my Makeup of the Day yesterday.

MAKEUP OF THE DAY: TODAY

This picture was taking just right after I finished putting on my makeup. All the makeup I put on are products I just recently purchased. It's exciting putting it altogether and actually create a complete look. 

Okay, let's get started. Where to begin? Mmm....foundation, literally. 

So as always I put on my 17 Photo Flawless Primer and Sleek Skin Revive Foundation (Shell) as a base for my makeup and cover up all of those blemishes and pimples. Primarily the breakouts on my chin, hairline and chin. To set all of that I use my Natural Collection Powder.

Then, I do my eyes. Today I thought I would go more in the natural direction as I was planning on using a more dramatic color for my lips. The eye look was very simple - on my lids I used two colors from my Clinique palette....a gold and bronzey color (as a highlighter). I used my new 17 Perfect Definition Eyeliner (Plum) for the first time. I used it on my top and bottom lash line. It brings out my brown eyes, I think it makes them pop. Finally I use my Collection 2000 Big Fake Mascara, although, I am disappointed by it (as shown in my review) I want to use it up. Simply because I spent £5 on it. 

My cheeks, I used my new 17 Limited Edition Summer Miami Pop Bronzer as a blush. It just gives a nice sun kiss gold glow and it isn't too much on a summery day. I have noticed using a bronzer as a blush forms cheekbones so it has more than one use. PERFECT! 

On my lips I used a new lipstick called Natural Collection Berry Blush Lipstick, which just completes the look and it gives the pop of color that a natural look, like this, needs. This color is such a pretty pink with a little purple hint. Natural Collection has proved time and time again for such a cheap price is amazing quality. In love with them :). 

Hope you guys are having a good Tuesday!!

XOXO
C

Nail Polish of the Day: Makeup Academy

Other nail polish change has happened. I changed my nail polish, to a color that I haven't used in awhile. I have been trying to use some nail polish that have been neglected for awhile. 

Curious? It is Makeup Academy Shade 9 Nail Polish (pictured below)

       Makeup Academy Nail Polish - Shade 9

All MUA products are sold at all Superdrug's for £1. Now, they have a professional line which is only available at some Superdrug's. When my friend and I go into the Central Superdrug's we haven't seen the whole line but the professional range of nail polish. I kind of side tracked a little but for £1, their products are good quality. I have four of their nail polishes and a couple of their lip gloss/lipsticks.

Here's what it looks on me:

 

  

The color is very pigmented but that's actually a result of three coats of nail polish. In fact, I have noticed with their nail polish the first coat is so faint. Two or three should do it. I think for a brand that has very cheap prices, their nail polish has literally no faults. I am happy costumer. Oh, oh, oh they don't chip easily. 

Solid as a rock!! 

XOXO
C

 

17 Free Gift!

I love free stuff, especially when it comes from a brand I actually love. Last week, when my friend and I went to Boots to get the 17 Limited Edition Summer Miami Pop Bronzer, she got this nefty 17 Nail Bar in a Bag. Basically with the purchase of two 17 products you get this free gift. Inside it has: 2 nail polish, nail art and a nail file. Pictured below is what the contains look, all unpacked and laid out. 

                  L-R: Pink Grapefruit Nail Polish, Knockout Red Nail Polish, Nail File and Nail Art

I was super excited to get this, solely for the reason that I got 2 nail polishes (ones that I have actually had my eyes on for a couple months).

My other 2 products from 17 were also two other nail polishes but that will be other blog post ;). 

On the far left is a nail polish my friend loves and it is 17 Lasting Fix Pink Grapefruit Nail Polish (picture below). It is such a unique light pink, perfect for the summer time. Also, Lasting Fix is their best range of nail polish. It doesn't instantly dry but after applied, if you wait a good 5 minutes it will be dry. No problem!

The other color I got along with this one was 17 Fast Finish Knockout Red Nail Polish (pictured below), which I am so thrilled about. Literally over the moon. I have been trying to find a nice solid red color. I own a couple red ones, but they are shimmery. Don't get me wrong, I love my shimmer but lately, I have been eyeing more of the solid colors. I feel with my nails growing out nicely, it will have more of an impact.

I am seriously so excited to try these colors out! Ahhhhhh....that's how I am feeling excited. There will be Nail Polish of the Day with these. LA and Toronto better watch out for my nails. Very ba-bam!! 

XOXO
C

Organization is Key

A couple of days ago, Friday, my friend and I did a very successful Boots trip. Using our advantage card we were able to get some products free and also, the brand 17 has a great deal at the moment. It is if you buy two or more 17 products you get this free gift - "Nail Bar in A Bag". My friend took advantage of it, I didn't. But I will :). 

When I got home and I put away my goodies, the mess my makeup and nail polish were in, literally drove me into an OCD frantic clean up mission. 

Makeup: All my makeup was organized into plastic baggies according to use so face, eyes, lips and cheek. Then, within my basket they are aligned according to the order I use the products. Pictured below. From right to left is the order of usage.

I did the something with my nail polish, except I ordered them according to their brand. 17, Barry M, Natural Collection; you get the idea. As you can see pictured below. In the top right corner you can see two different brands. That baggie is going to be for the odd nail polishes. The ones I don't have enough of to constitute for a whole baggie of their own. 

