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

Making Progress!

So tonight, I decided to straighten my hair once again. It is definitely getting easier and less reluctant to be completely straight. Although, it gets wavy at the bottom because of my dead ends but I am hoping to eliminate that problem by cutting it short for the summer. Yay!

Want to see it what it looks like? Why didn't you say so! 

Pictured above is what it looks like straight on. I am kinda liking it not completely straight, a little bounce and volume is good. For me, it makes my face a lot slimmer. 


Here's what it looks like from the side: 

This is a look I am going to try and do a lot more now :). Definitely using the John Frieda products, that I have mentioned in my review, have done so much in the restoring process. I am trying to keep my straightening my hair to minimum, as to not push my luck. 

By doing this blog I have taking a deeper interest in what products  I should be using to keep my hair healthy and conditioned. It's so exciting taken something I have been obsessed with and using it as a learning experience.

XOXO
C

OUTFIT OF THE DAY!

HAPPY FATHER'S DAY TO EVERYONE'S FATHERS! 

In honor of Father's Day, my family are celebrating it by dining out with my dad and my god father. I thought before I leave I would do a few quick blog posts. My first one is outfit of the day. 

I feel like this is a perfect summery and dressy combination, especially since the sun has decided to come out. Just when it is starting to go away. This outfit is a collection of different items, which have been stuck in my closet (in all its messy glory) and now I have decided to put them altogether. 

The green cropped sweater was bought at a blow out sale Zara was having a couple years ago, I haven't seen anything like that since then. It was amazing! Everything was reduced to like £5 or even cheaper. There were some things that I got for as little as £3. 


The pink laced, baby doll sleeveless shirt was bought at Forever 21 in Los Angeles. Now, they have a Forever 21 in London in Oxford Street. I think I got this 3 years ago. Wow I can't believe it has been that long. Underneath I am wearing a tank top from H&M, to make sure nothing is exposed; so to speak. 


My dark navy jeans are practically brand new. I bought them a couple months ago, when I went shopping with a friend. They were £10.00 but I actually got a couple size too small for me. In the dressing room, I was able to squeeze into them. I guess the fact I can fit into them again is a good sign :). Late night munching on Cheerios has clearly paid off. I love these jeans, though. They are slimming and different from all my other skinny jeans. They are dark with gold lining down the side of the jeans. 


My favorite and loyal flats, from New Look. They are slowing collapsing but they are pushing through. They complete every outfit. 


Stay tuned for Makeup of the Day and a couple other posts. 


Enjoy your day with your father!! 


XOXO
C

Nail Polish of the Day: Royal Rose

The weekend is finally here, although, I couldn't really tell the difference since being on my summer vacation. The days kinda all mesh together. I also get extremely lazy, which is probably why there haven't been daily blog posts up. 

But that's all about to change with the first in the series of new blog posts. To start off with - Nail Polish of the Day.

Today's nail polish is: 17 Lasting Fix Royal Rose. 

This nail polish I borrowed from a friend, who got it on one of our many Boots and Superdrug's trips. She tried it on that day and I loved how it looked on her nails. We do almost weekly nail polish swaps, something we have been doing for at least a year and she picked this one for me.

Pictured below is what it looks like on my nails. Also, can you see how long they have gotten? Accomplishment!! 

I had to apply it 3 times because it was kind of faint and sheer on the first couple applications. I asked my friend to describe the color and she said it is "Vintagey pink with small gold glitter". I fell in love with it the moment I put it on my nails. Once I get my allowance, I am heading over to my local Boots and getting that color. Also, Orange Soda, which is another nail polish she let me borrow. 


I have had nothing but great experiences with 17 nail polish. I have found that the Lasting Fix collection actually dry quickly but doesn't dry WHILE you are still applying; which is an experience my friend and I both had. 


Oh real quickly, this color is perfect for the summer and the fall. It is so neutral and accent your nails without making them too over powering. 


HAPPY SATURDAY EVERYONE!


XOXO
C

Outfit of the Day: Yesterday

Last night I went to the theater with my dad, so this was the perfect opportunity (I felt) to do my first Outfit of the Day. I am hoping to make this a more regular thing. But more now, this is beginning of a beautiful friendship! 


Yesterday evening was such a lovely summer evening, being as the past couple days have been quite unpredictable. Sun rain sun rain, pick a side. Ah, English weather. What can you do? This is the outfit I chose (pictured below). 

Let's deconstruct the outfit! This is one of my favorite dresses. My mom actually got me this dress when she went to Japan with my dad, almost a year ago. This dress has ruffles on the bottom and is black with gold/yellow stars spread out throughout the dress. 

Underneath the dress I have a black, silk 3/4 sleeves t-shirt. You can see it somewhat in the picture. I use to wear a tank top underneath but I was having problems keeping that area situated, girls you know what I mean. 

Pictured above is the rest of the outfit - leggings and dark blue flats from New Look. Summer is coming and I have been trying to wear my flats and leggings combo as much as I possibly can. Especially since you never know what the weather might be tomorrow or even tonight. 

