Wednesday, June 26, 2013

Beauty is Pain

I don't care WHO tells you otherwise, beauty hurts. But hey, nothing makes me feel hotter than a pair of kick-ass black stilettos. It's totally worth it, until I have to stumble my way home, and not because of too many drinks...I swear. My first day working at a bar in Boston I was walking home (completely sober) and some guy commented on the fact that I had "too much to drink." Awkward...was it just my walk or do I permanently look drunk all of the time? This might be another issue I have to worry about. 

I've been wearing heels since I was 8, seriously. I was like a human Asian Barbie to my parents. My dad still talks about the Miss Pre-Teen Boston days, which was 9 years ago. That being said, I've been wearing heels for years, and yes I can probably tolerate them better than most, but stilettos and peep toes are no walk in the park. 

Luckily, I saw that BzzAgent was having a Dr. Scholl's Campaign and I had to sign up for it. I was sent Dr. Scholl's High Heel Insoles for free and was so excited to try them out! For graduation I bought these beautiful, professional and classic wedges from Off 5th, but they were a little uncomfortable. I dealt with it for graduation, but when I started wearing them to work, 8 hours really felt like 15. I finally received them in the mail and couldn't wait to try them on. AND THEN...

Man oh man, another dissatisfying, turn off and let down for a future blog post. I was really disappointed because I am constantly in high heels and working in the city requires a lot of walking. The wrong insole size really does take away from the entire product itself. Weirdly enough, the insoles only come in one size, suitable for sizes 6-10, which really makes zero sense. I don't know any grown women that are a size 6. That's tiny! 

The one good thing about the insoles is that they do stay in place. Fab job Dr. Scholl's. I can recommend the Dr. Scholl's For Her High Heel Insoles for women that are a size 7-8, unfortunately I don't fit in that category with my monstrous feet. 

I still use them because it helps slightly, but if they only come in one size, then it's not really worth my money. 

Taking a look at the rest of the line, I'd be interested in trying some of their other products, like the Rub Relief line for blisters or the Ball of Foot Cushions. It's a shame that these insoles are at the top of my turn offs list. Oh well, it's just an excuse to buy more shoes, you know, that are "more comfortable."

High heels are pleasure with pain :: Christian Louboutin

Thursday, June 20, 2013

Minx Brings Out Your Inner Beyonce

I have a ridiculous problem with biting my nails. It's gross, I know, and it's a terrible habit, but when my nails are done it's like I have no temptation whatsoever, as if there was a little person on my shoulder saying, "No Natasha, your nails look too fab to bite." And of course I reply saying, "Well of course my nails look fab!"

My nails need to look fresh as f*#! for me not to bite them.  The second my nail polish chips, is fading or has an indentation, byeee pretty nails. I've also had a much busier schedule since I graduated college and got a job (still weird to say) so I don't want to have to sit around waiting for my nails to dry.

I had tried nail stickers before, but it wasn't love at first sight. I mean yeah it was cool that I could rock leopard print nails, but it wasn't my new obsession. Until I stumbled upon Minx.
I was exploring the clearance section at UIta and I noticed a box of Minx crammed in the back of the shelf. I remember Beyonce talking about these a few years ago and she even rocked them this year at the Super Bowl. Being a huge Beyonce fan, I had to. They were marked down to $4.99! It was a sign that'd I'd fall in love I bet. I only bought one set to try out. I first used them on my ring finger as accent nails. Then one day when I was bored and didn't want to deal with wet nail polish, I applied Minx to all of my nails! I was always skeptical because I thought it would be too much, but hell, I felt like Sasha Fierce.

Of course my next trip to Ulta consisted of raiding the clearance section for more Minx! I've tried Sally Hansen nail stickers too, but something has me hooked on Minx. The staying power is phenomenal and the foil appearance is hot.

Get Minxed

Monday, June 10, 2013

I've Got Money to Blow

Well not really...

I mean I don't have any bills to pay, although my mom made me pay her back $20 for parking yesterday. That caught me a little off guard. 

