Monday, October 29, 2012

DIY Last Minute Halloween Idea Costume Minnie Mouse Mickey Mouse Headband Costume Belt


things you need...



1x black felt $0.29
1x red felt $0.29
1x hot glue gun $2.79

cut out your circles...
you'll need 4x circles for this project
each circle should be around 3.5 - 4in in diameter depending on how big you want your mouse ears to be

i just used a coaster as a guide and trace the circle on the felt and cut them out. 




here comes the crafty part.. HOT GLUE the edges together!

place hot glue on the edge of one black circle  leaving an opening of approximately 1in, and place the other circle on top

repeat these steps until you have two black circle 'pouches'

now you need a hand full of cotton balls!

stuff these cotton balls inside of the two circle pouches, until these pouches are fluffy and able to hold up (you don't want floppy mickey mouse ears!)





your fluffy mickey mouse ears should look something like the these..
you can either sew or hot glue the ears on top of a black headband

i sewed and hot glued mine because i want the ears to stay put or maybe im just paranoid haha


when you're done, you should have something like this!

you can stop here if you are dressing up as mickey for Halloween.

but since im going to dress up as minnie, i'm going to add a cute bow on it!



to make a bow, you will need your red felt! i just quadruple folded my red felt and cut them into four strips (each felt should be 2in width and 11in length, since these felt sheets i purchased at Micheal's were about the same size as standard printing paper) 

for the bow, you only need one red felt strip...

hot glue or sew the ends together, you then get a 'loop', all you have to do is lay flat the loop, pinch the middle and wrap a small felt in the middle and hot glue.



now, just glue your bow on your headband, and you should have something like this!



as you can see, the black polka dot dress i'm going to wear is quiet plain and i want to add something to the outfit other than the ears. so i decided to wear a red belt with it.

since i don't own a red belt and i don't want to go out and buy one (cuz what are the chances im going to wear a red belt?! once twice a year, not worth it!) so im going to make my own!

 remember those 3 strips that we have left over from the bow? just hot glue them together! 

FYI this "belt" should be around 33in in length, trim or extend the belt by adding another strip of felt

you can make this belt less ghetto or should i say 'fancy' by sewing a button on one end and cutting a buttonhole on the other end..

and you should have something like this!





this DIY project costed me $3.22 because michaels always have coupons!

of coz i didn't include the cost of cotton balls and buttons.. if you don't have cotton balls, just substitute it with tissue paper/paper towel etc. and please dont go out and buy buttons, im sure you can find some around the house.. you know how they always include a lose button when you buy your shirts or coats.. now it's the chance to use them! ;)

happy Halloween everyone!

OOTD :)



Saturday, October 20, 2012

REVIEW Tarte Fantastic Foursome Amazonian Clay Blush Set

I mentioned this tarte amazonian clay blush set on my previous post.

This Tarte Fantastic Foursome 4-Piece Amazonian Clay 12-Hour Blush Enthusiast Set was out of stock for the longest time on sephora.com and in store! i went to at least 5 sephora around my area and they were all sold out! though it was still available on tartecosmetics.com, i still didn't feel like spending money when i had some sephora store credit that i can use..

Just over the weekend, i went to visit a friend in LA and we went shopping together and of course.. we went to sephora! I didn't have anything in mind to buy because i knew the friends and family sale is just around the corner (Mid November 2012), and sephora is already having their 20% off friends and family online which started two days ago (October 18, 2012, limited to sephora employees' fnf)

though i found this tarte blush set that i was looking for ages! i knew i couldnt pass this up! it's been out of stock for a while and i found it in store! (yay i can finally use my store credits! lol) even i paid full price for this set, it's still a good deal.

there are 4 blushes in this kit, these blushes are 0.1oz each (full size is 0.2oz and they are $25 each) which makes means each of these blushes worth $12.50. this set's retail value should be $50 instead of $60

from Left to Right...Tarte Amazonian Clay 12-Hour Blush in Angelic (shimmering champagne), Fantastic (soft fuchsia), Magic (pink coral), Stellar (shimmering nude) 


What it is:
A four-piece blush set featuring tarte’s bestselling formula in universally flattering shades. 

What it does:
Deliver the perfect flush of irresistible color to your cheeks with this collection of dazzling formulas. Each nutrient-rich shade is infused with Amazonian clay for 12 hours of clinically proven, fade-free wear time and mineral pigments to soothe and soften skin. The array of enchanting hues will suit every occasion, outfit, and mood with the perfect flush of pretty. 

