tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-58152080637308944982024-03-13T19:31:43.470-07:00Makeup Kismetmy makeup fateAshleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09838050502859582445noreply@blogger.comBlogger137125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5815208063730894498.post-44619771205755618042013-09-23T09:00:00.000-07:002013-09-23T12:59:35.037-07:00Rose On and On<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Hello! My name is Ashley and my latest obsession is all things roses.<br />Throughout the summer I have been collecting a ton of rose-scented bath and body products, many of which are from <b>Lush</b>!<br /></span><br />
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<i>(Does this photo not resemble <a href="http://dreager1.files.wordpress.com/2013/08/eggman-eggman-club-29301647-640-479.jpg" target="_blank">Dr. Eggman</a> from Sonic? No? Okay...)</i></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i>Rose Jam</i> is my absolute favourite scent from Lush. It is actually so popular that it's currently available as a shower gel, </span><i style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">but for the holiday season only</i><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">. I'll be buying the shower gel in bulk loads when it's finally available in stores but for those who are impatient you can find it on the </span><a href="http://www.lush.ca/" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;" target="_blank">Lush website</a><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">! And anyone who knows of and loves <i>Rose Jam</i> as much as I do probably already has <i>Ro's Argan</i> as well. The two are a match made in heaven; sweet, rosy, and soooo luxurious. But for an epic(!!!) rosy pink bubble bath, I like to add <i>Turkish Delight</i> into the mix. I take the rose obsession to a whole other level, I know. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br />My very latest rose-related pretty is the newly acquired <b>Dipytque</b> <i>Eau Rose</i>:<br /></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I went to Portland in July with a few blogger gal pals and with the intention of picking up </span><b style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Jo Malone</b> <i style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Red Roses</i><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">. Long story short, I came back empty handed because I couldn't choose between </span><i style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Red Roses</i><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"> or </span><i style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Eau Rose</i><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">! Then I was struck with a big case of regret and non-buyer's remorse (it's a thing, even if I made it up!). However, as luck would have it, </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">my best friend ended up going to Portland a few weeks later and helped me pick up my </span><i style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">almost </i><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">missed pretty! I'm glad </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">that I chose </span><i style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Eau Rose</i><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> in the end because </span><i style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Red Roses</i><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> tends to turn rancid on me after only two hours of wear. </span><b style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Dipytque</b><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">, on the other hand, does not. It doesn't last long (4 hours, maybe 5), but I appreciate the sweetness of </span><i style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Eau Rose</i><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> and the fact that it isn't a straight up replication of a rose.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Last but not least, honorable mention goes to <b>L'Oreal</b> Colour Caresse Shine Stain in <i>Rose On and On</i>.<br /></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">This lip gloss/stain hybrid doesn't smell like roses, but it did inspire the blog title so it deserves a shout out for that not to mention it is a very pretty lip stain! I want more now that I think about it... Anyway! I know it's been quite some time since the last post and I realize how rusty I am at the whole blogging thing but here's to trying it again! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-small;">[Products in this post were purchased by me and all opinions expressed are my own.]</span>Ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09838050502859582445noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5815208063730894498.post-88281820648173054212013-03-24T00:01:00.000-07:002013-04-13T14:26:57.052-07:00A Stellar Stila Giveaway!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b>[Note: My apologies to those who previously entered! There has been a slight change in the giveaway rules so please re-enter the updated giveaway!] </b><br /><br />Many of you may or may not remember but this giveaway was supposed to happen <i><a href="http://makeupkismet.blogspot.ca/2012/03/upcoming-giveaway.html" target="_blank">many months ago</a></i>... I ended up forgetting about it (oops!) but while I was clearing out my room the other night, I found two neatly wrapped prizes ready to be won & shipped! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">This giveaway is also split into two prizes; one for an international follower and another for a domestic (US/Canada) follower. Hopefully this giveaway will make two Makeup Kismet followers very happy!<br /><br />International followers will have a chance to win the following:</span><br />
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- <i><b>Stila</b></i> Party In A Box (All Over Shimmer Powder in Kitten & Lip Glaze in Kitten) </div>
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- <b><i>Annabelle</i></b> Smoothie Eyeshadow Pencil in Acaidasiac & Licoriche<br />
- <b><i>Annabelle</i></b> SmudgePaint in Skyline</div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">& U.S./Canadian followers will have a chance to win the following:</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">- <b><i>Stila</i></b> Daydream Palette</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">- <b><i>CANMAKE</i></b> Cream Cheek in #6 (Nut Cream)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><u><br />Both Winners will also receive</u>:</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">- 1 <b><i>Face Q</i></b> Caviar and Hyaluronic Acid Moisture Mask</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">- 1 <i><b>My Beauty Diary </b></i>Chocolate Truffle Sheet Mask</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">- 1 </span><i><b>My Beauty Diary Earl</b></i> Grey Tea & Macaroon Sheet Mask <br />+ extra surprise goodies!</span></div>
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<a class="rafl" href="http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/133cbf2/" id="rc-133cbf2" rel="nofollow">a Rafflecopter giveaway</a><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Now for the rules...:<br />
1. Giveaway will end on April 17th, 2012.<br />
2. This giveaway is open internationally. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">3. Must be 18 or have parental/guardian permission to enter.<br />
4. Must be a follower through Google Friend Connect, <a href="http://www.bloglovin.com/en/blog/2464313" target="_blank">Bloglovin</a>' or <a href="https://twitter.com/makeupkismet" target="_blank">Twitter</a> or email!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i><u><b>However, I will disqualify entrants if their accounts are strictly for signing up in blog giveaways.</b></u></i><br />
5. Must leave a comment below (about anything!) with your Twitter handle (if you followed through Twitter) and email address that I can contact you with!</span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Additional entries:</span><br />
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1. Post about the giveaway on your blog (+1). It can be a post, sidebar photo (with a link back to the giveaway), but only do one! There are no extra entries if you do it all. <br />
2. Tweet about the giveaway and leave a link in the comments below (+1).<br />
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Good luck!</span>Ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09838050502859582445noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5815208063730894498.post-58563476175737318932013-01-28T11:00:00.000-08:002013-01-28T13:28:52.092-08:00New Year and New Things<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Happy 2013 everyone! (ノ ゜∀゜)ノ*`☆*<br />Okay, okay I know I'm majorly late on the New Year celebrations but whatever. Better late than never, right? We're far into January now but I seriously wanted to blog at least once this month</span><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">. Don't worry, this won't be a recap of 2012 but more a long the lines of a haul with quicky reviews. Most of the products were purchased near the end of December and a few during this month but all of which were tested recently.<br /><br /><center>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><a href="http://www.katesomerville.com/eradikate-acne-treatment/" target="_blank">Kate Somerville EradiKate Acne Treatment</a><br />Only starting to test this out but so far? LOVE. The first time I used it, it shrunk a HUGE pimple overnight. I am not exaggerating when I say "huge". The pimple literally looked like a third nipple growing on my face (-‸ლ)<br /><br /><a href="http://andalou.com/index.php/haircare/shampoo/moisture-rich-sweet-orange-argan-shampoo.html" target="_blank">Andalou Naturals Moisture Rich Shampoo</a> (Argan & Sweet Orange)<br />Shampoo isn't something I splurge on but that isn't to say I'll settle for any cheap drugstore shampoo. Aside from a low price I also need my shampoo to be sulfate-free and smell phenomenal. Andalou's Argan & Sweet Orange scented shampoo smells like orange creamsicles! The scent is very light and doesn't linger which saddens me but it is still the second best sulfate-free shampoo I've tried so far (Alba Botanica's Colorific Plumeria is #1!). It foams up easily but doesn't leave the scalp feeling dry and scaly. It also leaves my hair soft and I frequently skip conditioner when using this shampoo.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.lush.ca/Let-the-Good-Times-Roll/06238,en_CA,pd.html?start=12&cgid=cleansers" target="_blank">Lush Let the Good Times Roll</a><br />Lush did it right with this cleanser-exfoliator hybrid. Let the Good Times Roll is perfectly grainy and leaves the skin feeling soft and new. I can't even begin to describe how delicious it smells either. It's like caramel popcorn but so much better. I've seriously contemplated eating the stuff...<br /><br /><a href="http://www.kloraneusa.com/HairCare/Dry-hair/Mango-Oil-Spray.htm" target="_blank">Klorane Mango Oil Spray</a><br />When I first read about this hair oil on Jessica's blog <a href="http://www.gettingcheeky.com/" target="_blank"><i>Getting Cheeky</i></a> I knew I had to try it. Unfortunately for me, this is the one Klorane product not available in Canadian stores. Months later I enlisted the help of Mr. Waffle (my wonderful SO and mule) and purchased a bottle through Drugstore.com. I tried it a few times but so far I only like the smell of the oil.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.hurrawbalm.com/hurraw/index.php" target="_blank">Hurraw! Root Beer Lip Balm</a><br />Someone on Soompi posted a picture of Hurraw! lip balm and my lip balm addict self had to try one out too. My good friend E helped buy this for me at UBC's book store but we've since found out American Apparel carries a decent selection of the brand's flavors. The scents are very accurate to the flavors but the balm itself isn't the balm-b (get it, bomb? balm-b? LOL). It's a thin balm that doesn't last for more than 2 hours but when you're hankering for a yummy smelling lip balm, Hurraw! will have you covered.<br /><br />That's about it for this post but I hope you liked it! I certainly enjoyed trying out different brands and discovering new favourites. It felt like I was swimming in the same pool of brands and featuring the same products over and over again last year but now it's time for change! Who's with me?! </span></div>
Ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09838050502859582445noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5815208063730894498.post-2898793496263277942012-12-28T11:30:00.000-08:002012-12-29T16:12:14.259-08:00The Last Empties Post of 2012<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Wooooah! Is it really the end of 2012? Time flies by faster and faster each year. It feels like it was just yesterday I was writing my first empties post of the year. Alas, here we are reading about the last empties post of 2012!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Starting off hair schtuff:<br /><b>Kiehl's Olive Fruit Oil Nourishing Shampoo*</b> smells lovely - light, sort of creamy - but that's all that I love about this shampoo. It makes my hair decently soft and tangle free but my scalp a dry, flaky mess.<br /><br />I s<i>till</i> love <a href="http://makeupkismet.blogspot.ca/2011/07/review-body-shop-rainforest-moisture.html" target="_blank"><b>The Body Shop's Rainforest Moisture Hair Butter</b></a> and I have another backup of it in my drawers. But, I think I'll try Essential's Ultra Honey Hair Mask at the start of 2013, just cause y'know?<br /><br />The <b>Alba Botanica Natural Hawaiian Shampoo in Colourific Plumeria</b> is my favourite shampoo <b><i>ever</i></b>. Everyone has a signature scent and then there are the few that have a signature hair scent. I used to be v</span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">ery wishy-washy about my hair and used what ever smelled decent but now I strictly use this. The SLS-free shampoo foams up like regular shampoos but leaves my hair even softer and scalp not as dry nor itchy. It's THE shampoo for me!<br /><br />The <b>TRESemm</b></span><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>é </b></span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b>Thermal Creations Heat Tamer Spray</b> has been sitting on my bathroom counter for years. There's actually two of them but one is missing, obviously. I hardly use this when curling or flat ironing my hair but when I do I don't find this makes a difference. Hair serums/oils do a better job of protecting, providing shine, and taming frizz.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Lots of cleansers:<br />My first forray into the cleansing oil was with the <b>shu uemura</b> <b>Cleansing Beauty Oil Premium A/O Advanced Formula</b>. It took me two full years to finish and it wouldn't have taken so long if I didn't hate it so much.</span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">It smells awful and doesn't rinse off completely. The Kose Softymo Deep Cleansing Oil is much more satisfying, that is all.<br /><br /><b>NIP + FAB Clean Fix Wipes</b> are surprisingly good! It doesn't remove waterproof mascara but regular eyeshadow is fine. Though I must say it has stung my eyes on a few occasions but lucky not my face.<br /><br /><b>Marcelle Hydra-C Facial Exfoliating Gel</b> is the first Marcelle product I have come to dislike. It's not a bad exfoliator but it's just too gentle for my liking. There's much more gel than exfoliating beads but this makes it great for everyday use if you have normal skin. </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /><b>L'Oreal</b> Youth Code Foaming Gel Cleanser, <b>Clearasil</b> Rapid Action Face Wash, </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b>Caudal</b></span><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>íe</b></span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> Instant Foaming Cleanser, and <b>Kiehl's</b> Ultra Facial Cleanser - these cleansers are "meh". I mainly used the L'Oreal and Clearasil cleansers to wash face clothes and makeup brushes. The Kiehl's cleanser is gentle and non-drying which is great but the Cauda</span><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">líe</span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> foaming cleanser is the exact opposite. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Onto the body:<br />This can of <b>h2o+ Oasis Mist</b> is fairly old. It served its purpose well and a repurchase is likely in the future. The mist is much finer than the Avène Thermal Spring Water or Evian facial spray. Also, the <b>h20</b> didn't die out 3/4s into the can like the Avène spray did.</span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> Though, the packaging has changed so maybe I won't like it the second time around. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br />Yes, that is TWO <b>Cake Milk Made Velveteen Hand Cremes</b> that you're seeing. It's tricky to finish hand cream quickly because I rotate four tubes at a time. I keep one at my desk, one at my bedside table, one in my car, and another in the washroom. Milk Made sinks in quickly without that icky, greasy look and feel in the winter. However, it's a bit heavy for the summer. I still highly recommend it and I've gifted it to many friends over the years!<br /><br /><b>Lush's The Jilted Elf Shower Jelly</b> didn't make a return this year for Lush's holiday collection but this tub is from 2011. The scent is very warm and spicy, not something I go for normally, but it's perfect for the holiday season. If Lush had made it into a shower <i>gel</i> instead of a<i> jelly</i>, I would have finished it sooner. The Jell-O like soap is too flimsy in the shower and even when frozen it won't be solid like a bar of soap. <b>Miranda</b> on the other hand is perfect and a permanent product. The soap doubles up as an exfoliator and smells fruity but not too sweet.<br /><br /><b>eos Smooth Sphere Lip Balm</b> has been talked about enough and <b>Kiehl's Creme de Corps</b> as well. There's too much hype surrounding both items. The lip balm is too light and doesn't hydrate the lips for very long and the body lotion is too heavy. It certainly moisturizes the skin but at the cost of greasy feeling skin.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Samples & Sheet Masks:<br />My Beauty Diary Sheet Masks (count: 4) and samples packets (count: 11).</span></center>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">And now it is time for the BIG round up combining all the empties counts throughout this year:<br />Jumbo = 3 (1 jumbo = 2 full size) = 6<br />Full size = 38<br />Deluxe Samples/Travel Sizes = 31 (5 deluxe samples = 1 full size) = 6.2<br />Samples = 44 (10 samples = 1 full size) = 4.4<br />Masks = 20 (10 = 1 full size) = 2<br />Tossed = 9<br /><br />Total? A million! Okay, maybe not a million but 56.6 isn't as impressive... I've changed how I calculate deluxe samples and sample packets so my total is less than last year's but whatever. The important thing is that I've emptied a lot and I will continue to do so in 2013!<br /><br />How about you? Were you an emptying machine this year? Have any plans to be one in 2013?<br /><br /></span></center>
Ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09838050502859582445noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5815208063730894498.post-90041210802857971382012-10-05T02:22:00.001-07:002012-10-05T17:02:43.957-07:00I'm Feeling Empty - Part 6<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">The past few months have been all about emptying. Seeing my stash reduce greatly encouraged me to keep going and now I'm on a roll. But before I empty more, I want to share my stash of empties so far. </span><br />
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<a href="http://makeupkismet.blogspot.ca/2011/10/review-hadalabo-tamagohada-aha-bha-face.html" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;" target="_blank">HadaLabo AHA + BHA Cleanser</a><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">, </span><a href="http://makeupkismet.blogspot.ca/2012/08/review-lush-lemony-flutter.html" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;" target="_blank">Lush Lemony Flutter</a><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">, </span><a href="http://makeupkismet.blogspot.ca/2011/03/eos-everyday-hand-lotion-review.html" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;" target="_blank">eos Everyday Hand Lotion</a><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">These three products are linked to their full reviews. In short, they are all products I recommend and plan to/have repurchase(d). In fact, I am on my second tube of the HadaLabo cleanser and fourth pebble of the eos lotion. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b>Murad Clarifying Mask</b>, <b>Lush Ayesha Mask</b>*, <b>Skinfood Gold Kiwi Hydrating Mask</b> (x2), <b>My Beauty Diary </b>(x3):</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Out of these four masks, I highly recommend the Murad and Lush mask. The worst hydrating mask I have ever tried has got to be the Skinfood mask. It is highly fragranced and it hardly hydrates the skin! You'd be better off using a My Beauty Diary mask which you've probably heard about before already. Anyway, you can expect a review on the Murad Clarifying Mask soon as it has reached holy grail status! Ayesha is also a clarifying mask but results aren't as im</span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">pressive as Murad's. It is still a very good mask with great, natural ingredients though.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b>Simple Cleansing Facial Wipes</b>, </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>Lush Dirty Shaving Cream</b>, <b>Sephora Collection Instant Moisturizer</b>, </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b>Kiehl's Creme de Corps</b> (x2), </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b>Kiehl's Ultra Facial Cleanser</b></span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">My skincare and body care sample stash is growing quicker than I can use it up but that's not stopping me from trying to get through it all. Luckily, none of these samples have impressed me enough to purchase the full sizes so I won't be stocking up on anything new or draining my funds anytime soon. There are cheaper alternatives to all of these samples which I like more. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b>Etude House Fresh Cherry Tint</b>, <b>Fresh Sugar Lip Treatment</b>, </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b>Laura Mercier Invisible Loose Setting Powder</b></span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">:<br />I have been aiming to use up at least one makeup product per empties post and this time I've got two. (But let's ignore the fact that they're merely samples though...)<br />The Etude tint has a lovely texture that isn't watery but almost mousse-like. If Etude had a wider range of shades, I'd be happy to try those out as I am swamped in bright lip products. Anyway, I</span><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"> finally see why so many lip balm addicts like the </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Fresh Sugar Lip Treatment. The sugary lemon scented lip balm isn't waxy nor too emollient. The balm is thin but it coats the lips enough for instant lip gratification. The price keeps me from purchasing a full size but it's a nice change from my holy grail <a href="http://makeupkismet.blogspot.ca/2011/06/review-jack-black-intense-therapy-lip.html" target="_blank">Jack Black Intense Therapy Lip Balm</a>.<br /></span><br />
