My NovaLash Experience

I have been so excited to bring this to you all and hopefully inform you as best as possible about my experience with lash extensions.

I know these are not everyone's cup o' tea but I wanted to try it. :)

Let me start off by telling you why I got them. My lashes were short, thin, and straight (aka the worst haha). My mascara routine was insane... 3 mascaras. One waterproof (to help hold the curl), one for length, and one for volume. And despite using THE SAME 3 mascaras every day, my lashes never looked the same day after day and my lashes were just not that great. 

Before doing this, I did my research and I was very fortunately enough to know someone that I trust that has trained with Novalash on lash extensions application and care. She is my go-to hair girl and she is FRICKIN amazing and talented. (HERE IS HER INSTAGRAM)

She was kind enough to inform me about what to expect, the maintenance of the lash extensions, and everything you need to know. She sold me on the Novalash from the get go after we talked about it, that is when I went to do my own research and I'm soooo glad I went with Novalash.

I went on a ton of blogs and watched countless Youtube videos to learn about different brands, before and afters, experiences, and everything in between. ~sidenote: there are a ton of horror stories out there haha~ So before you take the plunge into getting lash extensions, find someone who has trained with a company, certified, and someone who showcases their before and after transformations. You definitely want someone who is passionate about what they do and is proud of the work they have done in the past. 

So now I'll show you some before and afters from my initial full set to my first fill and second fill :)

*beware...no makeup face* haha 

The first picture is from my initial full set. And you can see my itty bitty baby lashes and then them transformed into some sexy longer lashes.

I gotta say, it was weird to see my lashes look naturally long and pretty. Usually my lashes don't exist when I look straight ahead and after my first session (which took like 2 hours), I was in shock and so happy!

I must say, maintenance on lash extensions was a little difficult for me at first. There was a learning curve with knowing which face cleanser to use or not (look for cleansers WITHOUT Glycol - Aveeno and Eve Lom are great!!), how to remove makeup, and making sure that you are not aggressive with your eyes with these lash extensions. 

In the very beginning, I did not want to really touch my lashes. Due to that, there was some build up and residue from my eye makeup in between my lashes which was kinda gross. No matter how often I brushed my lash extensions with a clean spoolie, the residue would not go away. I have to say, using a foamy or oil cleanser helps with that! Ever since I changed the way I cleanse my face, my lashes look clean and like I just got a fill :). So experiment with techniques and products that best fit your skincare routine.

Picture above: This is my first fill after 2 weeks. Kayleigh, my Novalash girl, recommended that I come in every 2 weeks for the first few fills to help build up volume and length more quickly and I LOVE the outcome. You can see how black and real these lash extensions look.

So here is my second fill and I went 3 weeks from my second fill to this one. I should have gone last week but I was insanely busy that I couldn't. But I love that with every fill, my lashes look amazing every time which I'm so thankful for. 

I want to mention that if you are a side sleeper...the chances of your lash extensions falling off are higher on the side you sleep on haha. Not like you lose 5 lashes in a night, but like one haha. Still sad though haha.

Conclusion - finally right?! - I have had my lash extensions from Novalash for 5 weeks now and I am truly loving it. I have been complimented so many times from my friends and acquaintances on how natural but pretty the lash extensions looked. They didn't even know they were lash extensions until I told them, that comes to show how amazing the quality is. 

I can see myself keeping this up for a while. Maybe through the summer months because that is when our makeup routines get simplified. Having the lash extensions make everything easier. Thanks to Kayleigh and Novalash, I'm soo soo happy with everything and so glad I tried them out :).

Pricing might vary depending where you are from, where they got their training, and who is doing them. You don't want a random doing your lashes and then you not loving the lash extensions. Do your research on the brand and on the person you are considering for this. 

I will update you on later posts on how my lashes are looking. I will be going back in 2 weeks for my third fill and get more fullness in there :).

If there is anything I missed, please let me know! I want to try to answer any questions or concerns you might have about lash extensions. If I cannot answer, I will ask Kayleigh. 

Hope you found this informative and helpful. Thank you again Kayleigh for everything and for being my go-to for everything. Don't know how I'd look without you and your talents :).

Talk to you all soon,

Bianca

MAC Cosmetics - Proenza Schouler - Sunset Beach blush

I remember when I first saw the promo pics of this collection from (ChicProfile) a few weeks or months back and the first thing that sold me was the packaging. It was definitely unique to MAC by doing something like this.

The first and only thing I knew I had to have were the ombre blushes; one being more pink and the other more peachy.

I know MAC has done ombre blushes before but I'm so glad more were brought out. Since it is limited edition, I suggest picking them up if you can. I don't think you will have much luck from now finding them at CCOs (Estee Lauder brands in an outlet store).