This set contains:
- 4 x 0.1 oz Amazonian Clay 12-Hour Blush in Angelic (shimmering champagne), Fantastic (soft fuchsia), Magic (pink coral), Stellar (shimmering nude) 

What it is formulated WITHOUT:
- Parabens
- Sulfates
- Synthetic Fragrances 
- Petrochemicals
- Phthalates
- GMOs
- Triclosan




Friday, October 12, 2012

VoxBox from Influenster


i signed up for Influenster a few months back after i heard about it on youtube. put it off for 2-3 months because when i first signed up, i was completely clueless.

just lately, i started seeing all these youtube videos about influenster, thought i'd give it a try and see what's the hype all about and im more than excited to share it with everyone! lol



what is Influenster...
Influenster is a social networking, user review website. influensters(members) will take surveys and write reviews on www.influenster.com in order to earn badges, after collecting certain amount of badges, influensters will qualify to recive a FREE box of products to try out (both full size and sample size!)

What is a VoxBox?
A box full of products that you get from influenster.com for FREE if you qualify

How can I get an Influenster VoxBox?
influensters with high scores and are also within the specific target badge, are more likely to get offered a VoxBox.


I haven't get anything from influenster yet, but im excited to be part of this community. I'm still trying to get familiar with this site, i might do an update later on when im learn more about this site and/or when i finally qualify for the voxbox. haha!


My thoughts...
to me, influenster and yelp are very much alike! they are both review sites, it's all about participation and reviews (products and services), gain badges etc. and at the end, influenster sends you free samples to try out in order for you to write more reviews! compare to yelp, you get to be come a yelp elite and go to exclusive events in your area.

and the best thing is, they are both FREE!

FRIENDS AND FAMILY SALE 2012 - SEPHORA URBAN DECAY Tarte

CLICK HERE for the sephora friends and family sale 2012 VIB sales event! coupon code is included in that blog post! :)



Sephora Friends and Family Sale 2012 (original post and gift ideas!)


20% off your online purchase from October 18 until October 31! >> www.sephora.com 
Free standard shipping on orders $50+.

Urban Decay Friends and Family Sale 2012


20% off your online purchase from October 9 until October 13! >> www.urbandecay.com
Coupon Code: FFHOLIDAY12
Free standard shipping on orders $50+, works on sales/clearance items too!
Gift ideas from urban decay
NAKED PALETTE  -   NAKED2    -   THE VICE PALETTE   -   SMOKED    -   XL DE-SLICK    -   XL ALL NIGHTER

Tarte Cosmetics Save 15% off Eco-Friendly Cosmetics  >> www.tartecosmetics.com

Coupon Code: GGD

10% off your FIRST purchase

Coupon Code: GGA


Free standard shipping on orders $40+

Thursday, October 11, 2012

SEPHORA HAUL & REVIEW: SEPHORA COLLECTION Make Up Artist Brush Belt Set

Saw this brush set on sale for $99 on sephora.com a few weeks back. even though it was a great deal (original price at $275, value at $422), i still cant justify spending so much on brushes! also, because i still have over $100 sephora store credit, so i thought i'd just find this brush set in a sephora store and use my store credit instead of swiping my card! so i hesitated... which was not a good idea haha

i went to probably 4 or 5 sephoras, and they were ALL SOLD OUT! so i immediately went back online to check. guess what. surprised! its out of stock online too! :'( i kept going back to sephora.com to check for probably 2 or 3 weeks, and lost hope.. and thought maybe its not meant to be HAHA (best way to make myself feel better after missing out on great deals.. since there's not much i can do lol)

so just last week, i had nothing to do during lunch break at work.. so i went on sephora.com to browse around and this brush set was in stock!!! i immediately added it to my cart and processed checkout! and minutes after i checked out, it's out of stock again. i was so lucky! YAY!!! finally got my hands on these brushes!

SEPHORA COLLECTION Make Up Artist Brush Belt Set includes:

- Sephora Professional Natural Crease Brush #10
- Sephora Professional Natural Smudge Brush #11
- Sephora Professional Natural All Over Shadow Brush #12
- Sephora Professional Natural Medium Eyeshadow Brush #14
- Sephora Professional Lash & Eyebrow Comb #21
- Sephora Professional Angle Brush #22
- Sephora Professionnel Platinum Smokey Eye Brush #24
- Sephora Professionnel Platinum Natural Powder Brush #40
- Sephora Professionnel Platinum Natural Slant Brush #42
- Sephora Professionnel Platinum Natural Fan Brush #43
- Sephora Professionnel Platinum Stippling Brush #44
- Sephora Professionnel Platinum Concealer Brush #45
- Sephora Professionnel Platinum Foundation Brush #47
- Sephora Professionnel Platinum Bronzer Brush #48
- Sephora Professionnel Platinum Lip Brush #61
- Sephora Collection Makeup Artist Brush Belt



This set comes with 15 brushes and a faux leather brush belt with adjustable strap.

just the SEPHORA COLLECTION Makeup Artist Brush Belt alone costs $42! each of these brushes cost between $20-30! these brushes are pretty soft, though not the softest brushes i own.. which is sad because i know someone out there paid full price for these not so great quality brushes. but since i paid only $6and some changes per brush, i cant complain. 

the faux leather belt felt flimsy and had a strong chemical smell to it. never own a brush belt before and i'm not sure if i'd ever need one.. and for $42 it's definitely not worth it if you ask me!

all and all, great brush set for beginners and for the price, cant beat it!  

for all my VIBs... <3 :)


10% OFF FOR VIB MEMBERS! Coupon Code: V436CB
Sephora: VIB Members, Save 10% Site Wide. Must be a registered VIB Member. U.S. orders only. Promotion can only be redeemed once per client. For a Limited Time.