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<br /><b>Just Bee N</b></span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b>atural Bee Quenched Moisturizing Shampoo in Sparkling Pom</b>,</span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> <a href="http://makeupkismet.blogspot.ca/2011/01/shiseido-tsubaki-golden-repair-review.html" target="_blank">Shiseido Tsubaki Conditioner</a>:</span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Eeeep! I love the milk bottle-ish packaging for the Just Bee Natural shampoo. This was one of the first sulfate, phosphate, and paraben-free shampoos that I ever tried and it's good enough to recommend. It lathers as good as generic shampoo does but isn't stripping.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I reviewed the whole Tsubaki white label line two years ago and my thoughts are still the same. This hair care line suits damaged hair best. Got healthy hair? Look elsewhere as this will be too rich.<br /></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b>Method Hand Soap </b>(x3):<br />Many people swear by Bath and Body Works Anti-bacterial soaps but I think they're overrated and over-fragranced. Method on the other hand makes fantastically scented soaps without the headache inducing perfumes. Also, Method formulates their soaps without triclosan which is a big plus to me. If you're at the supermarket looking for a simple yet unique to the supermarket hand soap, be sure to check out Method. My fave scents? Fresh Currant and Juicy Pear.<br /></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">And there we have it, another gratifying round of empties! </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Have you finished anything lately? Maybe you're feeling inspired to now :)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><b>*Product was provided by PR/Company. All opinions and thoughts expressed are my own.</b></span></span>Ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09838050502859582445noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5815208063730894498.post-91966886936558624812012-08-30T18:49:00.001-07:002012-08-30T18:49:21.039-07:00I've Got Mail - July/August 2012<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">It's the last day of August and of course I'm drowning my sorrows in online shopping. You really can't blame me.. My summer will officially come to a close (until next year) when fall semester starts next week. Throughout this summer, I didn't shop online too much. Perhaps my subconscious knew there were chances my orders could melt during transit so I held off until the weather cooled down. I bet mail will come flooding right in when fall and winter kick in.</span><br />
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Anyway, so the most troublesome order I made this summer was for the Caudalíe Our Favorites Set.<br />
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If you're interested in this particular set, I'm sorry to say it is no longer available. However, there is a newer Our Favorites set but for $35 (instead of the original $28) and it includes an exfoliator instead of a lip balm. The hand cream in the new set is also smaller compared to one in the older set. Both the old and new sets were and are hard to find in stores so there's nothing left but to resort to ordering online. However, I do not recommend Sephora's Canadian website because there are still too many glitches left unfixed.<br />
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The last and prettiest package to come in the mail is the STEAMCREAM tin in Lila.<br />
<a href="http://us.asos.com/" target="_blank">asos</a> had a few STEAMCREAM tins on sale in July and I didn't hesitate to order one. The brand has been on my radar for a long time but I was never fond of the price and the fact that it's hard to track down in stores. Good thing asos has free shipping and discount codes frequently.<br />
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So that's all the pretty mail I got this summer. How about you? Did you receive anything special this summer? </span>Ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09838050502859582445noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5815208063730894498.post-77810427979661830342012-08-27T16:51:00.000-07:002012-08-27T16:51:28.454-07:00What's In My Travel Makeup Bag<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I love to travel but it isn't often that I get to. The last time I left Vancouver, on an airplane, was when I went to Oahu in 2009. Since then, I have only taken a handful of overnight trips to Seattle. Suffice to say, I haven't found the need for a travel cosmetic bag to hold all of my makeup and skincare. However, this recently changed when Mr. Waffle and I went on a 4-day trip to Seattle in July.<br />
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Truthfully, this post is mainly to showcase my favourite travelling cosmetic bag that I recently purchased: the limited edition and now-discontinued <i><b>tokidoki</b> Passport Medium Hanging Travel Bag</i>.</span><br />
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</span></center><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Not only is this travel bag extremely cute but it's very well made too; sturdy and holds a lot. In fact, the bag is so spacious that it could hold all of my basics AND 6 sheet masks. If there were ever to be another tokidoki travel bag like this one, I'd snatch it right up.<br />
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So what would actually go into this too cute of a travel cosmetic bag?<br />
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<div style="text-align: -webkit-center;"><span style="text-align: start;">All of that ^ of course.</span></div></span></center><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">For skincare, the basic necessities would be: Naive Facial Cleansing Foam (any non-drying facial cleanser will do), Simple Cleansing Facial Wipes, 100% Pure Argan Oil Hydration, Kiehl's Ultra Facial Moisturizer*, Creamy Eye Treatment*, and Blemish Control Daily Skin-Clearing Cream Treatment*, Caudalíe Lip Conditioner, and a trusty tube of Lucas Papaw Ointment. Oh, and a tube of Bioré Aqua Rich Watery Mousse Sunscreen!</span><br />
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</span> <span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">For makeup, I would bring: Stila Stay All Day 10-in-1 HD Beauty Balm*, NARS Pure Radiant Tinted Moisturizer, Stila Set & Correct Baked Powder Trio in The Correctors*, Illamasqua Powder Blush in Lover and Cream Blusher in Rude, MAC Fix+, dejavu Lash Knockout, and Sonia Kashuk Eyelash Curler.</span><br />
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When it comes to travelling, I believe in less makeup and more skincare. Travelling can wreak havoc on my skin and because of that, I always bring what I use on a daily basis and the "just in case of emergencies/fix it" products. Makeup won't fix a sudden rash or inflamed cheeks but skincare can. Plus, I can't be bothered with eyeshadows during my vacation or the brushes I'd need to bring to apply it all. </span><br />
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What does your travel makeup bag look like and/or what would you put in it?</span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
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<i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Products marked with * were provided by PR/company for review consideration. </span></i></span> Ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09838050502859582445noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5815208063730894498.post-24779232122388849942012-08-15T15:41:00.000-07:002012-08-15T15:41:42.007-07:00Review: Lush Lemony Flutter<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Lush is the store you either run away from or into, nose first. Admittedly, it took quite a few visits for me to open up to the brand. In fact, it was only last year that I discovered my love for their bath bombs and soaps. In the short time that I have gotten to know the brand, I have also enabled some people into some <i><span style="color: #ffd966;">golden</span></i> purchases. One of my favourite Lush products to date is the Lush Lemony Flutter; "a lemony, buttery cuticle cream".<br />
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<center><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> <img alt="Lush Lemony Flutter" height="456" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7028/6707076097_cf8953c56d.jpg" width="500" /></span></center><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
Truth be told, my nails and cuticles weren't a top priority until they met Lemony Flutter. I would use a cuticle oil occasionally but none of them really helped. Lemony Flutter helps, <i>a lot</i>. The thick, buttery cuticle cream melts into the skin and softens cuticles like no other. Also, the cuticle cream smells so delightful - it has a zesty kick to it but also has a soft fluttery side, almost like lemon cake batter but less buttery.<br />
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Pricing ($14.95 CAD) may seem a bit high for a cuticle butter but it can be used for multiple purposes such as healing dry, cracked heels or elbows. A little black tub lasts quite a long time too. I expect a person would only need two tubs to last a year if they used it as excessively as I do. Unfortunately, the ingredients won't suit everyone. The cuticle cream contains parabens and a few different oils (lavender, lemon, castor, avocado, just to name a few). </span><br />
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<div><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b>Bonus Tip:</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Use Lemony Flutter as a de-stainer! One time I stained my nails with a red polish (didn't use a protective base coat, tsk tsk!) but after applying the cuticle cream three nights in a row, my nails became surprisingly less stained and much whiter than before.</span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
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<b><u> Bottom Line</u>:</b><br />
I highly recommend Lush Lemony Flutter. The buttery, lemony cuticle cream will turn dry cuticles into soft, happy cuticles with a with a bonus de-staining effect. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;"><b><u> Ingredients</u></b></span></span><br />
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</div></div>Ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09838050502859582445noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5815208063730894498.post-19497334687095673922012-07-18T21:46:00.000-07:002012-07-18T21:46:38.512-07:00Just How Brilliant is Lush Cosmetics Emotional Brilliance?<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">The answer to today's blog title and post is <i>very</i>. Emotional Brilliance is <i>very</i> brilliant.<br />
If you want to see for yourself, head on over to your local Lush store on July 21st (this Saturday!!) or any time after to find out for yourself!</span><br />
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The new makeup range will include lip colours, eyeliners, and eyeshadows. Also in the range is a mascara, translucent powder, and two new skin tints.</span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
