Spring Sunset in Calgary

Product Review on LUSH Cosmetics: Mask of Magnaminty

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Introduction

Hi, my name is Margaret and I'm a mint addict. I have always been a mint addict; I love the tingly feeling it gives, as well as the smell, and taste. Obviously I didn't eat the Mask of Magnaminty but I know of a CSR who did. The CSR told me she had tasted the Mask of Magnaminity; her verdict on the mask was: good to zap pimples with but too chalky to consume.

Size, Price, Self- Life and Application Routine

I bought big pot at 315g for ~$20. The mask has a self-life of four months, which is long compared to the fresh face masks. Personally, I should have purchased the smaller tub because I still have a quarter of the product left and it's expired. :( Maybe I'll use the remaining product as a foot mask.

I have combination skin and I used the mask at least once a week and sometimes every other night to scrub dead skin cells off and shrink enlarged pores. The once-a-week application and the every-other-night regime doesn't dry out my skin. My suggestion is to avoid using the mask everyday; trust me I tried this sort of application and it left my skin feeling dry and raw.

The Tingly and Refreshing Experience

When I want to de-stress from an uber long day...my first instinct is to grab my mint mask from the fridge and my Zune. I first wash my face then slaughter the goop on; I gently apply the product in small circular motions. The texture of the mask is goopey with bits of chunky aduki bean granules in it; perfect for taking off dead skin. I suggest hovering over the sink or bathtub when applying the mask and when the mask begins to dry. The mask flakes off as it dries and the house can get messy... (Sorry mom!)

I like this mask because I can feel it working; the cool tingly sensation lifts dirt and grime out of my skin. Also the mask dries out pimples, reduces redness and oil, erases blackheads, prevents acne from erupting, and balances my skin's equilibrium. The scent is delightful; smells like vanllia and mint-chocolate chip. Yummy!

I leave the mask on for about 15 minutes or until the mask hardens. To take the mask off, I moisten the Magnaminty Mask by splashing cold water on my face then gently rub the mask off. The mask revives my skin; leaving it bright, clean, smooth and soft.

Thanks for reading!

Honey, where are my shoes?

Read more about the symbolic meanings and explanations of sneakers on power lines.

Thank You Maybelline, Matchstick, and My Friends

Photo 1. My Maybelline EyeStudio kit from Maybelline and Matchstick

Photo 2. Alternative angle of Maybelline EyeStudio products

Photo 3. Close-up of the gel eyeliners

♔ Thank You! ♔

Thank you Maybelline, Matchstick, and you (my readers) for your support during the Daretoinspire.ca contest. This is a very exciting time as we wait with great anticipation for the announcement of the winner. :)

Over these past these past few weeks I have thoroughly enjoyed Maybelline New York EyeStudio products; I love writing mini tutorials and reviews, using the make-up as well as giving them away. Even though the contest has ended I have been inspired to continue to spread the word about their wonderful make-up products.  Please visit my blog in the future for more reviews and mini-tutorials.

★ Summary of Reviews ★

I.) Color Plush Eye Shadow collection

I have fallen head over heals for the the Plush collection. There is a variety of colors in the collection; I promise that you won't be disappointed with the vast color selections. The eyeshadows are highly pigmented, and the formula have a soft velvety texture. Maybelline's EyeStudio eyeshadows (i.e the Plush palettes and Color Pearls) are ophthalmologist tested and safe for contact lens wearers, and each palette weighs 2.5g or 0.09OZ.

II.) Color Pearls Marbelized Eye Shadows

The shimmery iridescent hues are perfect to wear for any occasion. These black palettes are sleek, and portable.

III.) Lasting Drama Gel Eyeliners & XXL Pro Mascaras

The eyeliners and mascaras are long-lasting; activity, heat, and humidity resistant. The gel eyeliners glide on my lids, and the brush allows for accurate application of the formulas. The mascaras require a two step application. The first formula coats the lashes with a base. The brush grabs every single lash, yes even the baby lashes. The second formula curls, lengthens, volumizes, and bolds the lashes.

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❤ Sky Blue Reign is a fun night look I created for a night out at the clubs. ❤

Photo 4. The products used; Sapphire Siren (#20) palette, 24HRS Bold mascara, Blackest black gel eyeliner

Photo 5. Close-up of the Sapphire Siren (#20) palette

Photo 6. Swatches of Sapphire Siren

Photo 7. The completed look.

 A.) Eyeshadows: Sapphire Siren (#20)

1.) Highlight and Brighten –  apply the lightest shade on the brow bones, inner corner of eyes, and lower lash line to make the eyes pop. 

2.) Accentuate – glide the second shade across the entire eye lid and lower lashes but do not hide the highlight hue. Then feather this blue color upwards towards the brow bone. 

3.) Intensify– add the third hue around the ball of the eye; emphasizing on the hollow of the eyes and the outer corner. Lastly, blend this dark color with the light blue and sweep outwards.