I will say... it's a little over priced. It was $30 for this blush when normally they range from like $17-23 (approximately). You are paying for the snazzy packaging and the Proenza Schouler name. I get a couple of bucks but almost $10? Pfft... I didn't like it.

...though it didn't stop me from buying -_- ...

The compact for this blush is heavy duty for sure. I can say that I prefer the packaging to the original blush packaging because it is heavy, has a magnetic closure, and seems safe for travel.

When you open it up... it looks stunning! I'm a huge fan of ombre effects like this in blushes or other kinds of face powders. They become multipurpose instantly.

To me, this blush was pigmented and not dry feeling at all. I swatched it on my finger and was impressed with the pay off. Especially since I did not read any reviews before buying, I was impressed as first glance.

In the swatch picture above, the top swatch is of the top half of the blush, second swatch is of the very bottom of the blush, and the last one is of the whole blush mixed together.

It's more of a dark pink...kind of magenta? A really pretty color that suits light or dark complexions because you can use a light hand or go more intense; use only the top half or the bottom half; or whatever you prefer.

I'm really glad I picked it up on whim. I didn't want to risk it being sold out haha.

Hope you found this helpful! If you have any questions, feel free to leave them down below in the comment sections.

So, did you pick up anything from the Proenza Schouler collection from MAC or did you skip on it?

Talk to you all soon!
Bianca

Chanel Reflets d'Ete - New Moon Illusion D'Ombre and Happy Glossimer

Chanel, you did it yet again. You have captured the hearts with a beautiful collection that has something that caters to so many.

Honestly, the collections that Chanel has come up with in the past few years have been real winner and this one isn't an except. This year's summer collection is called Reflets d'Ete de Chanel. 

I purchased two things from the collection: Illusion D'Ombre in New Moon and the Glossimer in Happy.

Safe to say that the whole collection is worth getting your hands on haha but I had to resist. It was hard, I must say.

First off, the Illusion D'Ombre in New Moon. I think it has been very hyped up in the beauty community (Youtube and in Beauty Blogs). Not just in the color of the shadow but the glitteriness that is in the shadow.

Some folks do not like that it has a buttload of multi-dimensional glitter but my oh my...it's beautiful! It can see this as a pop of glitter in a brown or black smokey eye.

In the box, you get a little brush that will help you apply the Illusion D'Ombre (works if you are on the go and in need of a touch up). I prefer to apply these with my finger tip or a stiff, thin eyeshadow brush for maximum pigmentation.

Can we just take a moment and admired how gorgeous this is! I swear, this does not do it justice. You have to see it in person and you will see why so many are loving this.

 Here is a swatch, one heavy and one sheered out. It has this golden, burgundy, copper, taupe color to it. It has different facets and you can see all of that when the light hits it and moves.

Note that when the shadow is sheered out that it becomes like a golden glitter shadow. *still beautiful either way*.

NEXT, the Glossimer in Happy.

I bet you are thinking... psh you spent $30 something on a sheer ass lipgloss? Gurrlll you cray.

Yes, yes I am haha. I purchased this as a layering gloss. Because in the tube, it looks like a bright, neon-ish pink gloss and it applied like a sheer, bordeline clear gloss haha.

It looks so pretty in the tube too. I wouldn't mind getting a gloss this color if it was more pigmented too :P.

So the reason I got this gloss was for layering purposes. I went into my Chanel counter and one of the MUAs used a pink-y nude lip liner all over my lips and applied the Happy gloss on top and I was sold. INSTANTLY.

It might look like nothing on it's own but it's so dynamic when you layer it. And in my opinion, it's perfection for the upcoming summer months.

So, did you pick up anything from this collection? I think I might pick up the Sunny glossimer and possibly the Cheek cream blush :O.

If you have any questions, feel free to answer them down below!

Hope you are all well,
Bianca xo

MAC Playland - Casual Colour in Hi Jinks!

Well MAC, you did us all good with bringing out a really bright and colorful collection that woke up the colorful side of all your fans.

This spring/summer collection from MAC is called the Playland Collection and I'm sure you have seen the promo pics...and the makeup is insane. Props to the MUA that created that. It's amazing!!

I'm here to talk to you about a new product I purchased today at my local Nordstrom and it is the Casual Colour is Hi Jinks!

This is a lip and cheek product so automatically it's multipurpose if you want it to be. *more bang for your buck*. And one of the girls at MAC told me that it was created with the purpose of this being your go-to product for cheeks and lips for the summer time. It's casual, hence the name haha, which makes it easy and foolproof.

MAC describes this as a bright coral. Why yes...we can see that haha.

It is a decent sized pot too! Should last you awhile I assume.

This is great in my opinion. It is very emollient which makes blending a breeze. I usually steer away from products where I have to use my fingers (I'm more of a brush application kind of girl haha). But this felt so smooth and creamy, it won me over. They will give you a healthy glow since it has that sheen to it that will be beautiful in the summer months.