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The concept behind Lush's new makeup line is quite different than most but instead of spoiling it for everyone, I </span><i style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-weight: bold;">urge </i><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">you to go to Lush this Saturday to learn all about it and play the game to find your </span><i><b style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Strength or Weakness</b><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">, </span><b><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Subconscious Needs</span></b><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">,</span></i><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> and </span><i style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b>Talent</b></i><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">!</span>Ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09838050502859582445noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5815208063730894498.post-23834146289487921632012-07-09T16:34:00.000-07:002012-07-09T16:34:06.838-07:00I'm Feeling Empty - Part 5<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Do you know what time it is? It's empties time, fool! And this time there's a truck load of tossed items too. Despite finishing a bunch of the "good stuff", all of the "bad stuff" has resisted emptying. Thus, I was forced to toss a pile of crap in Round 5.<br />
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<center><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b>Emptied</b><br />
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<img alt="SAM_0591" height="372" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7108/7539157390_67fc2c2f9c.jpg" width="500" /><img alt="SAM_0535" height="417" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8020/7430798156_271692e538.jpg" width="500" /><br />
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</span></center><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> <center><b>Tossed</b><br />
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<b><u>Tally</u></b><br />
Full Size: 9<br />
Deluxe/Travel Size: 8<br />
Samples: 15<br />
Sheet Masks: 10<br />
Tossed: 7<br />
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<b><i>Products I Hate(d) Emptying but Will Repurchase</i>:</b></span><br />
<div><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b>Kate Somerville</b> ExfoliKate (reviewed <i><a href="http://makeupkismet.blogspot.ca/2011/09/review-kate-somerville-exfolikate.html" target="_blank">here</a></i>), <b>Jack Black</b> Intense Therapy Lip Balm in Lemon (reviewed <i><a href="http://makeupkismet.blogspot.ca/2011/06/review-jack-black-intense-therapy-lip.html" target="_blank">here</a></i>), <b>Bison</b> Wakilala Bright Up! Essence (reviewed <i><a href="http://makeupkismet.blogspot.ca/2012/03/review-bison-wakilala-clear-wash-bright.html" target="_blank">here</a></i>), <b>Lush</b> Angel's Delight soap, <b>Lush</b> Lemony Flutter (review to come), <b>Lush</b> Fresh Face Mask in Cupcake, </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b>Caudalíe</b></span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> Premieres Vendanges Moisturizing Cream (definitely purchasing the full size!). </span><br />
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Everything else? Nothing worth mentioning or re-mentioning, especially the items being tossed. Tossed items are either a) old or b) old and crappy. The Mentholatum Acnes Tinted UV Milk was actually quite nice but I turned too dark for it after I tanned last year. Since then, the UV Milk hasn't seen any love and the product turned sour to punish me.<br />
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Honestly, this round of empties felt quite <i>blah.</i> It brings me no joy to empty truly amazing products and tossing things I spent hard earned cash on. I also feel like my emptying mojo is depleting again... Help! Tell me what you've emptied recently! </span></div></div>Ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09838050502859582445noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5815208063730894498.post-18913319854474442992012-06-26T09:17:00.000-07:002012-06-26T09:17:58.039-07:00I've Got Mail - May & June 2012<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Along with a crappy letter the credit card company sent me alerting me my card was e-stolen, I received some pretty packages in May and June.<br />
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The SO sent a package after I learnt we could use my Sephora gift cards on the Sephora US sit. I kindly made an order for a face wash for the SO in March but added a little something, something for myself. There's also a little something, something from Ulta and BurnOut too!</span><br />
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<center><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><img alt="SAM_0378" height="491" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5349/7430747172_0d993deeea.jpg" width="500" /></span></center><center><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; text-align: -webkit-auto;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">From Sephora: NARS Pure Radiant Tinted Moisturizer in Alaska</span></span></center><center><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; text-align: -webkit-auto;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br />
</span></span></center><center><img alt="SAM_0375" height="367" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7257/7430736584_7acfd8d688.jpg" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;" width="500" /></center><center><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> <span style="font-size: x-small;">From Ulta: Real Techniques Expert, Setting, and Shading Brush</span></span></center><center><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br />
<img alt="SAM_0559" height="500" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5463/7437046246_88f80dfce3.jpg" width="313" /><br />
From BurnOut: Eco-Senstive Clean and Clear Sunscreen SPF 32</span></span></center><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
More Real Techniques brushes... In my defense, the RT brushes were buy-one-get-one 50% off. Who could resist the new Expert Face Brush and Setting Brush? Not me of course. The sunscreen speaks for it self. It's summer time & we all need to be smothering on the SPF. BurnOut made it onto EWG's Top Sunscreen list and Jenny of <a href="http://myfunnyvalentineblog.com/" target="_blank">My Funny Valentine</a> wrote a very convincing review on it. </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
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Lastly, we have some some freebies/samples to cancel out some of the spending!<br />
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<center><img alt="SAM_0369" height="313" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8024/7430742550_5c5945a8be.jpg" width="500" /><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Target Beauty Bag</span><br />
<img alt="SAM_0372" height="498" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7268/7430744982_f12c0edc73.jpg" width="500" /><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Sephora + Ulta samples</span></center></span><br />
<div><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I always sign up for the Target Beauty Bag and have it sent to the SO's address. Honestly, I am more interested in the bags than the samples inside. This is the third bag I have successfully signed up for and received and it's by far the best -perfect for summer!</span></div><div><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></div><div><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">From Sephora: </span><i style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">NARS</i><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> Pure Radiant TM in St. Moritz and </span><i style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Hourglass</i><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> No 28 Primer Serum. </span><strike style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Wonderful samples.</strike><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> Wonderful products! They're both going to make killer dents in my wallet when the time comes to (re)purchasing them. </span></div><div><div><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
From Ulta: DDF Protective Eye Cream SPF15+.<br />
</span></div><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">This sample is really disappointing. The </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">expiration date on the tube says 11/11. As in November 2011? Expired samples are unacceptable in my books and I'll be throwing this out just as a precaution. My under eye area has been extra sensitive lately and I am not willing to take any chances. <br />
<br />
And that's a wrap! It feels so nice to get packages again. Have you received anything lately?</span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></div>Ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09838050502859582445noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5815208063730894498.post-21807697389714503562012-06-22T09:00:00.008-07:002012-06-22T13:59:34.463-07:00Review: Rosette Hello Kitty Apple Gommage<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Peeling gels aren't very popular outside of Asia. It's a treat to find a Western brand that makes one but they're usually overpriced unlike the Asian counterparts. Also, the brands aren't always reliable. Most of the ones I've found are sold at mall kiosks.. 'Nuff said. If peeling gels ever do make it big in the Western hemisphere, I'll try to act surprised. Anyway, I've tried a few peeling gels before but the ever so popular CURE remains my favorite. Skinfood's Pinepple Peeling Gel is also nice but the worst would have to be the <i>Rosette Hello Kitty Apple Gommage</i>, which I am reviewing today.<br />
</span><br />
<center><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7255/7418879440_9828e105bd.jpg" /></span></center><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><div><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></div>To start - I blame Rosette's Hello Kitty Apple Gommage for ruining my skin and more importantly, the area under my eyes. The first time I tried the peeling gel, my face turned red and itched like mad. Weeks later, I tried it again but this time I accidentally applied it too close to my under eye area and since then, I have been less than happy. It has been nearly two months and my under eye has not recovered. There's constant redness, dryness, flaking, and wrinkles (at 21!!) involved. This does not bode well for my makeup application. And if you thought I couldn't get any stupider or things couldn't get any worse, I tried the peeling gel for a <i>third time</i>! The third time involved very inflamed, itchy cheeks that didn't recover for days. No amount of concealer could hide the atrocious reaction my skin had to this peeling gel. </span><br />
<div><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Case and point: Do not use this on your face.<br />
<br />
Another thing I hate is the scent. This peeling smells like a Granny Smith apple on the brink of rotting. It'll start out fresh and delicious but quickly degrade into a rotting apple mess. Though, this is only my interpretation of the scent. I haven't seen any other review that highlights the nastiness.<br />
<br />
<b><u>Bottom Line:</u></b><br />
Skip the Rosette Hello Kitty Apple Gommage! It may come cheap (~$9USD) but there are other brands in the same price range. This is not worth overseas shipping rates & wait time nor is it worth the facial risks.<br />
<b><br />
Side note:</b> I do blame myself for applying the peeling gel too close to my eyes but my skin is hardly sensitive. This stuff is hazardous, look elsewhere, I beg of you!</span></div>Ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09838050502859582445noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5815208063730894498.post-70612325682402185712012-06-11T18:33:00.001-07:002012-06-11T21:44:34.364-07:00This or That: 100% Pure Argan Oil Hydration vs. Organic Pomegranate Antioxidant Hydration Facial Moisturizer<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Finding a good daytime facial moisturizer is tough. For awhile now, I have been looking for one that provides a minimum of SPF 30 sun protection, hydrates but doesn't grease me up by noon, and comes in fuss-free packaging. I would also prefer it if the moisturizer played along nicely with my foundation. Then waltz in a wonderful pair - 100% Pure's Argan Oil Hydration Facial Moisturizer with <i>SPF 30</i> and Organic Pomegranate Antioxidant Hydration with <i>SPF 20</i>. But what it all boils down to is which one I'll be repurchasing when the time comes!<br />
