Tutorial: My Anniversary Makeup (Taupe and Rose Gold with a Pop of Teal Smokey Eye)

Hello Loves!

I am back with another anniversary makeup tutorial! It's starting to become a tradition that I do a tutorial of the makeup that I wear for my anniversary and this year is no different. This year, I posted four looks and asked my followers on Instagram to vote on which look they wanted to see a tutorial of and this was the look they picked! This look was originally a recreation look of a makeup that Alcantara Makeup did on his Instagram. I am really glad that my followers loved this look as much as I did and I was very excited to wear this look again.

I will include both the video and pictorial version if you have a preference between the two.

If you liked the video, why not subscribe? I have been uploading a bit more regularly :)

Read on for the pictorial!

Review: Born Pretty Store Handmade Mink Lashes in D3

Hello Loves!

I am trying some lashes from a company that I am pretty unfamiliar with. I was contacted by a representative from the Born Pretty Store website to try out a few items from their store. I chose lashes of course because lately I have been loving false lashes everything-- buying, wearing them, you name it. The lashes I chose are lashes that either mink or some sort of mink alternative because mink lashes I have tried are not only expensive but have a tendency to be delicate. If I am gonna pay at least $20 for a pair of mink lashes, why not make them durable enough that you can actually live up to the 20-25 use claim? Anyways...

A little background since I have not yet covered this brand before. Born Pretty Store is a company that sells a variety of cosmetics items but is most well known for their nail accessory items. They also sell items such as cell phone accessories and other gadgets and gizmos. You can read their full "About Us" blurb here.

These lashes were sent as a press sample for possible review consideration. All opinions are my own and I was not paid to say anything in this post.

SHIPPING/CUSTOMER SERVICE

These lashes were sent as a press sample so I have no experience on the customer service aspect of ordering from this company. Shipping does take a while to receive from them. It took about 2 weeks to receive my package and I did not receive a tracking number to stay up to date on where my order was. However, this may be different for those who purchase from the website. Shoot me an email if you want to share your experience!

Ok, onto the review!

PACKAGING

The lashes came in a plastic box like this and are glued onto a rather large white tray that can slide out of the box. I did not take a picture of the lashes and tray in the box because it had an obnoxious sticker blocking the view of the lashes. However, as the picture shows on the site, it is very clearly marked which style you get and labels are consistent for all the lashes that I received. Here is what the lashes look like on the tray:

I found the packaging bulky and really tedious. This is a situation that I would store the lashes in a different container once using them. The tray was kind of annoying to remove from the plastic package and I found the tray unnecessarily big for what you get. I think that the packaging can be improved.

I initially didn't trim them but...

A word of caution: make sure the lash band is not too long. They will not be comfortable if the band is too long. The inner band will poke at your inner corners and make them sore. I couldn't even wear them for more than a hour, if I even wore them that long. I finally trimmed them down a small bit after being stubborn and not cutting them. I would say that I trimmer down maybe 1/4-1/3 cm.

APPLICATION

These lashes were not the easiest pair of lashes to apply because the lash band was not the most flexible. I waited around 60 seconds (with Koko Lashes lash glue) before I applied the lashes and the band was not the easiest to place on the eye because the band was not staying in place. This set of lashes will require the glue to get extra tacky so that the ends will stay glued down. I had an especially difficult time keeping the inner corners down and often had to add some House of Lashes lash glue to keep them down. The lashes had a medium to medium-thick lash band that required a bit of manipulation but the lashes felt lightweight once applied.

Below is a before and after to show the effect of the lashes:

But the real test is...
LONGEVITY/WEAR

These lashes were comfortable during wear time and I wore them for about 5-8 hours. They did not feel noticeable at all during wear and were comfortable when properly cut to the right length.  None of the sides lifted during wear and the lashes came off easily with oil-free makeup remover. I lost none of the mink hairs through use and have proven to be durable. None of the hairs were bent or altered in any way after three uses, and they withstood my abuse. They look practically the same as the first day I used them.