It feels good to be organized, but I seriously went into an OCD craze. The amount of stuff was just driving me insane. 

Next challenge: my closet! YIKES!

XOXO
C

MAKEUP OF THE DAY

To conclude my blog posts for the night, I thought I would sign off with my makeup of the day. 

This is also my first makeup of the day....exciting!! Let me tell you all about it :). 

I used my new 17 Photo Flawless Primer and then, my new favorite foundation Sleek Skin Revive Foundation (shade: Shell). 

The eye look is a bronze smokey eye, which I have done a Youtube tutorial on my channel. I did substitute my gold eyeshadow that I used in the inner corner of my eye with my new favorite bronzer: 17 Summer Limited Edition Miami Pop Bronzer. My friend told me how about its other feature as a eyeshadow. 

I used 2True Effortless Eyeliner to create a wing look on my top eyelash line, but as you see, it is a little shaky. I am still working on that! On my bottom lash line I used 17 Perfect Definition Eye Liner (Plum). I have had trouble in the past with purples on my eye lashes it doesn't show up. 

On my cheeks I used my new 17 bronzer as blush. It gives such a sun kiss glow and also gives me cheekbones. In addition, it gives me cheeks such a little shimmer. Not over powering but just a hint. Below is a side view because it didn't really show up in the picture above. 

On my lips is Collection 2000 Sugar Plum Lipstick, I love this lipstick. This is my first experience with their lipsticks, I am pleased. Also, my nail polish of the day matches this color.

This was such a good blog posts, I hope do it a lot more regularly :). 

Have a great evening!!

XOXO

C 

Favorite Heels

                                         

                                 

                               

These are one of my favorite pairs of heels. I was given these by one of my friends a couple summers ago, in 2009. I was going to wear these tonight but the prospect of walking many blocks in these kinda scared me so opted for flats. But I have a huge obsession with shoes....flats and heels. It has now reached the same level as my makeup addiction. 

Very Carrie Bradshaw of me!

I am not usually a big fan of peep toe shoes but these make feet look great. Not many shoes do that to me. 

The design of the shoe is not something I have seen a lot of - the double strap: one at the back which is simple, red leather. The other strap is red, ruffle strap. It also keeps my heels secure. I am not the most graceful with heels, although I try, it gives me some confidence in them. 

The heel, itself, I am not sure how to describe it but it is narrow with a little bit of width. It has a grip on the bottom, which helps with the walking and not trying to fall flat on your face. 

I don't wear these as often in London as I do in Los Angeles because you do so much walking but in LA I try to wear them a lot. They go great with both skinny jeans and flares. 

If you guys have any favorite heels, don't be shy, share!! 

XOXO
C

Review: Collection 2000 Big Fake Lashes Mascara

Disappointing. Expensive. Let down. Those are some of the ways I would describe this Collection 2000 Big Fake  Mascara. It sounds harsh but if you guys remember I put this on my "Collection 2000 Wish List" blog post list. It hurts me to write a negative review about a product I was so excited to get. Maybe that was the problem, I had such high expectations. 

I'll explain why I am not thrilled about this product. I feel like I am breaking up with a guy, it is just painful and you are using every excuse in the book; just dragging it out. 

The good points about this mascara is mainly the packaging. The combination of colors: red, black and white just brings your eyes in the products direction. Although there is a lot of writing, you don't seem to really notice. Also, the wand (not pictured)  is quite thick so it covers your lashes quicker. 


Now onto the problems. Where to begin? This mascara retailed for £4.99, which is not the cheapest for a product that doesn't do what it says it will do. I wanted to test it out for a couple of days because first impressions aren't always right. This has happened to me several times; I would get a snap judgement of whether I hated it or loved it. I actually wore it today!


When I think "Big Lashes", I think big dramatic and gives you the exotic look. But sadly wasn't the case. It clumped if I applied it more than once. It did make them thick but like I mentioned they were clumpy, it doesn't look good. It also doesn't lenghten my eye lashes at all. 

My 2True Instant Length Mascara is a lot better than this one. 

Collection 2000, this makes me very sad!

XOXO
C 

  

Nail Polish Of The Day: Black Cherry

I found some batteries so I was able to take pictures. I did quickly just in case my camera decided to die again. As I am watching TV, I am able to do blog posts enjoyably. I have my momentum back. 

To continue the series of blog posts, I am going to do a nail polish of the day. This one is: Natural Collection - Black Cherry (pictured below). 

Natural Collection Black Cherry - £1.89

This is such an unique and pretty color. It is kinda a dark red color but in the light it has a purplish tint to it  and for the price it is such good quality. I was informed by a friend that this brand also has a skin care line, which I am really eager to try. I have always sung their praises. I have a couple of their lipsticks and I am very quickly collecting all of their nail polishes. 

I originally got a few nail polishes for a friend of mine becasue for some reason, I wasn't a fan of theirs right off the top but slowly got extremely interested in them. I have to stop by their section whenever I go into Boots. 

The only problem I have with their nail polishes is they do chip quite easily but that won't stop me from buying their products. 

Here's what it looks on me:

I change my nail color a lot because it has stopped my habit of biting my nails. Gotta do what you gotta do.

XOXO
C