I wore my green jacket from H&M to complete the look. The jacket is quite light so I don't feel to hot walking in the sun with it but it was perfect for the nice breeze when my dad and I were on our way home. 


More Outfits of the Day to come :). 


XOXO
C

Accessories of the Day: Yesterday

Accessories make an outfit. If the outfit is basic like a jeans and a t-shirt, you can use your accessories to dress it up and it gives it that special something. 


What were the accessories that I chose last night? Let's take a little peak :). 

Pictured above is the new love of my life, a Marc B creation found in the craziness that is TK Maxx. It looks white in that particular picture but it is actually light blue. If it looks familiar that is because the style is the famous Chanel quilted with the gold chain. This gold chain has the light blue entwined in it. The inside lining is the signature Marc B leopard print, a trend I have been completely obsessed with, everything has to be leopard print. 

This bracelet was giving to me by a friend last Christmas, it is one of my favorite bracelets. I actually wear it all the time, not just last night. I love the music note and trumpet because for those who know me well, know that music is pretty much my reason for living. It goes with every outfit. Last night I was wearing a dress that was black with gold stars and leggings; the red and black (the colors of the bracelet) went perfectly. Not too flashy but just an accent of color. 

More blog posts concerning my makeup and the outfit will be posted, as soon as possible. 

Peace,

XOXO

C

NAIL POLISH COLLECTION PART 2: BARRY M

One more short post for the night! This is my Barry M Nail Polish collection, it is probably one of my smaller collection. I am still finding my way with this brand, some of their colors are too bright for me so I kinda have been staying clear of them. The first color I bought from that brand was I believe, Berry Ice Cream. Don't quote me, I am not positive! 


My little Barry M nail polish collection is pictured below.

 

Far Right: Barry M Nail Polish - Yellow. I didn't think yellow polish would suit me, but I was definitely excited to try it out. With a base coat (clear nail polish) it comes up for crispy and pigmented. I will definitely be wearing this color a lot more when I am in LA.

Center: Barry M Nail Polish - Rasberry. This is such a perfect maroon/red color. It is actually the exact same color as my quilt. I love this color! It really is such a perfect color to have even if you have loads of reds. It's such an interesting mixture. 

Barry M - Raspberry 

 Far Right: Barry M Instant Nail Effect - A friend told me about it and sent me a picture when she first did it and I thought it was such a cool thing. At first I didn't quite get that you put it over your nail polish and it "crackles", I honestly thought it was part of her nail polish. I then youtubed it and on one of my ones to Boots, I walked passed it and got it. It is pretty darn cool! I have to admit. I have tried it on my Barry M yellow nail polish, a pink nail I have and even the Barry M Raspberry one.

 XOXO

C 

Nail Polish Collection Part 1: 17

I thought it was only appropriate with all this talk of nail polish to give you guys an inside look into my nail polish collection, brand by brand. As the last brand I mentioned was 17, I thought it was fitting to do a blog post about the other colors that make up this quite big collection. 

 

One of my friends actually turned me onto them. I feel out of all the brands, they have the most variety and a lot of these nail polishes have been purchases of the 3 for 2 deal that a lot of brands have. Also, being a name brand they have a reputation of producing good quality stuff. Plus, they have cool names for their nail polishes. 

I am going to go left to right - name them  and tell you a little bit about them:

Far left: 17 High Gloss Nail Polish - Spinx. A goldish color with faint goldish/silvery sparkles in it. 

Next to it: 17 High Gloss Nail Polish - Wicked. Name of my favorite musical and the color just happenes to be my favorite as well, purple. It is a darkish purple with faint purple sparkles. Is anyone picking up a trend? Yes, purple is my favorite color but I also love sparkles. The sparkles don't really show up on my nails and it's actually started to get sticky, the nail polish.

Next one over: 17 Fast Finish Nail Polish - Garnet. This is the 3rd red nail polish I own and the 2nd sparkly one. I have another one from Natural Collection (you'll see shortly that collection). I LOVE this color. Love, red...any connection? When my nails were longer, it should up so brought and bold on them. Again, red with lighter red sparkles in them. 

Center: 17 Fast Finish Nail Polish - Peacock. How cool is that name? I love it! In the shade, it might appear to the naked eye as being green but it is actually teal or blueish color. It is definitely one of my all time favorite nail polishes. 

Right of that: 17 Lasting Fix Nail Polish - Fairy Cake. A friend gave this to me after I borrowed it. Again, it is a pale pinkish color. Great for the summer time. It looks a lot better with my nails to their longer length. I am scarred of lighter colors, I feel it appears to bright in contrast to my skin tone. But I really like this one!! 

Far Right, last one: 17 Lasting Finish Nail Polish - Indigo. Again, other one of my favorites. It's a solid dark purple color. No sparkles, no glitz, no glamor. It's simple and lovely. 

MORE PARTS TO COME SHORTLY! 

XOXO
C