It does have that classic MAC vanilla scent but it's not annoying (to me at least). And since removing the swatch, it stained my arm very slightly. So I'm going to assume that the lasting power on these might be decent! :)

And the specific color is AMAZING and perfect for the season. This is a hot seller so if you want to get it...go now!! Or call your go-to MAC counter or free standing store to set one aside for you OR shop it on Nordstrom and MAC websites.

Retails for $21, not bad for something you might end up usually very often and that is good quality.

SOOO did you pick anything up from the Playland collection? Let me know in the comments!

Take care!
Bianca :)

Tom Ford Silvered Topaz - Swatch and Review

I have embarrassingly collected most of the Tom Ford quads and I still want them all haha. It's a bad thing to want to achieve but I adore his eyeshadows. And believe me, any new TF product that comes out with eyeshadow trios, quads, or palettes...you can bet I will do my best to get my hands on it.

But for now, let's talk about Silvered Topaz. Ain't she a beaute?

obvi haha

This palette is compromised of one signature TF glitter shade, two shimmer-y satin eyeshadows, and one matte.

That glitter shade goes very well on its own on layered on top of any of the 3 shadows. I would say it's neutral because it goes well with that silvered taupe shade on the top right and with that warm plum-y golden-ish taupe without any clashing or looking weird.

These shadows are very pigmented and so smooth like all of the TF quads I have tried and own. They are a dream to apply and blend out.

I can make so many different looks with this quad. And that is what I LOVE about the TF quad line. Every quad has endless possibilities from subtle washes or color for an easy look and can be built up to create some kick ass smokey eyes (which are my personal favorite kinds of looks).

 

This right here is one heck of a beautiful quad. Especially if you love taupe shades. 

I think if you wanted a little more variety in taupes, I think the Les Fumes palette from Guerlain would compliment this TF quad nicely. Not necessary but if you like a little more options than just these 4, I think that would be a good one to take a look at.

Okay, *focus self* haha back to TF. I recommend this quad like the others that I have posted on my blog. I know that the price tag is scary at $78 but the beauty about these quads aside from the AMAZING quality is that these quads are so versatile. You won't be stuck doing the same old look every day. What's not to love about Tom Ford...? ;)

If you are curious, I have done reviews and swatches of: Cognac Sable, Titanium Smoke, Cocoa Mirage, Sahara Haze, and Orchid Haze. ~Check out the rest of my blog for more~

Alright, I hope you enjoyed this review on the Silvered Topaz quad from the amazing Tom Ford. If you have any questions, feel free to let me know. 

Hope you are all well,

Bianca

Tom Ford Unabashed Eye and Cheek Palette for Summer 2014

Well isn't this a thing of beauty?

This is the new and highly coveted Tom Ford Eye and Cheek palette in Unabashed. This is the first palette Mr. Ford has come out with in terms to combining both eye and cheek products. And I am hoping for more palettes like these! 

As you can see, the Ivory and Gold packaging is still going on, resembling the original Private Blend lipstick packaging from back in the day. So fans of Tom Ford are loving it right now because it is so sleek and simple.

*ahhhh* It's so beautiful!

So it comes with three eyeshadows and two cheek products.

Eyeshadows - top to bottom: the classic TF glitter is the top shade and it looks like a champagne coloring with a touch of taupe. The only way I can describe the undertone of that glitter shade is taupe...I can't put my finger on it. It's really gorgeous! Next, it's a classic and true gray taupe matte shadow. MonsiieurAlex mentioned that it's the closest dupe to Chanel's Notorious contour/blush powder from a few years back. So if you are a pro at contour and missed out on Notorious, this would be a cool multi-purpose shade. And finally...the star of the palette...the bright cobalt blue. It is also a matte shadow. When you swatch and apply it, it turns into a bright teal color. So if you want true to pan opacity, you would have to pack it on.

 *drooling*

Here, I took pictures from three different angles and different lighting to get every angle position to show these shadows as best as possible.

The texture of these shadows are AMAZING and so soft like all TF shadows I've come across. I have yet to make a look with these...when I do I will post on my Instagram :)

If you have any questions, feel free to ask me! I'll do my best to answer it as best as possible.

I purchased mine at my local TF counter in Nordstrom. As of right now, Neimans and Saks are doing in store purchases online...They have put that on their website. *it might change*. Demand for this palette is insane. With all the hype around it thanks to social media...A LOT of people pre-ordered it! I know I did :}. Nordstrom doesn't even have this palette online but the rest of the collection is available.

It retails for a heartbreaking $95 haha. I justified it because it was a birthday present to myself :P. *reason enough riiight?!* ;)

Anyways, hope you enjoyed this! Any questions, feel free to ask.