</span><br />
<center><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><img alt="SAM_0249" height="500" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7225/7363775076_71650a6875.jpg" width="439" /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b><i>100% Pure Argan Oil Hydration </i>&<i> Organic Pomegranate Antioxidant Hydration Facial Moisturizer</i></b></span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"></span></center><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> Honestly, I thought the decision would be easy to make but just because Argan Oil Hydration has SPF 30, it doesn't bump itself to the top of the list. For starters, it HATES other products such as primer (all and any) and foundation. It enjoys pilling and driving me insane when I use it under or atop of such products. Also, it does get a wee bit greasy throughout the day, more so than the Organic Pomegranate Antioxidant Hydration.<br />
<br />
While 100% Pure's Organic Pomegranate Antioxidant Hydration doesn't turn greasy quick or a lot, it also doesn't hydrate enough. I often add an extra layer of it to compensate for the lack of hydration. What bothers me most though, is the sun protection which is only SPF 20. I <i><b>need</b></i> a minimum of SPF 30! On the bright side, Organic Pomegranate does not pill under or above makeup.<br />
<br />
<b><u>Verdict</u>:</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Both moisturizers are practically at a tie. They both share the same fuss-free, glass bottle packaging with a perfect and even dispensing pump.</span> <span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I recommend and will repurchase <i><b>both</b></i>! For the days that I don't wear makeup, I will use Argan Oil Hydration and Organic Pomegranate Antioxidant Hydration for the days I do. My BB cream has SPF 42 so I am more than protected, in the end. </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Dry, dehydrated skin may enjoy Argan Oil Hydration most but the Organic Pomegranate Antioxidant Hydration is suitable for all skin types. And although both contain SPF, neither leave a white cast!</span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">If you're interested in both daily moisturizers, it's a greater value to buy the </span><a href="http://www.100percentpure.ca/SPF-SKINCARE-DUO-s/579.htm" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">SPF Skincare Duo</a><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> on </span><a href="http://www.100percentpure.ca/" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">100% Pure's website</a><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> and/or select e-tailers. Alone, each moisturizer cost CAD $34/USD $26; fair price in my opinion.</span><br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: xx-small;"><u style="font-weight: bold;">Ingredients</u><br />
<b>100% Pure Argan Oil Hydration:</b><br />
<span style="background-color: white; text-align: justify;">Active Ingredients: 24.8 % Zinc Oxide</span><br style="background-color: white; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: justify;" /><span style="background-color: white; text-align: justify;">Inactive Ingredients: Organic Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice</span><span class="orgRef" style="background-color: white; border: 0px; left: 2px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; position: relative; text-align: justify; top: -3px;">1</span><span style="background-color: white; text-align: justify;">, Rgania Spinosa Kernel (Argan) Oil, Rosa Canina Seed (Rosehip Oil) Extract, Tocopherol (Vitamin E), Extracts of: Euphorbia Cerifera Cera (Candelilla Wax), Organic Camellia Sinensis (Green Tea) Leaf</span><span class="orgRef" style="background-color: white; border: 0px; left: 2px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; position: relative; text-align: justify; top: -3px;">2</span><span style="background-color: white; text-align: justify;">, Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Leaf, Origanum Vulgar (Oregano), Thymus Vulgaris (Thyme), Citrus Grandis (Grapefruit Seed) Seed, Hydrastis Canadensis (Goldenseal), Lonicera Caprifolium (Japanese Honeysuckle) and Cinnamomum Zeylanicum Bark (Cinnamon)<br />
<br />
<b>100% Pure Organic Pomegranate Antioxidant Hyrdation:</b></span><span style="background-color: white; border: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;">Active Ingredients:</span><span style="background-color: white; text-align: left;"> 15% Titanium Dioxide</span><span style="background-color: white; text-align: left;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; text-align: left;">10% Zinc Oxide</span><br style="background-color: white; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;" /><span style="background-color: white; border: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;">Inactive Ingredients: </span><span style="background-color: white; text-align: left;">Organic Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract (Aloe Juice)</span><span class="orgRef" style="background-color: white; border: 0px; left: 2px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; position: relative; text-align: left; top: -3px;">1</span><span style="background-color: white; text-align: left;">, Punica Granatum (Pomegranate) Seed Oil, Tocopherol (Vitamin E), Beeswax, Extracts of Organic Camelia Sinensis Leaf (White Tea) </span><span class="orgRef" style="background-color: white; border: 0px; left: 2px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; position: relative; text-align: left; top: -3px;">2</span><span style="background-color: white; text-align: left;">, Rosmarinus Officinalis Leaf (Rosemary), Origanum Vulgar Leaf (Oregano),Thymus Vulgaris Flower/Leaf (Thyme), Citrus Grandis (Grapefruit) Seed, Hydrastis Canadensis (Goldenseal) and Cinnamomum Zeylanicum Bark (Cinnamon)</span></span>Ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09838050502859582445noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5815208063730894498.post-36738191697942777882012-06-06T12:30:00.000-07:002012-06-06T12:30:19.915-07:00The Ban: It's Over! Or Is It?<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Oh <i><b><a href="http://makeupkismet.blogspot.ca/2012/01/hoarders-lip-gloss-edition-ban_20.html">The Ban</a></b></i>... Can you believe it's over? I can't. Since April 30th, I have been relieved of my own torture and soon after, I threw myself back in the ring. But how did I do the first time around? Well, I failed but not miserably (or so I think).<br />
<b><u></u></b></span><br />
<center><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b><u>The Culprits</u>:</b><br />
<b><i><img alt="SAM_0365" height="500" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7081/7343753810_63382b5997.jpg" width="439" /><br />
Kiehl's</i></b> Lip Balm #1 in: Pear </span></center><center><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b><i>Essence</i></b> You Rock! Lipstain(s) in: Let Me In Rose, Your Pink Is On Fire</span></center><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
On a technicality, I didn't forbid myself from purchasing lip stains. The only exceptions I spoke of were <i><b>tinted lip balms</b></i>. However, because I culled my stash of lip stains in March and brought my stash to a count of zero, I <i>should</i> be making an exception. </span><br />
<div><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></div><div><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">And on another technicality, the Kiehl's lip balms was practically free! When I made a purchase at Kiehl's Metrotown a couple of months back, I was given $15 off my purchase which basically covered the cost of the lip balm... I would like to count that as a pass but again, I'll let the readers decide!</span></div><div><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></div><div><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Anyhow, </span><b style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i>The Ban</i></b><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> isn't actually over; it has simply been revised. </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i><b>So starting today (June 6th, 2012), I will not purchase another lip balm, lip gloss, body lotions, washes, and hand creams until September 1st, 2012.</b></i> </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Looking back at what is essentially </span><i style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b>The Ban: Part I</b></i><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">, I now see how lenient I was with myself. <i>Too lenient.</i></span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> Even though I found it difficult to resist buying more lip balms, I stopped myself with the knowledge that I was wasting money. Could I possible use up all 10 lip balms with SPF before they expire in 2013? No - which means I would end up tossing away quite a few. Hence, a waste of money! Anyway, in order to achieve a better outcome, I must be more strict with my purchases but now to the point I fall into deep depression. The trouble is balance but we'll get to that later.<br />
<br />
<i>Tell me, how are/have your bans gone? Say good, say good!</i></span></div>Ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09838050502859582445noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5815208063730894498.post-56702428211019247272012-06-01T22:17:00.000-07:002012-06-01T22:17:43.819-07:00Back to Blogging + Loving Lately<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">We're half way into the year now and I have <i>barely</i> blogged. I think we can all agree that it's high time I get back to it! But first some basic Q&A to explain where and what I've been up to:</span><br />
<div><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
<b> 1. Where have I been?</b><br />
Answer: Everywhere but my happy place. Along with school and the odd jobs here and there, I have spent almost every waking hour tending to family affairs. There is a lot of sad stuff involved and because I don't want to sadden anyone, I won't get into it! Don't worry though, the storm has passed and all that is left is the clean up.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
<b> 2. What reviews are to come?</b><br />
I made a list of the top priority posts which involve skincare (go figure), blush (Illamasqua!!), and Lush. Hey! That rhymed :)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
<b>3. When is that aforementioned giveaway going to happen?</b></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> Soooon; hopefully by July. Aim for Canada day or is that too corny?<br />
<br />
Lastly...<br />
<br />
<b> 4. What about <i>The Ban</i>?</b><br />
Will be writing up my final words about it next. It deserves a post of its own!<br />
<br />
Any other questions? Ask away in the comments!<br />
<br />
<br />
<b>Onto what I've been "Loving Lately"....</b></span><br />
<br />
<center><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><img alt="SAM_0381" height="500" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8160/7318398444_bbf9486e4b.jpg" width="431" /></span></center><center><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></center><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">theBalm makes great makeup and they've recently wondered into the realms of skincare. I bought one of their skincare sets at Marshall's a few months back and only started testing it recently. The Brazil Nut Eye Perfection Gel is my new favorite eye moisturizer. I may or may not review this but if you have an insanely dry under-eye area like me, you'll LOVE this stuff.<br />
The Apple AHA Daily Face Moisturizer is nice too - keeps my face smooth and hydrated during the day. I am not fond of the scent though.<br />
