Today's Makeup Look - Deep Green Sparkle

It's been quite some time since I posted a makeup look, especially one as different as this.  As you can see by most of my makeup looks, I tend to shy away from very dark colors.  I honestly don't know how to use them effectively for anything other than darkening my crease or outer-v.

But I was feeling adventurous today and started playing around with some of my dark creme and powder shadows, and this is what I came up with.  What do you think?

So first, I covered the outer three-quarters of my lid in a graphite creme shadow by Wet n Wild.  Over that I applied black powder shadow, and blended some up into my crease.  Then, starting at the inner corner, I added a bold kelly green, and swept it from the inner corner into the middle and blended it with the black.

I added some black shadow to outer lower lashline and the kelly green to the inner lower lashline and blended the two together.  Then to blend out the crease, I swept on some graphite-colored shadow.  I highlighted my browbone with a shimmery baby pink.

Whew! This is a long tutorial!  Anyway, instead of using eyeliner on my upper lid, I added some glittering blue-green liquid shadow to add a little pop to the look.  Finish off the eyes with lots of mascara and dark green eyeliner in the lower waterline.

In keeping with the adventurous spirit of this look, I actually spent a lot of time highlighting and contouring my face as well, which I don't normally do.  I swept a matte transluscent powder all over my face to control shine and even it out, then I added a coral-colored blush to the apples of my cheeks and blended it back towards my temples.

I contoured the hollows of my cheeks and the sides of my nose with bronzer to slim the face.  Then I highlighted the bridge of my nose and the tops of my cheekbones with a shimmery pink shadow.

My serious model face lol

All in all, I like how this look turned out, but it was a lot more work than I normally put into my makeup routine.  Long post, no?

Products used:  Wet n Wild Idol Eyes creme shadow in Graphite
Black, Graphite, Kelly Green, and Pale Shimmery Pink shadows from Claire's Designer Eyes palette
Hard Candy Eye Def Glittering Eyeshadow in Pool Boy
Rimmel Spark it Up Gleaming Eye Darkening Pencil in Peridot
Maybelline The Falsies mascara in Black Drama
Rimmel Stay Matte pressed powder (love it!) in Transparent
Maybelline Super Stay Concealer in Cream
Jordana Blush in Coral Sandy Beach
Sally Hansen Lip Inflation gloss in nude color (the sticker with the shade name fell off)

Beauty Review: Artistry Essentials Balancing Skin Care System

I'm embarrassed to say that, with as much effort as I put into my makeup routine, I have long neglected basic skin care.  My skin care regimen consists of cleaning my face in the morning and at night with Pond's cleansing towelettes.  That's it.

So when my friend Crystal introduced me to Artistry Essentials skin care products and told me how great they were, I was intrigued and agreed to put her products to the test.

 Because I have combination skin (oily around the t-zone, and dry everywhere else), she recommended Artistry's Balancing skin care line.  The 3-step system includes the Balancing Cleanser, Balancing Toner, and Balancing Lotion.

First you clean your face with the Balancing Cleanser.  Once it's rinsed off and your face is patted dry, you sweep the Balancing Toner all over your face to remove any remaining cleanser and makeup.  Finally, once that's dried, you apply the Balancing Lotion.

Left: Balancing Lotion
Right: Balancing Cleanser

 I agreed to use the products as directed for a few weeks and see if I had any positive results.  My first impression of the Balancing Cleanser wasn't great because it is a fairly thick gel that is supposed to be applied directly to your dry skin and worked into a lather.  I had a hard time getting it to lather on my dry skin and felt like I had to use a ton of it to cover my face.

Luckily, Crystal being the great Artistry representative that she is, contacted her director with my concern and came back with the suggestion to wet my face a little first and then work in the gel.  Once I tried this, it worked like a charm and I was very satisfied with application.

According to their website, Balancing Cleanser contains oat extract, Indian fig, burnet root, witch hazel, and Hypo Lipid Matrix - unique, exotic ingredients that combine to exfoliate, refine, smooth, maintain moisture, and control shine.  Over time, it claims to also reveal more even and younger looking skin.

The Balancing Toner feels so refreshing on my skin and smells great.  The lotion is smooth and cool, and blends easily into the skin, leaving it soft and supple.  All three of the products smell organic and fresh, no chemical odor whatsoever.

Aaahh! Me with no makeup!  Don't expect to ever see this
horror again :P

After using the Artistry Essential Balancing skin care line for the past few weeks, I have to say I am impressed.  My skin is much softer and smoother.  Much of the redness has disappeared, and I seem to have fewer random breakouts.

This is something I can definitely recommend and approve.  Try it for a few weeks and see if you don't see the difference!

For more information, or to place your order for the Artistry Skin Care system, please contact Crystal Breitenbach at   cbreitenbach85@gmail.com   She is very friendly and knowledgeable and will help you find the best products for your skin care needs.

Disclaimer:  These products were given to me for the purpose of review.  I am in no way affiliated with Artistry and offer only my honest impressions of these products.

Swarovski's "House of Hello Kitty" Event

Earlier this month, Swarovski teamed up with Hello Kitty for a glittering Tokyo event to benefit the Japanese Red Cross earthquake relief fund.  Cute-spotting blog 8tokyo shared some great photos from "House of Hello Kitty," and now I share them with you! 

