The Face Shop Charcoal Phyto Cleanser

Hey Ladies,

The weather is finally cooling down and we can finally break out the jackets, scarves, and boots! So excited!

So I've been using a cleanser from The Face Shop for about a month. The Charcoal Phyto Cleanser is semi-gentle and cleans pretty well. I say that it's "semi-gentle" because after washing your face and patting it dry, you can feel just a litto teensy bit of that dry tightness that you get from harsh cleansers. You can also feel a slight prickly feeling while the cleanser is on your face. I don't consider my skin as sensitive so I'm thinking that it's how the cleanser is.

I don't know if I would repurchase this cleanser since I don't actually see any benefits from using this besides that it cleans my skin pretty thoroughly. Each tube of this costs about $10 and there are other varieties including green tea (which I will be reviewing after I have used it for a longer period of time).

Hope everyone is enjoying the cooler weather!


<3 Winsley

Emjoi Epi Slim Cosmetic Hair Remover (Epilator)

So today, we're going to talk about armpits. That's right, this will be a review of an epilator I recently tried. Now, I'm usually a fan of waxing or plucking underarm hair but there are two problems with that: time and money. Depending on the rate of hair growth, one would need more waxing appointments, which on average cost about $10 near where I am. This can add up very quickly so of course you then venture out to pluck them yourself. This is great, but it takes a lot of time and patience (also a lot of neck pain afterwards). So I got lazy and decided to try out an epilator. An epilator is basically a tool that does the plucking for you, electronically. They come in a range of sizes, battery operated or rechargeable. I still wasn't too sure on how this would work for me so I decided to test out a cheaper and smaller version. I chose a smaller sized one in hopes that the level of pain would be reduced, but also keep in mind that might take longer to get every hair out. I read some reviews and they were pretty mixed on the how painful it actually is since everyone has a different level of tolerance. But if you are accustomed to waxing and plucking anyway, this shouldn't be any more painful. After a while your endorphins kick in and it's all swell. =) Alright, so enough of all these words on the screen, let's see some pictures!

This is the Emjoi Epi Slim. Can be purchased from Amazon or Target.They run from $15- $20.

These are not blades. When it spins, the metal plates come together pulling the hair out.

Requires 2 AA batteries.

And it comes with a tiny brush to sweep out the hairs stuck between the plates. Cleaning it is essential because it causes the gap to be smaller, effectively pulling out the hair.

Verdict: Will definitely by again!

Epilators aren't as scary anymore and I might even venture out and try out the larger version of this, as this is meant for travelling. On the instructions, they suggest that you use this in a circular motion to reduce the amount of tension in one area so less pain is felt. However, I find that even without using it in a circular motion, it is still virtually pain free. It's more of a shocking sensation that you feel initially, but after the first 10 seconds, it's nothing much. They also advertise that it's effective in removing hair from the bikini area, I would think that it definitely will be more painful. I personally did not try it so I cannot speak for it's effectiveness. But for the underarms, this is something that I highly suggest you ladies try.


Side Question: Any of you ladies have a remedy for insect bites? I'm not even sure if it was mosquito that bit me, but I was bitten 4 times on my foot! Now it's red and swollen- so gross. Please let me know what you use to aid in the healing process. :)

Review: Goody Modern Updo Maker

The Goody Modern Updo Maker seemed to be the answer to creating sleek 'dos effortlessly. I had pretty high hopes when I first purchased this from Duane Reade. Running at $7, it claims that three styles can be attained with this tool. So far, I've only been able to master the "Modern Updo," which is essentially a french twist. The other two styles are just variations of this: using it to put up only half of your hair or letting the ends hang over the bun part. It's not rocket science, nor impossible, but a learning curve is involved. 

Pros:

1. Easy to use once you get the hang of the technique.
2. Great alternative to a pony tail when you want your hair up.
3. Price is fairly reasonable, considering that it can last you a long time. (However, there is a paint problem that I will address later.)

Cons:

1.  Instructions on box are not clear. You probably have to google or youtube how to use this.
2. Takes many attempts to make it stable and tight enough hair doesn't slip out.
3. It might just be me, but for the updo with the ends hanging over the bun, it seems to look weird with my straight hair. I would see this working better for those with curly, wavy hair.
4. Could be painful if used too closely to the scalp. When you flip the bun and insert, it may be too tight, thus pulling on your hair.
5. Only two color selections: Blonde or Brunette. Brunette being a light bronze color.
6. The color of the tool is actually coats of paint...that chips off. 

Note the paint chip. Keep in mind I have been using this for only about a week. Because you want your hair to be secure, constant friction against the tool wears away the paint. But seriously, after only one week? Okay, so you can't see it once it's in your hair, but every time you use it, paint will be coming off.

Anyway, here are pics on how it actually looks like once you get it to work.

Would I recommend it? I really don't know. It's something that you just have to try out for yourself and see how much it works for you. Considering that I have long, layered, thick hair, it will probably be easier for someone who has less layers and such. On occasion, I can get this to work, but if I'm in a rush Monday morning, I wouldn't bother with this.

Onto something that makes me happier: Calgel nails! Winsley and I got them done last week. There will probably be a picture of Winsley's nails in the next post, but for now, you get to see mine.

That's it for now! :)

If you have tried the Modern Updo Maker, what do you think?
If you have not, do you plan on trying it?

xo, Diana

4 in 1

Okay gals, your ready for this? This is gonna be a super long post full of pictures as well as, well, words.
So here goes. . .