Have a great day/night,
Bianca

Makeup Forever Pink Lab Shine Lip Duo - Swatches

How about that fancy packaging? haha. This is how it comes...in a ziploc type bag haha. 

I ordered this online at Sephora.com because I have not really experimented with any MUFE lip products. This is one heck of a deal, both glosses for $16. 

They are described as: shimmering indian pink and shimmering baby pink.

These are the kinds of glosses that really have that micro glitter that shifts as the light hits it. I tried to capture it as best I could on my camera. Like pink in one angle and then gold in a different light (as shown in the top glosses).

It comes with a brush applicator. It is easy to use and not too flimsy.

What I noticed when I pulled out the wand was that it seemed like there was not a lot of product. You can see it in the picture above. None of my other glosses do that, I thought that was weird.

The shimmering indian pink shade (right) has the most pigmentation. Though I think these are more of a top coat kind of gloss. I know you can wear these on their own but due to the lack of pigmentation...I'm assuming they are top-coaters.

I love how they shift in the light and you can imagine that on the lips that they would make them look "juicy" and slick.

These are sticky. That's my only con. They aren't SO sticky that they are unwearable, it's just annoying.

Overall, these are cool glosses and I love to top off my lipsticks with these glosses for that wet and slick look. I love that especially when I'm wearing a matte eye look.

Since these are online exclusives, you can't check them out in person to feel and see for yourself. I hope these pictures and my thoughts were helpful to you! :)

Talk to you all soon!
Bianca

Burberry Lip Cover Soft Satin Lipstick in No. 9 Blush

Seems like I can't get enough lipsticks in this color range.... haha. Here is my VERY first Burberry product. And man, I picked a good one ;).

This is the Burberry Lip Cover Soft Satin lipstick in No. 9 Blush. It's a pretty pink with a coral undertone and with tinnyyy specks of micro golden shimmer (barely detectable on the lips). 

The packaging is a stunner. Even the box is nice enough to keep. Comes in a sturdy cardboard with the classic Burberry logo and font.

The lipstick case is a gunmetal color with the Burberry pattern etched onto the top part of the lipstick. 

 Check out the lipstick bullet, it also has the Burberry pattern embossed onto it. It really give this lip range an extra notch of classiness. *Also, you don't feel bad as you use if it had had something embossed to the top of the bullet (like TF on Tom Ford Lipsticks)* haha

It is a creamy texture and a dream to apply on the lipsticks. It is like 85-90% opaque which I love. It's an easy pick for an everyday shade and I love that it goes with a ton of different looks :).

Another great thing about this lipstick is that it is not so glossy that it applies sheer but it's has that opacity with the shine that give this lip color an amazing finish that is right up my alley.

Any thoughts about Burberry lipsticks? I want more, do you guys have an faves from this range? :)

Talk to you all soon!!
Bianca

HAUL: MAC Lipsticks - Swatches of Fanfare and Cosmo

There is something about MAC lipsticks that one cannot help but want to collect them. I was VERY VERY late on the MAC lipstick bandwagon. #ashamed haha

My interest in MAC lipsticks was piqued by the Riri Hearts MAC collection. I have never felt so compelled to get as much as I could from a collection since I first fell in love with makeup. 

But aside from that haha, I have slowly added to my MAC lipstick collection and today I bring to you: Fanfare and Cosmo.

MAC Lipstick in Fanfare - Cremesheen 

MAC Lipstick in Cosmo - Amplified 

Left: Fanfare // Right: Cosmo

You are probably thinking... "hmm, they kind of look the same..." and I'll half agree with you haha. There are differences which is why I was okay with buying them (at the same time haha).

Fanfare is a mid tone pink with a coral undertone with a cremesheen finish. So no glitter, no frost, just a nice creamy formula. With cremesheen finish lipsticks, they are not 100% opaque but they pack a punch either way with a glossy finish. Personally, my favorite finish of lipstick MAC offers.

Cosmo is an amplified finished lipstick that is described as a "pink coco". I think of it as a way more pigmented and slightly more brown-y/mauve version of Fanfare. Do you guys feel the same way...? haha. The amplified line is crazy opaque has a slight sheen to it. Not as glossy as the cremesheens.

I do not think these lipsticks have the best wear time, I have other lipsticks that last hourssss on me, and these ones last about 2 hours or so (assuming you are not drinking or eating). They have that classic vanilla scent which does not bother me and I don't smell it while I wear it.

I do love how they feel on the lips, not heavy and apply effortlessly. I feel that way with just about every line in the MAC lipstick range. Mattes...are a different story haha. But, they are a great lipstick. The product quality and price point makes it an easy product to start collecting :).

Do you have any MAC lipsticks on your wishlist?! Let me know in the comments, I'm always down to add more lippies to my wishlist (which is a never-ending list of makeup products I want to try and own :D).

Take care,
Bianca xo