Hello Blingy! lol

The 10-day event was free to the public and featured celebrity appearances, custom art installations, and limited-edition Swarovski x Hello Kitty products, all to benefit such a great cause.  Man, I woulda given my left pinky toe to be there! lol
Click here to visit Swarovski Japan's site and see some of the beautiful Hello Kitty jewelry and art.  Check out 8tokyo's two "House of Hello Kitty" posts here.

Sweet Lolita Street Fashion in Tokyo

All pics courtesy Tokyo Fashion.com

I check in at TokyoFashion.com everyday to see all the new street snaps of fashionable Tokyo gals and guys.  Here we have a couple of pastel perfect, sweet lolitas in Harajuku.  Kawaii!
And if you have an iPod or iPhone like me, make sure you pick up the official Tokyo Fashion App, so you can carry the most up-to-date fashion pics and news with you everywhere you go! :)

Today's Random Kawaii - Sleepy Koala

In keeping with my last two "random kawaiis," I present this adorable baby koala napping in a tree.  Doesn't his fur look so soft?!

Japanese Cosmetics Series - Majolica Majorca

Majolica Majorca (say that three times fast! lol) is an extremely popular sub-brand of Shiseido Cosmetics. 
In Japan, many large makeup brands have smaller sub-brands within them that cater to different styles and age groups.  Majolica Majorca caters more to young women and teenagers, and is well known for their high quality mascaras. 
They also have whimsical and eye-catching package designs.

All pics above courtesy of Ichibankao

To explore all Majolica's kawaii products, click either of the links above.  Outside of Asia, you'll have to buy them online.  Several different online retailers carry Majolica, such as Sasa and Ichibankao, but you can also try Ebay.  Happy hunting!

Today's Random Kawaii - Sleepy Kitten

Napping on a comfy blankie in the warm sun is the perfect way to spend a lazy day :)

Japanese Cosmetics Series - Jill Stuart

The other day I started my Japanese Cosmetics Series with a bang by showcasing Anna Sui (click here in case you missed it). 
Today we venture forward into a makeup fairytale with Jill Stuart Beauty.  Behold:

Pic via Musings of a Muse

Pic via Ichibankao

Pic via Ichibankao

Pic via Ichibankao

Pic via Ichibankao

Pic via Ichibankao

These gorgeous products would look right at home on a princess' night stand, and they've got a royal price tag to match.  That lovely blush quad shown above is 4,725Yen or about $60 US, and a tube of that beautiful lipstick will set you back 2,940Yen or almost $40!  Ouch!  And since these cosmetics are next to impossible to find outside of Asia, you'll have to add a considerable shipping cost to that price.  Once you shell out that kind of money, they're still almost too pretty to use!
 
You can find many Jill Stuart products online at Ichibankao or you can check Ebay (beware of imitations however if you buy on Ebay).
But never fear, not all Japanese makeup is this expensive.  In the days to come, I'll show you some more affordable options that are still lovely to look at.

Today's Random Kawaii - Sleepy Puppy

Beagles are so cute and this lil guy is no exception.  I just wanna snuggle up with him and take a nap.

Japanese Cosmetics Series - Anna Sui

As a lover of all things cosmetic, I've been recently looking into the super-kawaii and unique world of Japanese cosmetics.  Japan has an incredible number of makeup brands that stand out for their cute and creative packaging and top quality.  I've decided to share some of my favorites in a series of new posts I'll be doing over the next couple weeks. I haven't been able to try any Japanese makeup yet, but as soon as I do, you'll be the first to know!  If you have a favorite Asian cosmetic brand you want to see featured, please let me know!

My first post features the lovely and edgy world of Anna Sui Cosmetics!

All pictures courtesy Anna Sui Cosmetics. 

Doesn't this stuff look beautiful?!  I love the packaging!  Click the link above to see the latest from Anna Sui (Japanese site), or head over to the awesome Japanese cosmetics online superstore Ichibankao to buy.

Today's Random Kawaii - Pool Pup

This hot dog knows how to beat the summer heat!  I'm jealous! :)

Today's Random Kawaii - Burrito Cat

The title says it all.

Kawaii Hello Kitty Cosmetics at Sephora

All pics via Sephora

If you love makeup, you know that Sephora is cosmetics heaven!  This year they got even better by launching this exclusive Hello Kitty collection.  With everything from eyeshadow and lipgloss, to makeup brushes and perfume, this Kitty does it all.  I want one of everything!
Click here to check out all of these awesome products!

A Bento Lunch Fit For An Elephant



It's been awhile since I posted a cute bento box lunch, and I found this over at Must Have Cute, so I thought I would share.  I love how the elephant is made out of a cheese slice!

Today's Random Kawaii - Flying Kitty Hug!

This crazy kitty's got a kung fu hug comin' right at ya!

Hello Kitty Bouquets To Brighten Your Day!

Over at Hawaii Kawaii, I read that Sanrio Japan offers these gorgeous, colorful Hello Kitty bouquets for delivery to that someone special.  If only I lived in Japan, I would send myself one every day! :)

Today's Random Kawaii - Stop and Smell the Daffodils

This enlightened fox knows how to de-stress.  When life gets you down, don't forget to stop and smell the daffodils! :)