Let's just say since I have no responsibilities, aside from going to work and the gym of course, I have been shopping...a lot. But, hey, everyone goes through the I-just-graduated-and-got-a-job-so-now-I'm-going-to-celebrate-and-buy-things phase. My old college roommate (weird) and friend, Cara, could back me up on this one. 


Now, let's go through my fabulous list of things I have bought since I've been in Boston. Oh, and spending 99% of my free time in Back Bay does not help my shopping problem. 

Chanel, Soleil Tan de Chanel Bronzing Makeup Base 
This is a bronzer I've been eyeing for forever! A ton of beauty bloggers rave about this bronzer and it has been impossible to find. I'm glad I bought it. It will last a while and gives a flawless, natural sun-kiss to the face. 


Too Faced, Better Than False Lashes 
Eh. I tried it this morning and I'd rather take the time and effort into putting on real false lashes. Who knows, maybe I'll perfect the 3-step false-lash mascara, but all I know is that my eyes itched and looked spidery! Not cute and not comfortable. 

Healthy Sexy Hair, Soy Tri-Wheat Leave In Conditioner 
It kind of smelt like a man...and I kind of liked it. I haven't been using it long enough to know how effective it is, and hell I need a trim anyway, but I prefer spray leave-in products over oils and cream. Also, for a more high-end product, $16.95 is cheap! 

Macadamia Natural Oil, Reviving Curl Cream 
Yeah...no. This was a huge let-down for me (future Turn Offs and Let Downs?) It smelt bad and made me look like an awkward middle-schooler again. Maybe that is why it was on sale...

Dior, Diorskin Ultra-Shimmering All Over Face Powder in Amber Diamond
Haven't tried this yet, but I've been wanting to try it for years! Literally. My beauty advisor at the Dior counter, who is the only person I go to for Dior, actually applied it on me as a highlight and on my eyes. That's why I don't feel too bad spending so much money on it. It's versatile. 

Dior, Lip Glow
Again, another product I've been wanting since it released. This nourishing balm enhances your natural lip color, so it's different on everyone! Yes, it's gimmicky, but it actually works. On me, it's a muted, hot pink, but on my co-worker it was just a "my lip color, but better" color. Coolest lip product, ever. 

Sephora Triple Action Cleansing Water
Cleansing waters are better for dry skin because you're not using tap water to wash your face that could irritate your skin. Cleansing waters are really popular in Europe where the water is harsher there. I've been using this for about a week and I like it. I might have to try Dior's because I used there's the other day in store and it felt a lot more gentle, refreshing and soothing. Sephora's cleansing water is still great and less-expensive. 

Bobbi Brown, Corrector in Porcelain Peach
A must-have for makeup artists and beauty-lovers everywhere, I had to buy it. I do love it, since peach brightens up my under-eye area and it doesn't crease, but it is a little bit of a drier formula. This is my daily concealer. 

Real Techniques, Expert Face Brush
After you read my blog post, you should stop what you're doing, go to ULTA and buy this brush. The best brush for any sort of BB Cream, Foundation or Tinted Moisturizer. It buffs any coverage perfectly onto the skin, leaving a natural and flawless finish. 

NARS, Radiant Cream Concealer in Custard
This is very similar to my Chanel concealer, but cheaper. This concealer has been raved about and when the makeup artist from NARS applied this on my red marks as well as my under-eyes, I understood why. 

Lancome, Artliner in Noir
My favorite liquid liner. Ever. It's dark. It's fluid. It's smooth. It's easy to use. Enough said. 

Lancome, Color Design Eye Brightening Palette in 307
I bought this because it came with the full-size liner, as well as a mini Hypnose Drama mascara, but the bright purple eye color caught my attention as well. Haven't used the palette yet, but Lancome makes phenomenal eye products. 