</span><br />
<center style="text-align: -webkit-auto;"><center><img alt="SAM_0383" height="467" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7092/7318392458_a7869e916a.jpg" width="500" /></center></center><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
Recently started using my Rock & Republic blushes again... Man are these blushes ever pigmented! R&R should forget making jeans and focus on making blushes. They're so good, it's a shame the cosmetics line was discontinued.<br />
</span><br />
<center><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><img alt="SAM_0382" height="465" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8015/7318404066_5bb0e647cd.jpg" width="500" /></span></center><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">The SO & I share a matching scent; Dolce & Gabbana Light Blue. (But of course, he wears Light Blue Pour Homme.) We both really like it but me more than him.<br />
Back when Sephora had their 15% off (in March?), I had purchased the 50ml size but promptly returned it when I came across a better valued gift set at The Bay. The gift set which included a 100ml bottle + bonus 25ml cost $108 but is valued at $167. However, I only paid a little less than $150 because I had a 20% off discount that day.<br />
When it comes to select beauty & perfume brands, I like to purchase them at The Bay now due to the amount of discounts they send to my mom & I. Thus, Sephora is slowly losing it's place in my heart... Oh well, as long as I can get my makeup somewhere, right?<br />
<br />
Anyway, I apologize for being absent but I am back! There are loads of edited posts so I have no excuses to be away any longer!<br />
</span></div>Ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09838050502859582445noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5815208063730894498.post-38107698768502957562012-04-14T23:09:00.000-07:002012-04-14T23:09:36.194-07:00<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: x-large;">BE RIGHT BACK!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: x-large;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: x-large;"><br />
</span>Ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09838050502859582445noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5815208063730894498.post-15936414907134965382012-03-30T12:16:00.001-07:002012-03-30T12:17:10.518-07:00I've Got Mail - March 2012<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Long story short, I am no longer visiting the SO in April. Instead, he will visiting me again in July. He is coming to meet my parent's for the first time... It is going to be<i> so much fun</i> /sarcasm and [insert immense dread here]. And since I am no longer visiting the SO, he mailed out my birthday present instead. (He didn't think I could wait until July to receive my present. He was right.)</span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<center><img src="http://i1056.photobucket.com/albums/t371/MakeupKismet/P1020101.jpg" /><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><img src="http://i1056.photobucket.com/albums/t371/MakeupKismet/P1020079.jpg" /><br />
<img src="http://i1056.photobucket.com/albums/t371/MakeupKismet/P1020090.jpg" /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><img src="http://i1056.photobucket.com/albums/t371/MakeupKismet/P1020096.jpg" /></span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
<i><b>Kate Somerville</b> Ultimate ExfoliKate Kit</i> / <i><b>MAC</b> 130 & Prep + Prime Transparent Finishing Powder</i> / <i><b>Illamasqua</b> Cream Blusher in Dixie</i> /<b> </b><i><b>Paul & Joe</b> Blusher Stick in 003 Minou</i> / <i><b>Milani</b> Illuminating Face Powder in Amber Nectar & Hermosa Rose</i></span></center><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
I know, I know. Don't stone me! A luxury size Exfoli-Kate? Illamasqua blush? Paul & Joe kitty blush? The Milani rose powders? *Spoiled* <br />
<br />
Note for my fellow Canadian beauty lovers - I tried tracking down the Milani powders for us but no luck. After visiting my local Sears and a few Superstores I have come to the fine conclusion that our stores are just slow. Think about it - we got a few of those much loved baked blushes didn't we? We'll have these illuminators in no time... I just know it! <br />
<br />
From Liz, <i>the</i> <a href="http://beautyreductionista.blogspot.com/">Beauty Reductionista</a> -</span><div><br />
<center><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><img src="http://i1056.photobucket.com/albums/t371/MakeupKismet/P1020105.jpg" /><br />
<i><b>CLEAN</b> Provence & Original & Simply Soap</i> / <i><b>ONE</b> Shea Butter Lip Balm</i></span></center><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">She's also a fellow March baby! March babies are awesome, end of story! Oh, and we also smell the best ;P<br />
<br />
To top it all off, some things from Sasa -</span><br />
<br />
<center><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><img src="http://i1056.photobucket.com/albums/t371/MakeupKismet/SAM_0211.jpg" /><br />
<i><b>Hada Labo</b> AHA + BHA Facial Cleanser</i> / <i><b>Rosette</b> Hello Kitty Apple Gommage</i> /<i> <b>Essential</b> Rich Premier Ultra Honey Hair Mask</i> / <i><b>Mentholatum</b> Hand Veil</i></span></center><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
I'm almost out of my favourite cleanser so when Sasa happened to have another free shipping, I had an order ASAP. I was really surprised with how fast this order shipped. It processed in 2 days and arrived 7 days later. Maybe it was a stroke of birthday month luck but shipping is normally never this quick.<br />
<br />
Overall, my happiness rating for March is a solid 8 out of 10. It would be a full 10 out of 10 but I was drowning in presentations and papers this month. There was also the case of the cake-less birthday dinner.. but all in all, March was a good month. Wouldn't you agree?<br />
<br />
</span></div>Ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09838050502859582445noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5815208063730894498.post-7426882473553016682012-03-26T18:41:00.000-07:002012-03-27T21:24:20.644-07:00I'm Feeling Empty - Part 4<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Ever since 2012 started, emptying has been a quick process. There was one week where I managed to empty four full sized body products at the same time. This could possibly be my best record so far. And now that it's a quarter way into the new year, it's time for another epic empties post!<br />
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<u><b> Skincare</b></u></span><br />
<br />
<center><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><img border="0" src="http://i1056.photobucket.com/albums/t371/MakeupKismet/SAM_0204.jpg" /><img src="http://i1056.photobucket.com/albums/t371/MakeupKismet/SAM_0198.jpg" /></span></center><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
<b> My Beauty Diary Sheet Masks</b> - My new rule is that every 10 sheet masks will count as one full size product. The count today? 10.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://makeupkismet.blogspot.ca/2011/05/review-hada-labo-gokujyun-face-wash.html">Hada Labo SHA Facial Wash</a> - I still really, really love this cleanser and I am sad to see it go. However, the AHA + BHA cleanser is much more effective so I'll be repurchasing that one more over this one.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://makeupkismet.blogspot.ca/2011/12/review-marcelle-hydra-c-24h-energizing.html">Marcelle Hydra-C 24H Energizing Hydrating Gel</a> - If you haven't read my review on this fantastic gel moisturizer yet, do it now. It will be the perfect moisturizer during the Spring and Summer. It's refreshing, lightweight and cheaper than my old HG - Clinique Moisture Surge Extended Thirst Relief!<br />
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<b><u>Lip Care</u></b></span><div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b><u><br /></u></b></span><div>
<center><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><img src="http://i1056.photobucket.com/albums/t371/MakeupKismet/SAM_0216.jpg" /></span></center><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> <br />
<b>100% Natural Lip Roll-On Coconut</b>* - This isn't actually emptied but I'm tossing it on account of it is a strange lip oil?? I feel nostalgic each time I use the roll on but the actual oil inside isn't moisturizing and rather greasy.<br />
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<b>Sweet Leaf Bath Co. Pomegranate Lip Balm</b>* - Also unfinished but I'm tossing it out. My lips used to love beeswax-based lip balms but not so much anymore.<br />
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<b>Nivea Milk & Honey Lip Balm</b> - The only lip balm that is actually emptied! I quite like this lip balm and when I thought I had lost it, I bought another tube of it. Soon after, I found the first tube under my car seat. It's cheap and it works, what else can I say?<br />
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<u><b>Hair Care<br /></b></u></span></div>
<div>
<div>
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<center><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><img src="http://i1056.photobucket.com/albums/t371/MakeupKismet/SAM_0196.jpg" /></span></center><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
<b>Suave Professionals Dry Shampoo Spray</b> - This is my second can of Suave's dry shampoo and while I don't use it often, it seems to run out very quickly. It's cheap, it works, I like the scent but it is <i>not</i> available in Canada as far as I can tell. I bought four back ups the last time I crossed the border.<br />
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<b>Korres Hair & Scalp Scrub</b> - Discontinued but I'm not mad or sad about it. This stuff sucked big time.<br />
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<b>Dove Intensive Repair Conditioner</b> - Average conditioner, not much to say about it. It weighs down my hair if I use it too often and it doesn't fight the frizz too well.<br />
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<a href="http://makeupkismet.blogspot.ca/2011/07/review-body-shop-rainforest-moisture.html">The Body Shop Rainforest Moisture Hair Butter</a> - I love this stuff to death! It's the best deep conditioner/hair treatment I have used to date. It's lighter than most conditioners but I still get that deep hydration my hair craves. It fights the frizz, the scent isn't too salon-ish.<br />
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<b><u>Body Care</u></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b><u><br /></u></b></span></div>
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<center><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><img src="http://i1056.photobucket.com/albums/t371/MakeupKismet/SAM_0190.jpg" /></span></center><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
<b>The Body Shop Earth Lovers Apricot & Basil Shower Gel</b> - I thought I liked the smell of Apricot & Basil until half way through the first bottle, I realized I don't. And by first bottle, I mean that it's the first of three to go.<br />
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<b>Lush Honey I Washed the Kids</b> - "Mmmmm" is all I can ever say when I smell Honey I Washed the Kids. The scent doesn't last long but it's enough to make me want to eat my own arm off.<br />
<br />
<b>Soap & Glory Scrub 'Em and Leave 'Em</b> - UGH. Have I mentioned how mad I am that Soap & Glory prices were raised? I have? Well I'm still pissed. For $20+, I say pass on this body exfoliator. It melts quicker than I can spread the stuff over my body. Between Scrub 'Em and Leave 'Em and Scrub, Actually, the latter is much more worthwhile. It works and the squeeze tube packaging is easier to handle in the shower.<br />