QUALITY / PRICING / RANDOM:

The quality of the mink hairs were soft and felt like real lashes. They add volume and give a very cat like appearance to the eye. These lashes retail for $5.2 but can be cheaper if on sale or with codes that can be used. These lashes are a fantastic quality for the price and are perfect lashes to try if you ever wanted to try mink lashes but don't want to commit to the $20+ they cost from other companies. They are also great with any look that uses winged liner or just emphasizes the outer corner. These are pretty unique lashes to my collection.

FINAL VERDICT

These lashes get a...

8.5/10

Pros:

Durable

Natural feeling (lightweight and soft hairs)

Great price

Cons:

Harder to apply (inflexible lash band)

Bulky and difficult packaging

WOULD YOU IT BUY AGAIN?

YES. They are cheap mink lashes and are unique to my collection. This is the less dramatic and mink version of Koko Lashes Goddess.

Dupes/similar styles by other companies:

None that I know of

If you wish to purchase anything from the Born Pretty Store, here is the link to the false lash section of their website. You can save money by using my code "WLEH10." This is an affiliate code and I do get commission when the code is used so use it if you wish.

Until next time,

Have a beautiful day!

-Elle 

Video Tutorial: Double Winged "Fish" Eyeliner

Hello Loves!

This look was another crazy idea in my head. I thought "what if my eye... could be a fish??." A little weird but I tried the look and posted it to my Instagram. The look was received well by you and I finally am here to teach you how to do that look!

If you have always wanted to be a fish, watch no further.

If you enjoyed the video, why not subscribe? I'm uploading a bit more regularly than I used to so you will actually get content :)

Also, if you recreate any of my looks, make sure to tag me on IG or Snapchat me! I love seeing you guys recreate my looks.

Until next time,
Have a beautiful day!
-Elle

Video Tutorial: Complex Purple Smokey Eye

Hello Loves!

Today, I recreated a quite popular look that I posted on my Instagram. I loved it a lot too and I had to do it again so I could use the lovely lid color for the look. Its a really complex smokey eye that blends into a maroon, then mango, and finally a coral color. I hope you enjoy!

If you enjoyed the video, why not subscribe? I'm uploading a bit more regularly than I used to so you will actually get content :)

Also, if you recreate any of my looks, make sure to tag me on IG or Snapchat me! I love seeing you guys recreate my looks :)

Until next time,
Have a beautiful day!
-Elle

Review: Lena Lashes in Khloe (from the Pin-up Girl Collection)

Hello Loves!

I'm trying out another style from Lena Lashes Pin-Up Girl Collection! Today, I will be wearing and reviewing the style called Khloe. I was hesitant about this pair of lashes at first but as you will read, my thoughts were exactly the opposite. 

These lashes were sent as a press sample for possible review consideration. All opinions are my own and I was not paid to say anything in this post.

PACKAGING

This collection comes in a magnetic black and red polka dot box with gold hearts that have the company name and names of the makeup artists who collaborated for this collection. The back of the box has the social media information of the company as well as the makeup artists. 

Within this box is the name of each lash on the top and the bottom contains the trays for each individual lash. A ribbon is attached to the bottom of the box to easily remove the trays. I found that the trays in this box are not secure and will easily come out on their own. This is definitely an unwelcome change compared to the boxes for a single pair of lashes.

The lashes I will be reviewing are on the upper right.

Read on for the nitty-gritty about the lashes!

Video Tutorial: Getting Long Lasting Dewy Skin

Hello Loves!

I have finally figured out dewy skin.

I have never had skin that looked dewy both in real life and in photos. Another added benefit about the makeup was it lasted all day (~8-10 hours). Today, I filmed a tutorial to show you how I achieved dewy skin that lasted all day. I also included some tips for those who have combo or oily skin to achieve this. For reference, I have normal skin.

