NARS Review - "Lola Lola" Eyeshadow

Last year, I was reading Audrina Patridge's blog (even though I am more a Lauren-Conrad-girl) and she mentioned for her summer look, she uses "Lola Lola" by NARS cosmetics. I love neutral colors so of course, I went to Sephora and bought it.

I love this eyeshadow. I have used it everyday ever since. Well, except those days where I am just too lazy and only put on eyeliner, but other than that... I would highly recommend it for those neutral-color-lovers, or anyone, actually.

I swipe my MAC 213 (fluff) brush in the eyeshadow about three times and apply it to my eye lid (after using MAC Prep + Prime) and it gives off a nice bronzed look.

FYI - If you're lazy like me, using "Lola Lola" for your eye lid and crease line also looks fine. Also, juicystar07 shows a great technique for applying eyeshadow from the outer corners & the crease line in this video [watch from 3:42 - 4:07]

The price for NARS "Lola Lola" is $22, which is relatively expensive for a single eyeshadow, but it is worth it!

Photo Credit: Narscosmetics.com

Coach Review - Patent Glam in Magenta from the Poppy Collection

Two weeks ago, I went to the Coach store to buy the Patent Glam tote bag in Magenta. I was hesitant because the color is so bold and I'm more of a black-purse-kind-of-girl (less time spent on coordinating clothes + handbag).

RAVES: Despite the color being so bright and bold, I love it! It's so different (for me). Also, when I am walking to school and crossing the street, I almost feel like it's one huge (pink) Stop Sign. Speaking of which, the bag is huge! It can fit a binder, a textbook, and the essentials (wallet, keys, pens, etc.) easily.

RANT: The listed price on the website is $268, which seems fairly reasonable for a Coach handbag. In the continental US, I am sure the price is exactly that in the stores (w/o tax of course). I am not sure about that so don't take my word for it! However, I know for a fact that in some states the prices are marked up. Like the one I live in. I paid $365 for the bag. Ridiculous, right? Was it worth? I'm not sure. The free Coach poppy journal is what really secured my purchase because I just love journals!

Look out for - Sticky zippers! Sometimes the zippers get stuck. But I'm sure with more use, it will get better.

Overall, I am satisfied and I would recommend buy this bag because it's fun and bold!

Photo Credit: Coach.com

MAC Review - Prep + Prime Eye

A few years ago, I went to a MAC store and one of the girls came up with a neutral look for me. Due to my lack of makeup knowledge, I had no idea what a primer was so even though I bought the Prep + Prime Eye in Light, I just threw inside the back of my (small) makeup drawer. Only recently have I discovered its purpose - a base for eyeshadow. Although this part is not listed under the product description, primers are known to eliminate crease lines. With that in mind...

PROS: The primer does make the eyeshadow stick to my eye lid better and the shadows appear more distinct and pigmented.

CONS: The Prep + Prime Eye is cakey and messy. I still have crease lines on my eyeshadow after a few hours sometimes.

FYI: I applied the primer with a MAC 239 brush (don't get mad at me if this is the "wrong brush"; I let the salesgirl handle this part as I am relatively inexperienced with makeup of all sorts).


So far, the two reviews I have written were on products that I do not like, but I promise you that I do like a lot of products and I will post reviews on them as well! Just FYI, so you don't think this is a "BASHING" type of review blog!

Photo Credit: Maccosmetics.com

To Be Reviewed

Expect reviews on:

- Urban Decay Eyeshadow Primer Potion
- MAC "Tempting" Eyeshadow
- MAC "Honey Lust" Eyeshadow
- MAC "Mulch" Eyeshadow

Coming soon! I just ordered the products yesterday so it will most likely arrive within a week.

Best Bath Store - Acne Product Review

After watching a review on Youtube by juicystar07 about the Acne Treatment Products from the Best Bath Store and reading the customer reviews on the website for the Acne Facial Bar and the Acne Treatment Gel, I was SOLD to say the least.

My only worries were:
1) The smell - turns out, I actually don't mind the strong ginger-like smell
2) I would get an allergic reaction but it didn't seem too much of a problem since the products are "all-natural" and I'm only allergic to strong over-the-counter/prescription acne medicine
3) No results - which I would have been semi-fine with considering the products were relatively cheap if they were so-called "miracle workers"

MY RESULTS - I have been using the Acne Facial Bar everyday for over a week and a half (twice a day). My acne has not been improving. If anything, today I just concluded that it looks like my acne has gotten worse. I've been getting more smaller pimples everywhere! Usually, I get those stubborn big pimples and few small pimples. But now I have both!

Perhaps with only one week of use, I am jumping to conclusions too fast, so I will continue to use both products for one more week. If indeed my acne gets noticeably worse, I will update this blog.

*UPDATE - As of Sept. 1,2009* I actually stopped using both products a few days after I wrote this review. I still use the facial soap bar occasionally, but in general, no results.

Question: Have you ever tried these products? Soaps and acne treatments have different results on different skin types. Have these products worked for you?

Photo Credit: Bestbathstore.com