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<a href="http://makeupkismet.blogspot.ca/2011/03/eos-everyday-hand-lotion-review.html">eos Refresh Hand & Body Lotion</a> - I will forever hate the smell of this lotion but forever love the formula. If you've ever tried the hand lotion, they're exactly the same. As I hand lotion, I own and use better but as a body lotion, it's great for the warmer seasons. The lotion delivers the perfect amount of hydration without any residue. It spreads easily and it's also fast-absorbing. Though, the SO whom has acute dermatitis can't use this lotion. Each time he's used it, he break out in itchy hives.<br />
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<b><u>Deluxe Samples</u></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b><u><br /></u></b></span></div>
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<center><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><img height="283" src="http://i1056.photobucket.com/albums/t371/MakeupKismet/SAM_0200.jpg" width="400" /></span></center><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
<b>Elizabeth Grant Biocollasis Complex Gentle Cleanser</b> - When Luxe Box was still called Loose Button, I jumped on the subscription band wagon. In my box was this cleanser. The cleanser has a thin, fluid consistency similar to the Korres White Tea fluid cleanser. However, this cleanser turns into a foamy, drying mess. Although the cleanser is touted to re-balance the skin's natural pH, it does the opposite for me. Do not recommend.<br />
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<b>Avène</b> - No idea what this stuff is called but it's one of Avène's makeup removing lotions but with a gel texture. I hate it.<br />
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<b>Sonia Kashuk Eye Makeup Remover</b> - Love, love, love! To be fair, I will officially review this eye makeup remover when Canada opens its first Target.<br />
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<b>Korres Vitamin E Face Primer</b> - No matter what moisturizer I used underneath, this primer would always pill. Instead of a smooth canvas, I ended up with little bits on my face and my foundation would look uneven and streaky.<br />
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<b>One 'n Only Argan Oil</b> - My hair dresser gave this oil treatment way back when my hair was damaged to no end. Of course, I forgot to use it until now and even with my healthier hair, I find this argan oil to be "meh". Dimethicone is the very first or second ingredient listed in the back while "argan oil" is further down. This probably explains the "meh" response my hair had.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<center><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><img height="313" src="http://i1056.photobucket.com/albums/t371/MakeupKismet/SAM_0217.jpg" width="400" /></span></center><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> <br />
<b>Pond's Evening Sooth Wet Cleansing Towelettes</b> - Surprisingly good but I won't be repurchasing. Pond's still tests on animals *sadface*<br />
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<b>Murad Time Release Acne Cleanser</b> - No good. NO GOOD!<br />
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<b>Nexcare Acne Dressing</b> - I am waiting for the perfect angry pimple to review the Nexcare Acne Dressing, I swear. These little sticker things are magnificent and everyone and anyone needs an emergency pack on hand!<br />
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<u><b>Samples<br /></b></u></span></div>
<div>
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<center><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><img src="http://i1056.photobucket.com/albums/t371/MakeupKismet/SAM_0218.jpg" /></span></center><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
Lastly, the samples I managed to plow through (not many) since January. I mainly focused on hair shampoo & conditioner packets and now it's time to go through some tinted moisturizers and foundation samples. I have many skincare samples to go through too but I'm happy with my regimen at the moment. Time to tally!</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
Full size: 10<br />
Deluxe/Travel size: 8<br />
Samples: 14<br />
Tossed: 2<br />
<br />
I will admit that there are moments where I want to simply throw out a product but when I can help it, I do my best and persevere and that is what makes emptying such a rewarding experience for me. But that's just me.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i>What about you? What do you like about emptying and how well have you been doing with your emptying challenge?</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">* Items marked with an asterisk were a part of a giveaway prize.</span> </span></div>
</div>
</div>Ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09838050502859582445noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5815208063730894498.post-54129516767557000352012-03-22T03:05:00.001-07:002012-03-22T03:06:13.749-07:00Upcoming: A Giveaway!<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i>Finally</i>, a giveaway! There is no particular reason for it besides the fact that I haven't had one since last year (the only one of the year, actually...)!<br />
<br />
I am utterly and completely grateful for those of you that follow Makeup Kismet.<br />
But I have a very important question to ask - how many of you are international-based (outside of Canada & the US)? When I read over the comments, I can tell that most of my readers are US or Canada-based. I haven't noticed a significant amount of comments from international readers but if there <i>is</i> a lot of you but more of the quiet lurker-type followers, I will make this a <b><i>worldwide</i></b> giveaway. The reason why I don't just do it anyway is because <i>I don't want (an excessive amount of) people to end up following Makeup Kismet just to enter the giveaway. </i>I hope you guys understand!<br />
<br />
Anyway, here's the tease-pleasing photo...<br />
</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MTOIYZeHK6Q/T2r4dDUSmgI/AAAAAAAAAM8/DG5tEC2qh_g/s1600/P1020116.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MTOIYZeHK6Q/T2r4dDUSmgI/AAAAAAAAAM8/DG5tEC2qh_g/s400/P1020116.JPG" width="390" /></a></div><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
You can expect a lot whole more when the time comes ;) </span>Ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09838050502859582445noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5815208063730894498.post-10677434136082486772012-03-07T14:26:00.000-08:002012-03-07T14:26:32.829-08:00Review: Bison Wakilala Clear Wash & Bright Up Essence<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Curiosity got the best of me, again. How else could I explain a rather strange purchase for armpit wash and essence? Indeed, the products sound terribly un-sexy but as weird as it is, this duo of pit cleaners is quite helpful!<br />
</span><br />
<center><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><img alt="SAM_0107" height="378" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7203/6929586123_4ce63d8e11.jpg" width="500" /></span></center><center><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></center><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">When it comes to deodorants, there are the types that don't last and the ones that last too long. The Bison Wakilala Clear Wash ($8-14 USD/CAD) takes care of both issues. It has the ability to make natural deodorants last longer but also washes off all traces of heavy duty, clinical strength deodorants. It's kind of awesome, really. The wash also has exfoliating beads to help slough off dead skin on the underarms. Gross, but very satisfying!<br />
<br />
Then there's the Bright Up Essence ($8-14 USD/CAD) which is more like a toner but for the pits. The essence ensures that all traces of stink, deodorant and dead skin are gone. Similar to an astringent toner, the essence stings on open cuts and such. I would not recommend using this after waxing or plucking! The essence also leaves the underarms feeling very chilled and wet. It's a strange feeling but I think it'll be very satisfying in warmer weather.<br />
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Both products smell great; lemony, sweet and tart. I'd absolutely love it if Bison made an accompanying deodorant in the same scent! While the duo doesn't whiten the pits (I wish), it does brighten up the area.<br />
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<b><u>Bottom Line</u>:</b><br />
Strange but true, I love the Bison Wakilala line. I highly recommend the Clear Wash whether you use natural and clinical strength deodorant. The essence isn't a must but it is a treat. Unfortunately, for one tube of Clear Wash, I need two bottles of Bright Up Essence. This does become a little expensive and the only place I would recommend buying either products from is <a href="http://web1.sasa.com/SasaWeb/eng/sasa/home.jsp">Sasa</a>.<br />
</span>Ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09838050502859582445noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5815208063730894498.post-81583896696274454542012-02-29T13:11:00.000-08:002012-02-29T13:11:16.849-08:00I've Got Mail - February 2012<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">February has been a fantastic month but I'm not sad to see it pass. But, before I jump into March and birthday month celebrations, I would like to celebrate a belated Valentine's day! <br />
<br />
Instead of flowers, the SO sent me.... a bouquet of brushes!</span><br />
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<center><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><img alt="SAM_0074" height="425" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7186/6783483438_2807dd1f9e.jpg" width="500" /><br />
<img alt="SAM_0083" height="530" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7038/6929595811_9624bc67a3.jpg" width="500" /></span></center><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
And some miscellaneous stuff from Sephora.</span><br />
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<center><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><img alt="SAM_0084" height="312" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7042/6783478642_cd7aa41501.jpg" width="500" /></span></center><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
I love EcoTools brushes but I haven't tried many of their eye brushes. Verdict? They're just as good as the face brushes. Also, this is my first time trying Real Techniques brushes and I have concluded that I love them too. Though, I did get one faulty brush within the Real Techniques Core Collection set. The Buffing Brush shed in chunks during it's first washing. Now I fear that if I wash it a second time, the whole head will come out and since the brush comes in a set, I can't buy an individual replacement. On the bright side, at least all of the other brushes are perfectly fine.<br />
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With so many new brushes, it is only fitting I get a new base product to go with them, right?<br />
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<center><img alt="SAM_0091" height="500" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7191/6783480046_81be1e58f4.jpg" width="290" /></center><br />
The Bourjois Healthy Mix Serum Gel Foundation is all the rave but I've read that the original Healthy Mix Foundation is all the same. Thus, when I saw it for half the price of the serum version on ASOS, I ordered a bottle in #53 Light Beige. It's a fairly good match and the coverage is exactly what I'm looking for. If the shade wasn't sold out already, I'd get an extra bottle. Hoarder? Most definitely, but the foundation <i>is </i>that good.<br />
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And if things didn't seem great already, it gets so much better. The ever so wonderful and awesome <a href="http://beautyreductionista.blogspot.com/">Liz</a> surprised me with...<br />