If you like the video, why not subscribe? I've been getting better with uploading videos more regularly :)

Also, you may have noticed but this is the first post I have done in a long time. Just a little life update but I have been dealing with some health issues in the past month. Thankfully, everything has been resolved and I can get back to reviewing and making tutorials.

Until next time,
Have a beautiful day!
-Elle

Video Tutorial: Luxe Cranberry Copper Halo Eye

Hello Loves!

This look is probably one of my favorite looks I have created in a while. You guys liked it as well so I figure I film myself creating it. So here you go!

If you enjoyed the video, why not subscribe? I'm uploading a bit more regularly than I used to so you will actually get content :)

Until next time,
Have a beautiful day!
-Elle

First Impressions and Comparisons: Chikuhodo x Beautylish Sakura Collection

Hello Loves!

This is a post that has taken a while to write but today is the day that it gets finished!

At the beginning of July, I received the Chikuhodo x Beautylish Sakura Collection and let me tell you a quick story of how I ended up purchasing these.

I was severely lusting after these brushes. I would probably go onto the Beautylish site at least a couple times a week and follow bloggers who received these to gauge if they were worth purchasing. Ever since receiving my first Chikuhodo brushes, I have obsessed with obtaining more. They are AMAZING and make my face feel like heaven. Anyways, I was looking at the Sakura Collection post on SweetMakeupTemptations, a blog known for lots of good brush reviews and photos, just fawning over the beautiful brushes. Let me also add that designs on brush handles are a bit of a weakness, I did get the Chikuhodo MK-2 afterall! (Ok Elle, stop with the tangents!) So, I was looking at the post and all the sudden a representative from the company texted me if I wanted to purchase them. Would I resist? NO. I asked a bunch of questions before I decided to purchase but I caved and bought them. That was a terrible moment for me to have them contact me but they were really smart and somehow knew I was looking at the post at that exact moment. And then that started the no buy that I currently on to the end of August :)

Now, onto the the nitty-gritty of the brushes!

Video Tutorial: Quick and Easy Glittery Defined Eye

Hello Loves!

I just wanted to do a quick video to test up a new filming set up. I want to make it easier for me to do looks because then it will be easier to do more difficult looks for you guys. Let me know what you think of the set up/lighting/etc.

I already previously did this look before and enjoyed it enough to film a tutorial of it. I hope you enjoy it!

If you enjoyed the video, why not subscribe to my channel? I upload tutorials on the odd occasion :)

Until next time,
Have a beautiful day!
-Elle

Tutorial: Taupe Smokey Eye (Revamping an Old Look)

Hello Loves!

A long time ago, I thought I was the makeup goddess. I thought that I was the shit. Looking back at these pictures, it makes me cringe a little just seeing where I am at now. Today, I recreated the look that made think I was all that. I also got requests to do a tutorial of this look so you will learn how to recreate this look today!

Here is the updated version of that look.

I used Koko Lashes Koko here and used a different pair at the end of the tutorial.

This is the reference look I speak of. Brace yourselves.

The look I am revamping. I thought I was hot stuff.

Pictorial after the jump!

Tutorial: Blown Out Rainbow-Black Smokey Eye

Hello Loves!

I had an idea. A crazy idea. I wanted to do a super blown out black eye but the center is black and it is  blown out in the colors of the rainbow. In my head, I called it the "Rainbow Blackhole." This idea finally came to fruition, and I posted it on my Instagram. I got such a positive reaction that some followers wanted a tutorial. Today, I finally post the tutorial I created here on my blog.

Here is the final look:

Keep reading after the jump for the pictorial!

Review: Lena Lashes in Noemie (from the Pin-up Girl Collection)

Hello Loves!

I'm trying out another style from Lena Lashes Pin-Up Girl Collection! Today, I will be wearing and reviewing the style called Noemie. This pair looked so fluffy whenever others have used it on Instagram and I wanted that fluffiness on my eyes. 

These lashes were sent as a press sample for possible review consideration. All opinions are my own and I was not paid to say anything in this post.

