Cheek Piercings?

Let me preface this by saying I am not a professional. I have worked at a piercing studio for a few months, so I have more knowledge then the average person, but I do not actually pierce people. I have had multiple piercings, and I had my cheeks in for well over a year, and took them out a year and a half ago.
If you have any questions that I did not cover...let me know! I will certainly answer anything. These are just the questions I get on a daily basis.


1. Did those hurt?
-Yes! They really did hurt. I could feel the needle going through my skin, and it was painful.
2. Do they leave scars?
-Yes, mine are extremely obvious, in fact. Actually, mine are still open and I don't think they will ever close.
3. How long did they take to heal?
-6+ months! Seriously, my cheeks didn't completely heal for 6-7 months. I took antibiotics for the first months because I was scared of an infection. It never got infected, but they swelled up so badly that I went and got longer bars put in. Some people never can heal theirs, and take them out because they are hard upkeep.
4. What gauge needle are they pierced with?
-Mine were pierced at a 14 gauge, but they are currently at 18.

Here are two pictures from when I still had mine in.

I'm BACK!

Ok so after a long hiatus, I am back!

I really didn't miss not writing my blog. Is that bad? Yeah probably....
But it's nice to have somewhere that I can swatch/talk about/etc beauty related items, and whatever I want really, without having to get all dolled up, like I do for a video.
Plus I have been in such a video making mood lately, which I think adds to not wanting to write in my blog, since I have to put the time and effort into doing videos and editing.


So what will be to come? Well, I purchased a few ELF products, which I may review on here. Or not. I am not sure. And you know what? ELF didn't ship me half of the things I ordered, and instead just credited my account. Great inventory management.
What else, what else.....


I think I'm going to do a post on my cheek piercings. I did a video, however, people didn't seem to enjoy it for some reason. Maybe because I was blatantly honest? Not sure.
I also believe I have some lip swatches to do. Probably more NYX, but maybe some other fun colors.



=] Expect more soon!

Jack Black Intense Therapy Lip Balm Product Rave

I had been hearing about the Jack Black Lip Balm for ages and ages now, and I finally went to Sephora to pick it up. Let me tell you, if you never have tried it, pick it up!!! I know it's a little more expensive then you're run of the mill drugstore balm($7.50 for one, or $10 for the two pack!) but it's so worth it! There are only 5 flavors, Lemon & Chamomile, Grapefruit & Ginger, Black tea & Blackberry, Original Mint, annnnd Vanilla & Lavender. I picked up the Lemon & Chamomile one, but I really want the Grapefruit. My Sephora is poorly stocked and always out of everything, unfortunately. I love the lemon scent! It's more of a lemon cream almost. Yummy!

I have been so displeased with my lip balms lately, especially since this is all I've been wearing since I've been in the process of moving and didn't have a lot of cosmetics with me. I have tons of Softlips, which feel nice for 10 minutes but goes away. It also does not hydrate when my lips are super dry. I have LipSyl, which I absolutely love, but it's too glossy. I enjoy wearing it and keeping it in my purse but I hate sleeping in it.


So anyway, this was kind of a ramble post, but this is a great lip balm if you're in the market for a new one!

What Happened to the NYX Sale?!

This isn't going to be a rant post because that's just stupid. Ladies...and gents...it's a damn SALE. It was a great sale, really, and I know it sucks that a lot of people put time and energy into buying a ton of things they've really wanted. Especially since NYX isn't to accessible to everyone. But you have to remember...this sale was intended for a lot of people, not all of America!!

I just wanted to share my experience from beginning to(hopefully getting a coupon code for the $1.20 sale haha) end. 

First I started watching the site 4pm EST when it was starting. It was under maintenance, so not a big deal I thought. I'll get some stuff late late tonight or tomorrow. Well, I woke up pretty early to look at stuff and the site was a mess, not loading etc. I slept again(lol). I woke up around 10 am and started putting things in my cart, it was slow to load but swatches loaded and I proceeded to put quite a few things in there. I then go to my cart...mind you, it's probably 12 noon EST. I try to check out and...it won't let me!!! UGH. 

It stopped loading after that. Oh well, I'm kind of bummed but it's not worth getting pissy over, ya know?

I'll keep this updated, I did email NYX to see if I get a coupon code or something? 

Please feel free to post your experiences and check out my swatches of some NYX stuff. 

UPDATE:
It has been 25 hours since I sent my first email to NYX...and about 21 hours since I sent my last one. No response.

UPDATE:
I received a code yesterday sometime in the early afternoon? Well anyway, I probably won't be purchasing anything. It's not worth it right now...although mascara for $4.50 is a good deal, it's no $1.20.

MAC Permanent Eyeshadow Swatches

Yay! Good news! My skin is finally back to healthy and I'm trying a new moisturizer to review. I am so impressed with the Proactiv moisturizer that in the winter it will be my go to moisturizer before I purchase some random one.


Anyway, I wanted to swatch and do some thoughts on my MAC eyeshadows that are permanent. I have others, but since they were limited edition, I don't think I should swatch them. I dunno.

Carbon isn't the best black out there, you certainly could find a better black at a better price. 

Amber Lights is BEAUTIFUL. However, it isn't very wearable, in my opinion.

Club is a unique color(well, there are many dupes now...but this is the original!) with a green/brown duochrome. I use a green base underneath on the rare occasion I wear it. 

Twinks is a nice color, with decent payoff. It's not super unique or essential.

This is one of my favorite colors, it's very eye brightening and has great color payoff. I don't use it a lot, but I do sometimes become obsessed and want to wear it everyday.