Tuesday, October 9, 2012

Deal Alert: Up to 80% OFF e.l.f. Cosmetics Treasure Hunt Sale

E.L.F. Cosmetics: Treasure Hunt for up to 80% off!


HALLOWEEN TRICK-OR-TREAT TREASURE HUNT!
Customers can participate in a virtual treasure hunt and find items marked down up to 80%!
Free shipping on orders over $25 with coupon code SHIP25
Begin Shopping Hunting! :)
Deal ends 10/10.




i used to buy a ton of stuff from ELF, to be honest it's either a hit or miss. Their Studio makeup brushes are AMAZING! especially for $3 per brush. they have really good Essential makeup brushes too, which are $1 a piece (my fav essential brushes are their famous eye shadow brush and the eyeliner brush)

happy shopping! :P





Friday, October 5, 2012

SEPHORA Friends and Family Sale! SEPHORA COUPON CODE! [new updates! 10/8/2012]

CLICK HERE for the sephora friends and family sale 2012 VIB sales event! coupon code is included in that blog post! :)


FREE DELUXE MYSTERY GIFT WITH $25 PURCHASE 
COUPON CODE: YOURGIFT
Sephora: Bored with the Same Old, Same Old? Let Fate Take the Wheel and Get a Free Deluxe Sample Mystery Gift with Any $25 Purchase! Available until 10/15/12.


10% OFF FOR VIB MEMBERS
COUPON CODE: V436CB
Sephora: VIB Members, Save 10% Site Wide. Must be a registered VIB Member. U.S. orders only. Promotion can only be redeemed once per client. For a Limited Time.




GLOSSYBOX USA September 2012 - GLOSSYBOX Review


It' been a few months since I'm subscribed to GLOSSYBOX ($21/mo), and they certainly impress me every single month! 

I'm all about deals and steals. GLOSSYBOX is probably the best thing i've discover in 2012. I've try MyGlam ($10/mo - piece of crap!) and Birchbox ($10/mo - better than MyGlam but still not worth my money) for a good while before I unsubscribed. I felt like my money went down the drain with these two monthly subscription sites. 

I first heard of GLOSSYBOX through Youtube, but that was way before GLOSSYBOX launch in the US. I guess I entered their US launch giveaway and all of a sudden, I got an email from GLOSSYBOX said that I won the FIRST US GLOSSYBOX! (of course, i double and triple checked their email, website, link, etc to make sure it was not a scam HAHA)

The first GLOSSYBOX was great, not only cuz I got it for free but the products were great. Got a few full size products in the box, BUT i want wait and see if they will keep up with the size and quality of the box before I commit. Also, because I was still subscribed to Birchbox at the time and I still wanted to give Birchbox a few months before I call it a quit.


(May 2012 GLOSSYBOX USA - Launch box)


(September 2012 GLOSSYBOX USA - Theme: Fall Fashion Runway)

GKHAIR   Moisturizing Shampoo [Price of Full Size $20.00/10.1oz]
Nourished with plant extracts, this superior smoothing shampoo will purify and moisturize the scalp and hair.
Sample size:1.5 oz
Sample value: $2.97

GKHAIR   Moisturizing Conditioner [Price of Full Size $20.00/10.1oz]
This gentle moisturizing conditioner puts the finishing touch on your tresses and leaves your hair smooth, radiant, and revitalized.
Sample size: 1.5 oz
Sample value: $2.97

KOH GEN DO   Cleansing Spa Water [Price of Full Size $13.00/3.38oz]
Made with mineral-rich Japanese hot spring water, this best selling spa water is infused with six essential herbs to protect and nurture skin. In a single sweep, it gently removes makeup and skin’s toughest impurities.
Sample size: 3.38 oz
Sample value: $13.00


KRYOLAN FOR GLOSSYBOX   Moisture Rich Lipstick in GLOSSY Pink [Price of Full Size $14.00/0.14 oz]
Treat your lips to a creamy, long lasting lipstick enriched with Vitamin E to stimulate and hydrate your lips.  This perfect pop of GLOSSY pink compliments all skin tones and lifestyles.
Sample size: 0.14 oz
Sample value: $14.00