First product up for review: EOS Lip Balm

I was very interested in these little balls of moisture when they were first introduced because of their shape. You don't see many lip balms out there that come in this form. The three flavors are Honeysuckle Honeydew, Sweet Mint and Summer Fruit. My favorite out of the three is Sweet Mint. The other two don't smell like the names they were given and so therefore, was a bit of a disappointment. 

They're pretty moisturizing but it might be because of the ball shape but the application was not as precise as I'd like. I don't know why but I feel like they also travel down to the area right under my bottom lip in time. Maybe it's just me but when that happens it makes it seem like I have a very oily chin or maybe that I didn't wipe my mouth after eating. Ew. How unladylike. I do not believe I will be repurchasing these nor will these be the first product I reach for to replenish the moisture in my lips. 

Next up: L'Oreal Go 360° Clean

Okay, so when I bought this cleanser, it wasn't because I wanted it. I just wanted the little scrubber it came with. Yea, that pink thing in the middle. Little silicone scrubbers like this one are available in places like Hong Kong and Taiwan but I have been unable to find them here. '

It's stored right into the bottle!

So on to the cleanser itself, I like it because it leaves me feeling refreshed with a cooling/menthol-y effect. I feel squeaky clean after using it but it does seem to be a bit drying though. 

Next: Lancome Color Fever Gloss

I don't have much to say about this because there's nothing really special. The color payoff is okay. All of them has glitter/shimmer in them and so it can get a bit gritty after a little while on your lips. The first color, Rainbow is showing up clear in the swatch but in the tube it's full of multi-colored glitter. 

And finally, I went to get a manicure yesterday with Di of DiWiMakeup and I love love love love love the color. 

Color: Essie's Mint Candy Apple

Update/Swatch/Whatevah

Remember when I ranted about the oh so great Sally Hansen Insta-Dri nail polish? Well, here are some pictures from day 3.


                                                                

Peel-o-rama!   

    
 

Amazingggggg

But, enough of that, let's move on to better things. Like OPI's Meet you on the Star Ferry:

No flash.

Flash ON.

I know they look like two completely different colors, but that's where the beauty lies. Oh, and the black thing I'm holding is a new scarf I bought from Forever 21. I love sparkly things and knew I had to have this in my collection (I think this is the 20th scarf I own.) Weird that it looks brighter in the picture without flash.

Since my birthday was earlier this month, I went to Sephora to pick up my beauty insider gift. It was a set that contained an eyeshadow, eyeliner, and mascara.

The eyeshadow color is aspen summit No 23. It has a pearl finish and is pretty pigmented. The picture above was one swipe.

Close up of the texture.

The eyeliner is in #11 Silver green.




One swipe across my hand.

And lastly, the lash plumping mascara. I haven't tried this yet. Maybe I'll take some pictures in the near future.

CoverGirl Lipslicks

So this is a product that I've had for a while and after using it a few times after I first bought it, I stopped using it. I think I stopped because I didn't see anything special and that it didn't really do much for my lips. But lately, I've been using it more as a sort of base underneath my lipstick. It helps the lipstick feel smoother longer and so my lips don't feel so dry after a short while.

I like the texture of the product because it isn't too thick. I used to use Softlips lip balm under lipstick but I felt like it was too greasy and caused the lip color to fade easily. So one day while doing my make up, I decided to give this a try again. I've been using this for a good month or month and a half now.

It looks pink in the tube (in both pictures and in person) but when applied, it's actually clear/colorless so it won't affect the color of your favorite lipstick! It's fairly inexpensive being that it's a drugstore product. I forgot the actual price but I believe it was a couple of bucks and Duane Reade. (I have just been  informed that it was about $7)

I'm not sure if I will repurchase this when I am done. But then again, I don't even remember if I've ever finished a lip product completely.

A lil' bit of err'thang

So here's a quick update about a bunch of random stuff that's been going on.
First off, I would like to rant about a couple of nail products I recently purchased.

After reading a great and promising review in Allure, I decided to try this product out. This claims that one coat is all you need to achieve the color seen in the bottle. It's also supposed to dry within minutes and stay chip free for 5 days.

Although the brush takes some getting used to since it's flat, it's really not a big deal.

This is a picture of day 2 with the polish on:

Yup, I even used a base and top coat. So much for being chip free. And it's not like I did dishes or anything.


Next gem:

Hard as wraps powerful acrylic gel?! This acted as just a normal base/top coat. It applies clear and does dry relatively fast. But wait, there's more. It even bubbles on your nails! Oh joy, just the way I like to finish my manicures. For only $5.99 you can have this special effect! Don't wait, call 1-800-BUBBLES now, and we'll throw in the Insta- Dri polish for FREE!!



Haha, all jokes aside, I really didn't like these products and will probably not be trying more anytime soon.


Now onto the good stuff!

VIVA GLAM GAGAAAAA

Oh, there's a shot of my nails for the weekend.

Sooo, isn't the packaging gorgeous. I got sucked in and really wanted to get it before it sold out. It's a pale pink with a hint of blue. As a lustre finish, it's sheer so it's easier to control the amount of color you want to apply.

On the lips:

Ya deeeggg? lol

Andddd, lastly, my latest obsession:

 

Creme Dazzleglass in My Favourite Pink

I love love love this gloss. Too bad I didn't get a picture of it on my lips. Maybe next time. ;p

This was also a very special weekend because I celebrated my 21st birthday yesterday! (Even though the 15th is the real day, lol.) I thought I'd share this picture with you guys...a picture of me and the other writer of this blog! 

I'm on the right, and the pretty ladayyy on the left is my partner in crime. <3


I hope you all had a great weekend! I'm off to celebrate some more since I can now exercise my legal right, hahaha.