B.) Gel Eyeliner: In  Blackest  Black (#950)

1.)  Define and contour – line the entire top and bottom waterline.

C.) Mascara: XXL Pro  24HR Bold Mascara

1.) Lengthen  – curl your lashes then apply formula #1 followed by #2 for bold and beautiful lashes.

Your Feedback is Needed 

Photo 8: The Redwood logo

Matchstick, and Maybelline are interested in your feedback and opinions! If you haven't completed this survey, please do so. You can voice your thoughts by completing a short two minute survey: 

http://s-owpcc-294253.sgizmo.com/i/61848e14596632p77242

For every completed survey Matchstick will make a $2.00 donation to The Redwood. The Redwood is a family support shelter that offers assistance to those less fortunate.

Thanks for reading!

Yummy Pitted Dates

Apple Tree Flowers

Pink-ish white apple tree flowers in the backyard.

Awesome Fish Sandals

TGIF: Swept Away & Your Valuable Feedback Is Needed (Entry #3)

Swept Away is a romantic beach-y look that is perfect for summer nights out. This look will give eyes a youthful lift, and make eyes standout beautifully in photographs.

Photo 1. The finished look. The mascara and eyeliner dramatically defines my eye: notice how my eye appears larger. (Sorry for the half face photo; I was in a sporting accident and my concealer couldn't hide the bruise.)

Photo 2. Close up of my left eye without mascara and eyeliner

Photo 3. Another close up of my left eye without mascara and eyeliner.

I.) Create this Fun Chic Look:

Photo 4 . Maybelline EyeStudio Ingredients: Sapphire Siren (#20) and Irresistibly Ivy (#90), Gel eyeliner in Charcoal (#954), XXL Pro Extensions Washable Mascara

Photo 5. Close up of the ultra plush and smooth eye shadows: Sapphire Siren (#20) and Irresistibly Ivy (#90)

 A.) Eyeshadows: Sapphire Siren (#20) and Irresistibly Ivy (#90)

1.) Highlight – Sapphire Siren palette: apply the lightest shade on the brow bones, and lower lash line to make the eyes standout. 

2.) Brighten – switch to the Irresistibly Ivy palette and apply the lightest shade on the entire eye lid and inner corner of eyes.

3.) Accentuate – still using the Irresistibly Ivy palette glide the second shade across the eye lid.  Start in the inner corner of the eyes and stop in the middle.  Then layer this color on lower lash line over the highlight hue but do not mask the highlight color.

4.) Enhance – switch to the Sapphire Siren palette and add the second hue on the outer corner of the eyes and bring the color inwards to the middle of the lid. This step will give the eyes more depth.

5.)  Deepen –  still using the Sapphire Siren palette, apply the third color to the hollow area of the outer eye and then sweep outwards.

B.) Gel Eyeliner: In Charcoal (#954)

1.)  Define  – using a steady hand line the entire top and bottom waterline, which will also give the appearance of thicker and fuller lashes. Extending the line 1cm beyond the outer corner of the eyes will give the illusion of bigger eyes.


C.) Mascara: XXL Pro Extensions Washable Mascara

1.) Lengthen  – curl your lashes then apply formula #1 followed by #2 for long and beautiful lashes.

Now you're done! Good luck. :)  And thanks for reading!

Your Feedback is Needed 

Photo 6: The Redwood logo

Matchstick, and Maybelline are interested in your feedback and opinions! You can voice your thoughts by completing a short two minute survey: 

http://s-owpcc-294253.sgizmo.com/i/61848e14596632p77242

For every completed survey Matchstick will make a $2.00 donation to The Redwood. The Redwood is a family support shelter that offers assistance to those less fortunate.

P.S. If you found this entry helpful please vote for me here. Also you can win your very own Maybelline EyeStudio Makeup Kit just by voting or commenting in the contest section, like I mentioned in my previous posts.  ^____^

The Insomniac's Dream: Golden Sunny Eyes (Entry #2)

Golden Sunny Eyes is a soft day look that will brighten tired and dull eyes.

Photo 1. Yes, I'm smiling with my eyes closed.

Photo 2. Close up of the the finished look.

Photo 3. Close up of my left eye.

I.) Create this Classy Chic Look:

Photo 4 . Maybelline EyeStudio Ingredients: Give Me Gold (#05), Gel eyeliner in Blackest  Black (#950), XXL Pro Volume Washable Mascara

A.) Eyeshadow: Give  Me Gold (#05)

1.) Highlight – apply the lightest shade on the brow bones (i.e. under the eyebrow), inner corner of eyes, and lower lash line to make the eyes pop.

2.) Accentuate  – sweep the second shade across the entire eye lid and dab a bit of the formula over the lower lash line to brighten the eyes.

3.) Emphasize – add the third hue on the outer corner of the eyes to give the eyes more depth.