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</span><center><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><img alt="SAM_0112" height="500" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7201/6929589771_0e97b40a55.jpg" width="478" /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i>Stila Make Me Blush blush!!!!!!</i></span></center><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
I missed out on Make Me Blush when it first came out and again recently during a flash sale on Hautelook but Liz sent me hers and I will treasure it always! The blush was supposed to help me stay strong during the ban but a few nights ago, I failed by buying a lip balm. If it helps my case, the lip balm was practically free. I had a discount that covered the price of the lip balm and a little more so really, I shouldn't be punished. But as always, I'll leave that for everyone else to decide in the comments. Let the judging begin! </span>Ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09838050502859582445noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5815208063730894498.post-16035467254495159432012-02-28T09:00:00.025-08:002012-02-28T19:36:43.456-08:00Pretty, Pretty, Please....<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">.... update your subscriptions to Makeup Kismet!<br />
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Google is going to make things a little difficult for bloggers and readers once March hits so for other ways to stay up to date with Makeup Kismet, you can now follow the blog through</span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> </span><a href="http://www.bloglovin.com/blog/2464313/make-up-kismet?claim=8getnr2a7gr" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"></a><a href="http://www.bloglovin.com/blog/2464313/make-up-kismet?claim=8getnr2a7gr">Bloglovin</a><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> and of course</span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> </span><a href="http://feedburner.google.com/fb/a/mailverify?uri=makeupkismet" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Email</a><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">, </span><a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/makeupkismet" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">RSS</a><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">, and </span><a href="https://twitter.com/#!/MakeupKismet" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Twitter</a><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">.<br />
</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QtmoXUx5biM/T0x44vbasaI/AAAAAAAAAM0/yKNecllgk0E/s1600/SAM_0041.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="245" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QtmoXUx5biM/T0x44vbasaI/AAAAAAAAAM0/yKNecllgk0E/s400/SAM_0041.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Demon dog is watching you and he hopes to see you again soon!</i></div><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span>Ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09838050502859582445noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5815208063730894498.post-83632577973376436772012-02-22T15:06:00.000-08:002012-02-22T15:06:33.986-08:00The Ban: An Update ft. Random Beauty Snapshots<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">To make up for the lack of posts this month, I gathered a few snapshots of some beautiful palettes to fill the void.</span><br />
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<center><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><img alt="P1020052" height="375" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7047/6920030293_44f424aeb5.jpg" width="500" /><br />
<img alt="P1020045" height="377" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7058/6920020923_e7fe01bef2.jpg" width="500" /><br />
<img alt="P1020049" height="375" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7177/6773912634_c2bcae218c.jpg" width="500" /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><img alt="P1020048" height="382" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7069/6920025493_c95cc8db18.jpg" width="500" /><br />
<img alt="P1020047" height="396" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7069/6920023305_d1b35d29cf.jpg" width="500" /></span></center><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
Am I forgiven now? I'll take that as a yes or a "I hate you, for flaunting your beautiful palettes, jerk".<br />
<br />
The pictures </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">were taken with my new camera which I am still learning how to use. I really should have paid attention in Photography 11 classes... </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Anyhow, about the ban - it's going good, really good! I haven't had any urges that need resisting and it helps that I haven't left my house much this month. Hopefully I can keep this up until the ban ends because I quite enjoy a fatter wallet and less cramped makeup drawers!<br />
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What about you guys, any updates on your bans or have decided to implement one? I wish I had more tips to share, maybe next month! </span>Ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09838050502859582445noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5815208063730894498.post-62320012480641466882012-01-31T09:41:00.000-08:002012-01-31T09:41:51.272-08:00I've Got Mail + Julep Review<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">January has been a very strange month. Along with losing my blogging mojo (temporarily!), I also received some very devastating news. But what better way to get my mind off of things than by opening the door for the mail man. This month I received 3 packages, all of which came from Julep.<br />
<br />
Julep had a $0.01 </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">deal early in December that I couldn't say no to. <b><i>BUT</i></b> I</span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> stupidly forgot to cancel the next subscription date and was charged $19.99 for another box (that I did not want!!). </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">The bright side (not really) is that I ended up receiving a free introductory package too. What a delightful surprise (again, not really). R</span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">egardless of Seattle being so close to Vancouver, the boxes took forever to get here; 3 weeks, roughly.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> <br />
But onto what Julep personally picked out for me based on my style, "Classic with a Twist" -</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />
<center><a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7012/6759203765_429e19380f.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="SAM_0061" border="0" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7012/6759203765_429e19380f.jpg" /></a><img alt="SAM_0052" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7016/6759199221_258a34143b.jpg" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;" /></center><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> Red is a classic shade, don't get me wrong, but did I have to get one in <i>every</i> subscription? The worst part was the "twist" they gave me; a variety of pink's and one unsuspecting blue. Red AND pink - where is the twist in that? Pink is also a classic shade, isn't it??</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Now I know I shouldn't complain because subscription boxes are all about "surprises" and if I had checked my Julep account sooner, I wouldn't have ended up with so many red's and pink's but eh? Why did I end up with two reds that are practically identical? </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> <br />
As for the nail polishes themselves, they're not the greatest and definitely not worth $14 per bottle. Demi (one of the burgundy red's) chipped an hour after I applied it. The formula is also on the thick side but even so, 2 coats is not enough for a seamless finish.<br />
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Last note - I hate the bottle shape. It was cool at first but after opening each bottle, I noticed the caps wouldn't align properly with the bottle. The neat freak in me wants to twist the caps a little loose so they bottles look even but that would inevitably make the polishes age and bubble up quicker.<br />
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<b><u>Bottom Line</u>:</b><br />
If I wasn't clear at all - I do not like Julep's subscription program. Their subscription is the least worthwhile subscription out there for me. While the colours they offer can be enticing, I'd much rather go to the drugstores and pick out my own colours and for less than $20. But hey, if you like surprises and nail polish, this might be the subscription for you.<br />
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Have you tried Julep's subscription program? What do you think about them? </span>Ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09838050502859582445noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5815208063730894498.post-18790016645476683262012-01-20T15:33:00.000-08:002012-01-20T15:34:14.640-08:00Hoarders: Lip Gloss Edition + The Ban<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">We've seen the <a href="http://makeupkismet.blogspot.com/2011/05/hoarders-lip-balm-edition.html">lip balm</a> and the <a href="http://makeupkismet.blogspot.com/2011/12/hoarders-lipsticks-edition.html">lipstick</a> collection already so now it's time to showcase the lip glosses.</span><br />
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<center><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><img alt="SAM_0049" height="500" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7162/6733097733_9c1a826070.jpg" width="489" /></span></center><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Count: 20.</span><br />
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It may be hard to believe but the lip gloss stash used to be <i>half</i> this size up until a few months ago! Since I rarely wear lip gloss I feel it is necessary to put a plug on the lip gloss hoarding. Welcome <a href="http://eyeheartit.blogspot.com/">Larie</a> and her group no buy/limited buy plan. </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Without thinking twice about it, I have volunteered to join in this torturous project.</span><br />
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So starting today up until April 30th, I will not purchase the following items:<br />
mascara, eyeliner, lip gloss, or lip balm (tinted lip balms <i><b>do not</b></i> count!)<i>.</i> If the aforementioned items pop up in gift sets or pre-packaged sets, those will not count. Otherwise, the ban is pretty straight forward. I figure the shorter and simpler it is, the less room there is for loopholes and more room for victory!<br />
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Buuuuut..... if you count a month long break as a loophole then that's the big one. My birthday month (and <a href="http://beautyreductionista.blogspot.com/">Liz</a>' - remember that folks!) is March so a break is oh so necessary. The ban will resume as soon as the month is over of course but still, a loophole is a loophole no matter how you justify it. <br />
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Although I have fears of failing, I will be strong for my ban buddies; <a href="http://eyeheartit.blogspot.com/">Larie</a>, <a href="http://beautyreductionista.blogspot.com/">Liz</a>, and <a href="http://makeupmorsels.wordpress.com/">Makeup Morsels</a>. Let's not forget about <a href="http://www.beauty-reflections.com/">Tracy</a>, the blush fiend going on a six month long blush ban!<br />
There are more like us and why we torture ourselves like this, I don't know. I just hope we all make it out of our bans sane and maybe even a little bit richer. Wish us luck! </span>Ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09838050502859582445noreply@blogger.com0