My second favorite eyeshadow ever. I pair this with Naked Lunch and wear it ALL the time.

This shadow makes me look like I have a bruised eye. I had high hopes, and this does absolutely nothing for me. 

A beautiful color that I don't wear often. Doesn't do much for my eyes but I love the color. It's nice if you are just starting to transition away from neutrals.

Obviously, a stunning color with amazing payoff. It is a little gritty but worth having in your collection.

A unique color when swatched, but it barely shows up on my eyes even when packed. Disappointing. 

The texture of this shadow is horrible. I'll flat out say that. But it does look fun and funky when packed and worked a little. Also, the glitter doesn't show up. 

Amazing color payoff with this one! I'd highly recommend.

This one is so hyped up, but I personally don't like it much. It looks nice in the summer just as a sheer wash but it's nothing special. You can probably find a very similar drugstore dupe.

My favorite shadow of all time!! I know it doesn't look like much, but you NEED it. Trust me. 

Unfortunately, nothing special here. Very dupe-able. It's a pretty color, though. 

Hope you enjoyed this post! I will have more NYX lip swatches up very soon. 

My Skin is a MESS!!

Okay so I would do a review on the Aveeno Continuous Protection Sunblock SPF 30 for Face but it doesn't need more then this: It sucks.
Seriously, this crap is awful. It not only broke me out, but dried my skin out so bad that it was flaking off. I could exfoliate for two hours and it would still be scaly. I am disgusted and disappointed.


Well anyway, now I am in the process of repairing my dry and damaged skin. This morning I tried to use my normal Neutrogena Dry Touch Sunblock. I have oily skin, and I don't usually need much moisture, just SPF. I then applied my foundation and it literally FLAKED off. Ugh. I took my makeup off, exfoliated some more, and used my boyfriend's Proactiv moisturizer(forgive me, I'm not sure of the name...maybe Green Tea Moisturizer). It definitely helped my skin out a lot. And it's more of a greasy gel consistency then a lotion.

But I'll update on my skincare as soon as anything changes.

Garnier Nutritioniste Anti Sun Damage Eye Cream Review

I know I've been neglecting my blog, but I just needed a break. Not really from the blog, but from life. It was just so busy and hectic and I just need time to pack and spend with my family.

But anyway, onto my review of the eye cream I've been using at least since...February? I think. Haha my apologies.

What does the Garnier Nutritioniste Anti Sun Damage Eye Cream claim to do exactly?

• Helps reverse signs of sun damage around eyes
• Treats fine lines, sunspots, dullness
• Helps prevent future signs of aging with SPF 15 UVA/UVB protection

I'm not going to lie, until recently around my way it has not been sunny out. It's been a rainy mess. So therefore I cannot tell you if it's doing its job to protect my undereye area(although I hope it has). 

And before I start, I have to first give a background with my skin. I used to go tanning and I have extremely fair skin, but I tan fairly well. I do have undereye lines, they aren't bad but they're definitely there. So yes, I do have sun damage. 

Does it reverse signs of sun damage around eyes?

Errr....to my knowledge not really. I say not really because it really has smoothed out my undereye area and my freckles are barely there anymore. But have they made my fine lines go away? No. 

Does it treat fine lines, sunspots, and dullness?
As I stated in my previous answer, no to the fine lines. However if you'd like to consider freckles a form of sunspots then yes. Although, I do not because I have them year round. As far as the dullness, I really do think it helps. 

I think this is a good eye cream. It's nothing really special, but I feel like it does moisturize and smooths out my eye area. I also don't use quite as much concealer now that I use the moisturizer, because it's so smooth. It's only .5oz and I purchased it for $7, but I am fairly certain it retails for $10-12. I also wanted to include that the pump gets clogged frequently.


I apologize for the lack of pictures, I will post some soon. 

Ins and Outs for Summer 2011

Ins:


Green Smokey Eyes
-Lighter then the harsh contrast of a grey/silver/black smokey eye...but still sexy. You can achieve this with the new Chanel Khaki Discret Duo.

Natural Foundation/Tinted Moisturizer
-Nothing matte...everything luminous! Read: glowing, not shiny. I purchased the Bobbi Brown Skin Foundation yesterday and I'm in love!!

Juicy Pink Lips

-Clear, juicy, pink bubblegum lips are so hot this summer. That red or pink "just ate a popsicle" look is great.

Outs:

Purple Lipstick/Gloss

-Ugh!! I am so glad this is out. Pastel purple lips are gross...why would you want your lips to look like an Essie nail polish?!

Sleek Hair

-Although I think every summer this look goes out of style and waves are back in, I think recently it's super out. Sleek, straight hair can look greasy and too shiny easily and usually looks lifeless. 

Skimpy Bikinis

-Ew. I'm sure we've all been to the beach and noticed that there are a few ladies who should be wearing a little more. I'm not talking about the regular bikini.

As always, these are my opinions. Do not take offense. 

A Glimpse Inside my Life...

I wanted to do a quick post(I haven't posted much recently, we're moving and I have been SO busy) about my life and some pictures to show you about it. =]

My dog Bear

My mom's dog Chase

 Bear again....

My wonderful boyfriend, Drew

My little puppy Aldo

My old man Eddy

Basically this is just a post of my family really haha. I have 3 dogs- Bear, Aldo and Eddy. I live with my boyfriend Drew, who deals with me and loves me regardless of my cosmetics obsession. And of course, my parents, who I couldn't find any good pictures of...so I added a picture of one of their dogs. 

My dogs are my life! I love rescuing animals, and I really want to devote my life to it. 

NYX Lip Product Swatches and Pictures