Missha   M Perfect Cover BB Cream SPF 42 [Price of Full Size $29.99/1.69 oz]
Hailing from Korea, this Blemish Balm, also known as BB Cream is a multi tasking powerhouse for the face.  This multi use cream provides light coverage, smooths, protects, and moisturizes.
Sample size: 1.69 oz
Sample value: $29.99

Total Box Value: $62.93

GLOSSYBOX continue to impress me every month and I'm now a fan! yay!!! haha. I can't wait till next month's box! woohooo

It may seem like im bashing myglam and birchbox earlier, but these are my honest opinions. GLOSSYBOX has its down sides too, that is the shipment takes forever (on average 2-3 weeks!) and it is $21/mo compare to most other monthly subscription sites. to make it worse, CA residents have to pay sales tax! ($23.05 after tax lol) this is unheard of! (since when monthly subscription services charge tax?!)

Afterall, I still think GLOSSYBOX is worth it, even at $23.05 per month. I get to try out a ton of goodies without breaking the bank.




Wednesday, October 3, 2012

SEPHORA Friends and Family Sale 2012


Sephora Friends and Family Sale 2012 is finally here!

Get 20% off your online purchase from October 18 until October 31!

Free standard shipping on orders $50+.

The holiday season is coming up, its the perfect time to do some early Christmas shopping woohoo!

Sephora always come out with holiday sets, its a great opportunity to try out new products for much cheaper.


Last year, I missed out on Sephora's NARS Danmari All About Cheeks Palette. This year, I ALSO missed out on Nordstrom's NARS 'Joie de Vivre' Oversized Anniversary Cheek Palette! I'm still bummed out about that. (Both blush palettes were around $65, which include 6x blushes at 0.12 oz. each. A full size NARS blush is $28.00 for 0.16 oz already!) It's such a great deal if you can get your hands on these NARS palettes.

Sephora's NARS Danmari All About Cheeks Palette
(Hungrey Heart Duo, Casino, Orgasm, Super Orgasm, Desire, Sin)


Nordstrom's NARS 'Joie de Vivre' Oversized Anniversary Cheek Palette
(Albatross, Laguna, Geiety, Orgasm, Luster, Angelika)

Sephora still has NARS Foreplay Blush Palette in stock online and in store for $49.00, but for the size of the blushes and price, it's not worth it.. (maybe that's why it hasn't sold out yet! haha) 

Time to save up to do some shoppings! :)

**seems like this blog post is all about NARS Palettes.. that's because I haven't find anything else that's worth a try. I'm still going to stock up on essentials like Clarisonic Replacement Brush Heads and My ALL TIME FAVORITE LIP TREATMENT FROM SUGAR FRESH.


Fresh Sugar Addiction Mini Lip Collection $48

Tarte Fantastic Foursome 4-Piece Amazonian Clay 12-Hour Blush Enthusiast Set $35

(Currently out of stock online ATM, but let's see if they bring it back in stock during the sephora's FF sale)






Monday, October 1, 2012

DIY Kool-Aid HAIR DYE

d
DIY Method I 
  1. Put on gloves to prevent staining.
  2. Mix 3-6 packets of Kool-Aid, water, and conditioner together, until the ingredients form a smooth paste. (use the unsweeten kind to avoid messy sticky application)
  3. Work the Kool-Aid paste into the hair, evenly.
  4. Wrap your hair with plastic wrap and leave it on for the afternoon (4-6 hours).
  5. Thoroughly rinse your hair with lukewarm water. Do not shampoo! If you use shampoo, the color will wash straight out. Apply conditioner if wished, then rinse again.

d
DIY Method II - Best for the ombre trend :) 
  1. Mix 3-6 packets of Kool-Aid and BOILING HOT water
  2. Dip your hair into the boiling hot Kool-Aid dye, making sure that everything is submerged (wait for 10-20 minutes)
  3. Thoroughly rinse your hair with lukewarm water. Do not shampoo! If you use shampoo, the color will wash straight out. Apply conditioner if wished, then rinse again.

Tips

  • ALWAYS test a small area first to see if you have a reaction (scalp).
  • It's recommended that you don't wash your hair for a while before doing this DIY- second or third day hair works best.
  • Don't wet your hair before dyeing.
  • If you have thick and dark hair, add less water and more conditioner so that the color penetrates better. (Method I)
  • Be very careful when handling boiling water (Method II)
  • The Kool-Aid will take very well to chemically treated hair.


(here is a pic of my friend Britt's kool-aid diy hair dye outcome after 2 applications [method ii] - she was going for the ombre hair trend. )

ENJOY! :)

**there are numerous ways to do this kind of DIY kool-aid hair dye. all you have to do is google! ;)

i've seen DIY kool-aid method that include developers, which will stain your hair for a longer period of time. To me, if developers were involve, i might as well go with the normal semi permanent or permanent hair dye. right?!