Fashion Find: Michael Kors Hamilton Pumps February 15, 2010

So whilst in search of photo albums for my recently developed photographs, I passed by a DSW shoe warehouse and decided to pop in for a gander. I promised myself that I would not purchase anything, I’d just have a look around. In keeping with tradition…I FAILED. However, I feel no buyers remorse because I bought these at an absolute BARGAIN (60% off retail price)!

I immediately fell in love with these Michael Kors pumps. For quite some time I have been on the look-out for a pair of pumps that were too nice to be “work-pumps” but not enough that I couldn’t wear them for a simple dinner date or random get together. After a while I gave up the search without finding anything that suited my taste and style. I’d like to think these found me, they’re perfect.

People say you find the perfect man when you’re not looking for him. In my case I found the perfect black pumps when I wasn’t looking for them

E.L.F. at Target November 26, 2009

Aracelly says…

If you love ELF, get yourself to Target ASAP.

Finding ELF products at target last night made my day. Maybe this is old news and I just never knew about it but as I was buying some necessities at target I decided to take a gander at the cosmetics section and low and behold I came across a whole display of ELF products. I didn’t pick up much because I wasn’t there shopping for makeup and decided the wise thing to do would be to stick to my itinerary but every item that I did pick up was only $1. (Same as on the website.) I do not have much experience with ELF products but what I have tried has been super inexpensive and such good quality. I really don’t know why I haven’t tried more of their products out. In case you’re interested, here’s what I picked up…

…the Bronzing brush is really unique because it really is a 3-in-1 brush. It can be used to apply blush, bronzer, and loose powders. I personally love it to apply blush. Its very precise and allows me to apply it right on the apples of my cheeks.

The Total Face brush is designed to apply facial and bronzing powder. So far I’ve used it to apply my finishing powder and it is amazing and so soft just like the bronzing brush! I love it!

The Slant Tweezer is so impressive. It is stainless steel and has a very strong grip. I was honestly expecting to hate it and find that it wasn’t strong or accurate but it was quite the opposite. I can’t stand tweezers that are so weak and can’t pick up a single hair but this tweezer made my eyebrow tweezing super easy, quick and accurate. I definitely recommend it if your looking for a good, inexpensive tweezer.

Lastly, the eyelash curler. My initial reaction was what a weird looking eyelash curler, it looks like it’s more packaging than actual quality but boy was I wrong. One single squeeze that wasn’t even held for more than 2 seconds left my eyelashes so beautifully curled. Even before applying mascara my eyelashes looked beautiful. It even brings an extra rubber pad for when you need to replace the original one.

They also had some eye and lip kits, eye liners, and lip glosses.

What are you opinions on ELF products? I want to try out more. Any recommendations?

China Glaze Nail Polishes November 8, 2009

Aracelly says…

While China Glaze nail polishes are decent quality for their price tags they are not JUST AS GOOD as OPI polishes.

I have read/seen so many things on China Glaze nail polishes and after trying out different finishes and different colors I have finally reached my own conclusion on this brand.

Lets begin with the price tag. When compared to OPI, Essie or Orly nail polishes, China Glaze is anywhere from $2-4 cheaper depending on where you choose to purchase them. The amount of product you receive in each bottle is the same as is in an OPI bottle: .5oz. China Glaze offers a multitude of colors and a few different finishes so you have a wide selection to choose from and you can definitely find a color to go well with any outfit and one that is suitable for any event.

So far China Glaze seems like a steal. Here are the two things that do not convince me that they are just as good as an OPI polish. In regards to the longevity of the polish, it does not last as long as OPI. It lasts a decent amount of time but not as long as I’m used to my OPI polishes lasting. I have tried it with many different bases and top coats to see if the wearability had anything to do with that but my China Glaze polishes begin chipping and fading at least two days earlier than my OPI polish would. If they do not chip then they definitely begin fading and begin looking like its time for a change of polish. The second issue (if you want to call it that) I have with China Glaze is the coverage it provides. Many people claim that with some of them you only need one coat but i have sometimes found myself having to apply 3 coats in order to get the coverage I want.

These are two minor issues that I think can be dismissed when looking at the fact that this is a cheaper alternative to more expensive polishes and although it is not EXACTLY as good as more expensive brands it is well worth your money and you get even better quality than you’re paying for. You have many colors to choose from and different finishes to play around with

Aracelly Says… China Glaze is not better than others but its decent quality and reasonably priced so it gets a thumbs up from me

How do you feel about China Glaze polishes?

[If you're interested in purchasing China Glaze polishes and coming to your own conclusion for the brand or already a China Glaze lover and are looking for a supplier, you can find them at Sally's Beauty Supply. If there's not a Sally's near you or you're interested in finding them for a bit cheaper visit 8ty8beauty.com]

xoxo
Aracelly

Halloween November 8, 2009

This post is very late seeing as Halloween was last week but I figured it really wouldn’t be a big deal if I still shared this with you. Its better late than never right?

So I was trying out some makeup looks for Halloween. Some were for myself because I was still indecisive on what I was going to do for Halloween and some were for my friends who needed their makeup done as part of their costumes. I personally love Halloween but was never the type to dress up and celebrate or go out and party. I love the idea of dressing up in something creative and fun and just going out to have SAFE fun. I’m the type to stay home and hand out candy to the children in the neighborhood but this year I decided to go out. I pulled together a last minute Ring Leader/ Ring Master costume.

This costume was so easy. All I did was purchase the hat at a party supply store for about $3 and found feathers at A.C. Moore for about $2. Everything else was from my own personal wardrobe. I’m pretty good huh? My makeup for this costume was very neutral if you’re interested in what I did comment below and I may do a tutorial or at least list the products I used. It was used for Halloween but the look is very nice and neat and can be used for anything casual or anything requiring a neutral eye look.