Urban Decay, Naked Basics Palette 
It's about time I got hooked on Naked. Now that I have the Basics Palette, what next? Naked 1 or 2? Warm tones vs. cool tones. Any suggestions? Oh, and yes this palette is awesome. I barely have any matte colors so this was a must. 

Dior, Diorskin Nude Tan Paradise Duo in Coral Glow
Beautiful. The packaging, the bronzer, the blush, the brush, it's all beautiful! When the coral and bronzer are mixed together it makes the most beautiful coral glow (hence the name?) but they work great separately as well. The brush is made out of goat hair and is amazing quality, which you don't see often in a packaged brush.

Spornette, Little Wonder #111 Brush
Why did I get this brush? I'm not really sure, but it makes my hair really smooth for when I need a tight pony or a top bun. It's also great for teasing. 
Amore Pacific, Moisture Bound
I bought this to sort of replace my Urban Decay setting spray because my skin is getting so dry. It doesn't provide lasting power like UD, but it helps my skin stay hydrated to prevent cakey-looking foundation and it refreshes my skin throughout the day. It doesn't hurt that it smells amazing either. 

Organix, Brazilian Keratin Therapy Express
I have yet to try this, but I thought that I would give it a try after I get my hair trimmed. $9.99 sounds and feels a lot better than $600. 

NARS, Larger Than Life Long-Wear Eyeliner in Barrow Street
I fell in love with this at the counter. The most beautiful minty-green eyeliner I have ever seen and it wasn't gaudy at all. It's a great color for the waterline to brighten up the eyes, but I wish the liner itself was a little softer. I'll try rubbing it on my hand first to warm it up. 

NARS Velvet Gloss Lip Pencil in New Lover
This is a great gloss in a lovely pink color that's not too overwhelming. This also lasts very long for being a gloss and I'd definitely recommend this for when you're going out. 

Rimmel London, Lasting Finish by Kate Lipstick in 01
It smells good, is an awesome red and is by Kate Moss so I said, "Hey, why not?" 

Anastasia Beverly Hills, Tinted Brow Gel in Granite 
Yet another product I've been dying to get and thank goodness I waited to purchase this in the Prudential Center Sephora! They know what they're talking about. The lady here was the only one to recommend Granite for me and it looked so much more natural than Brunette or Espresso. Other Sephora's should get their stuff together. This is perfect for daily use or when you're in a rush. 

L'Oreal, Nail Color in Creme Puffs 
This is a really unique color because it's a cream color with a yellow undertone. It looks great on the nails and is long-lasting. 

Korres, Greek Yoghurt Advanced Nourishing Sleeping Facial
I got two of the sample sizes of this because I had 800 points at Sephora. Actually 800 points. This was great alone, but I mix it with almond oil for extra hydration. 

Palmers, Cocoa Butter Bottle & Jar
These products are called the same thing, so I'm going to call one "Bottle" and the other "Jar." The one in the bottle is more of a lotion-y texture. I use this for my upper body. The jar is a very thick texture. I honestly can't describe it. When you tip the jar upside down, the product doesn't move. It reminds me of a more emollient-like coconut oil. This is great for legs and..um..the bikini area. It also smells so good! 

NARS, Sheer Glow Foundation in Punjab 
Love this foundation because it's perfect for daily use and is actually my color! I would say NARS and Lancome make the perfect foundation colors for my skin tone. I don't really know what else to say. It's sheer, gives you a nice glow, probably why it's called Sheer Glow. 

Lancome, Teint Idole Ultra 24H 
I lost this already. I bought it two days ago. It will turn up somewhere, I'm sure. Anyway, this is an amazing foundation for going out or that special occasion. It provides moderate-to-fuller coverage but doesn't look cakey. It's also long-lasting so there's no need for a setting spray. 

Wow, writing this all down makes me realize how much I've actually spent. This doesn't even count the shoes and clothes I've bought. Uh oh...someone take away my credit card and throw my cash into my savings. Hey, that still won't save me. 

A store can awaken a lust for things you never even knew you needed :: 
Confessions of a Shopaholic