B.) Gel Eyeliner: In  Blackest  Black (#950)

1.)  Define and contour – line the entire top and bottom waterline, and extend the line slightly beyond the corner of the eyes. This will also give the appearance of thicker lashes and bigger eyes.

C.) Mascara: XXL  Pro Volume Washable

1.) Volumize and sculpt – curl your lashes then apply formula #1 followed by #2 for thick and full lashes. 

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II.) Mini Reviews and Confessions:

 Photo 5. Close up of the plush eye shadow in Give Me Gold (#05)

A.) Color  Plush Eye Shadow: Give Me Gold

I am highly impressed with Maybelline's smooth and creamy, long lasting, and super pigmented shades. The hues in Give Me Gold goes on sheer and glittery but can be layered for a more dramatic look. It is perfect for ladies who like neutral colors or for colorphobic individuals.

B.) Lasting  Drama Gel Eyeliner

I have switched from using pencil eyeliners to Maybelline's gel eyeliners permanently. There's no sharpening required, grittiness, and tugging on my eyelids. I am absolutely crazy in love with Maybelline's gel eyeliner. The colors are intensely rich and the products are ultra smooth, which allows me to effortlessly glide the eyeliners on. Next, the eyeliner is long-lasting, water-proof and smudge-proof. I didn't end up with raccoon eyes after my daily run. :) I approve Maybelline's gel eyeliners and highly recommend it.

 C.) XXL  Pro Mascara

The XXL Pro mascara dramatically lengthens my short (and non-existent lashes) all day without smudging or flaking. I didn't have raccoon eyes after exercising. :) The mascara and the eyeliner can be easily removed with warm water, soap, and a cotton towel.

In summary, I am extremely happy with the quality of  Maybelline's EyeStudio collection. My eye make-up lasts over 16 hours without fading and smudging. Make the switch to Maybelline and make touch-ups history.

Thanks for reading. :)

P.S. If you found this entry useful please vote for me here. Also you can win your very own Maybelline EyeStudio Makeup Kit just by voting or commenting in the contest section, like I mentioned in my previous posts.

ArtsCow Custom Rubber Coaster

Photo 1. Front of my custom rubber coasters.

Photo 2. Close up of the back.

I have a very positive impression of ArtsCow. I am impressed by their speedy delivery, and quality of their products. My orders usually arrive within 1.5 to 2 weeks.  I have a watch, and mouse-pad from them. Now I have coasters. The coasters are very similar to their custom mouse-pad, expect the coaster is smaller. :)

Look What I Found! (Updates)

Whew! Yes, I know I have been MIA, and I apologize. I have three mini pieces of information to deliver to you guys. :)

1.) Spring Showers Bring May Flowers...But Snow in May?!

Photo 1. My Dad's footprints in the snow.

Photo 2. My florae... I cried a little inside.

2.) Recipient of Sunshine Award

Photo 3. My "trophy" courtesy of Tracy from The Daily Mom Diaries.

Go check out her wonderful blog, if you haven't already done so. She does product reviews, makeup tutorials, host awesome contests and much more! Go say thanks on my behalf. Now shooo, go. :D

The Sunshine award my first blogger award. Wow... I feel appreciated, and it's such a great honor to be a recipient of the award. Thank you Tracy, this award totally made my day. ^_____^

3.) You Are Beautiful

Photo 4.  An upbeat Post-It note I stumbled upon on the University of Calgary back in April.

Over the last year and a half I have noticed a particular phrase written over and over on the U of C's  walls, doors, and mirrors. The phrase "you're beautiful" is written with a black Sharpie and it is a neat curvature writing.  I thought to myself, "huh, that's a weird 'tag'."  Guess what? I finally solved that mystery! Check out the site and their inspiration motto. 

My Mini Munny

My apologies for being MIA. I will try my best to post at least once a week.

My DB bought me a mini Munny. I love monkeys. I have yet to decorate it. :S  Post your *reasonable* suggestions below I will take it into consideration. Thanks. :)

Photos 1-4. The box.

Photo 5. The shiny packaging.

Photo 6 and 7. The Mini Munny and sticker.

The Cheesecake Cafe Celebration

The Best Friend and I went to the Cheesecake Cafe to celebrate the completion of our undergraduate studies. Yes, we're tame...and nerds. I meant to post this sooner but I've been preoccupied; my apologies. Photos were taken April 26, 2010.

 Photo 1. Quiche with homemade potato chips, ranch dip, and fresh fruits.

Photo 2. Cobb salad: 2 kinds of cheeses, chicken breast, tomato, hard boiled egg, ham, bacon bits, lettuce, cucumber and ranch dip.

Photo 3. Empty dish.... our compliments to the chef. :)

 Photo 4. Steph. and our meal

Photo 5. Front view of the Reese Pieces cheesecake.

Photo 6. Top view of the dessert.