Here are two of my favorite looks that I created while trying to figure out some makeup for my friends’ costumes.

This Edward Scissorhands look is my favorite because that is one of my favorite movies of all time. It was also so much fun to create. I definitely did not expect it to come out as good as it did. Even though there were some things here and there that I would’ve changed I was overall pleased.

Creepy isn’t it?

This was my second favorite look. One of my friends was going to be Lady Gaga for Halloween and asked me to do her makeup. Here was my attempt at practicing the look.

I think it would’ve looked so much better if I had a wig to try it on with but you get the gist of it. What do you think?

Aracelly Says…this Halloween was pretty fun especially since I got to do most of my friends’ makeup and be creative with it

What did you dress up as for Halloween?

xoxo
Aracelly

Love Nail Polishes? Visit 8ty8Beauty.com November 8, 2009

I am not afraid to admit that I have an obsession with nail polishes. I have so many different colors and paint my nails 2-3 times week. I love quality nail polishes like OPI, Essie and Orly but hate that one single nail polish can run me about $8-10 at retail price. A few months ago I discovered a beauty supply that sold nail polishes online for almost 50% off of retail price! OPI Polishes that sell for around $9 at your local drug store are sold for $4.48 on this site.

The site I am talking about is 8ty8beauty.com. They are a beauty supply located in Bay Shore, New York. Aside from nail polishes they sell tools like acrylics, brushes, bottles/jars, dryers, nail polish racks, lotions, waxes, rhinestones and so much more. If you’re a nail fanatic like I am, this website is definitely worth checking out. Thanks to them my nail polish collection has grown tremendously and I didn’t have to break the bank in order to it.

Long or Short Nails July 30, 2009

Okay, here is my dilemma:

I’ve managed to grow my nails pretty long…long enough for people to ask me if they’re acrylic tips. I’m over them being long for now and want to cut them really short but I’m scared I’ll miss them and then have to wait for them to grow back, even though they really don’t take that long. Aside from them getting in my way sometimes, I mainly want to cut them because many colors don’t look so great on really long nails, bright or very dark colors in particular; They look somewhat tacky.

What do you guys think? Long or short nails?

Gilt Groupe July 30, 2009

Hola! I wanted to take a second and tell you guys about this website I recently joined called Gilt Groupe. They have sample sales on top of the line designer clothing & accessories at amazing discounts. Aside from clothing and accessories sales they have been known to hold makeup and skin care sales as well. I found out about it through DRBrooklyn730′s Blog.

According to DRBrooklyn 730, they have at least one sale a day and they usually start at 12 Noon EST. Supplies may run out quickly so make sure you get to the sale as soon as it opens. They’ll have information on upcoming sales so that you are aware.

It is an invitation only site so if you’re interested in joining click HERE

Hope you guys enjoy it!

xoxo,
Caroline

Fekkai Technician Color Care 3-Min Mask June 22, 2009

If you have color treated hair you know how upsetting it can be to deal with the consequences of achieving your desired color. Your hair becomes dry, brittle, frizzy, unmanageable, simply put DAMAGED. There are a lot of products out there that promise to correct the damage caused by coloring but none that I have tried have impressed me as much as this Fekkai Technician Color Care 3-minute mask.

Let’s begin with the 3-minute aspect of this product. I don’t know about anyone else but I’m very impatient and one thing I hate about hair treatments is that I have to leave them on for a while, usually atleast fifteen minutes. I don’t like having to step out of the shower, apply the treatment, hang around for 15 minutes and then jump back in the shower to rinse it off. With this mask I can apply it as I use my soap or any facial products I use in the shower.

Now, on to the more important aspect, the results. The Fekkai website describes this product as “an intense and instant treatment designed to deeply nourish and protect color-treated hair. The luscious creamy formula helps extend the life of color treatments and maintain healthy, shiny hair. The triple-color protection complex helps protect hair from UV rays and color from fading, while it helps keep color looking radiant and lustrous. It is the perfect solution for just-colored hair that delivers a vibrant, silky feel without the wait.”

This product leaves my hair feeling incredibly silky and light-weight after just one use. It also leaves it looking very shiny and healthy. I find that after using this mask styling my hair is a lot easier. If I am going to blow-dry my hair its unecessary for me to use an anti-frizz serum or anything of the sort, I only use a heat protector and my hair is silky, soft, shiny and frizz-free.

You can purchase this product off of the Fekkai website or you can purchase at Sephora. It retails for $35 and you receive 7 oz of product.

Nails of the Day June 13, 2009

It’s a little difficult to see but you get the picture. My pedicure is exactly the same. I love it!

[Posted with iBlogger from my iPhone]

Orly Won’t Chip June 11, 2009

I’m a nail polish freak. I always have my nails and toes done and usually do a unique design. I also have a bunch of nail polishes in all sorts of colors.

Lately I’ve been getting pretty aggravated. You see, I have a problem. Maybe it’s a weird case of OCD but my toes and hands must ALWAYS match, same color, same design. My nails however tend to never cooperate. In about 2 days they’d start chipping meanwhile my toes looked perfect. I’d have to redo my perfect pedicure simply because my manicure started chipping. Frustrating much? I think so!

Luckily, I have found the solution. I have been hearing about this Orly’s Wont Chip Topcoat for a while but never really got around to trying it. I have now had my current manicure for exactly one week and only today has it shown true signs of a need for a new manicure.

This topcoat forms a polymer shield that prevents the nail polish from chipping and also gives it a long lasting shine. It’s about $8 or $9 at your local drugstore and about $6 at Sally’s Beauty Supply.

[Posted with iBlogger from my iPhone]