PACKAGING

This collection comes in a magnetic black and red polka dot box with gold hearts that have the company name and names of the makeup artists who collaborated for this collection. The back of the box has the social media information of the company as well as the makeup artists. 

Within this box is the name of each lash on the top and the bottom contains the trays for each individual lash. A ribbon is attached to the bottom of the box to easily remove the trays. I found that the trays in this box are not secure and will easily come out on their own. This is definitely an unwelcome change compared to the boxes for a single pair of lashes.

The lashes I will be reviewing are on the upper left.

Read on for the nitty-gritty about the lashes!

Review: Eylure Vegas Nay Lashes in Grand Glamor

Hello Loves!

Recently, I saw that Eylure released a new series of lashes in collaboration with Vegas Nay, a makeup artist most popular on Instagram (5M+ followers), and one particular pair caught my eye. My favorite lashes of all time are the style ala Koko Lashes Koko, House of Lashes Pixie Luxe, etc and the style "Grand Glamor" seemed very similar to this style of lash. I bought a couple of pairs of Grand Glamor and today I will be reviewing them for you!

PACKAGING

The lashes are contained in pretty bulky packaging with a picture of the makeup artist on the front and a clear window to see the lashes. On the back of the box, there are pictures and instructions on how to apply false lashes. In the box, you get the lashes, which are glued on the corners to hold them in place, lash glue, and a little instruction pamphlet that has the instructions in other languages. The sides have stickers keeping them closed and to also indicate if someone has tampered with the box.

I think that Eylure could of majorly downsized with the size of the packaging because they could of kept the glue and pamphlet under the lash tray. The size of the packaging makes it a lot harder to travel with or requires you to transfer the lashes to another container. 

Lashes pre-trim

Here are what the lashes look after cutting them down to size:

Lashes post-trimming. About a 1/2 cm was cut off each lash.

Let's see how these lashes perform....

After the jump.

Video Tutorial: Simplest Smokey Eye EVER!

Hello Loves!

So, the other day I did this really simple smokey eye to test out the brushes I received from CDJapan and it turned out beautiful. I figured since it looked so good yet it was simple and quick, it would make perfect material for a new video tutorial!

If you enjoyed the video, why not subscribe to my channel? I upload tutorials on the odd occasion :)

Until next time,
Have a beautiful day!
-Elle

CDJapan Haul featuring Chikuhodo, Koyudo, and Mizuho Brushes with First Impressions and Comparisons

Hello Loves!

Recently, I have been wanting to improve and build up my makeup brush collection. This all started whenever I got my first Chikuhodo brushes (Z-4 & Z-10) for my birthday, and they have turned my world around. They are extremely soft and apply makeup beautifully. As a graduation present, my boyfriend was so kind to help me with this makeup brush collection improving quest and placed an order of several brushes I wanted to try from CDJapan. CDJapan is a site that sells a huge variety of makeup brushes as well as other Japanese goods. Also, prepare for a long and picture heavy post. 

  

CUSTOMER SERVICE, SHIPPING, ETC

The only customer service experience I have with CDJapan is emailing them with a question concerning a promotion. I have not received a reply to said email and wished they did email me back. However, it was not a pressing issue so I did not send the email again. So take this tid bit of my experience how you want.

I ordered from CDJapan on June 9th and opted to get the EMS shipping option. This option is one of the faster and more expensive options and includes tracking and insurance. Since two of my items had a longer process time (8-13 days), I expected a bit of a wait before they sent it out. They shipped out my order June 19th, and I received it in my mailbox June 23rd. This was very fast shipping considering it came from half way across the world. Once opening the packaging, everything was bubble wrapped very well to ensure no damage to the products in their long journey. Very, very impressed with the shipping and packaging, and I will most definitely be purchasing again. 

Just a note but there rewards system is really good. You receive 3% points on every item that you purchase and if you reach certain dollar amounts, you get bonus points. You can also earn extra points by filling out customer surveys sent to you or if asked to review the products you received. These points seem to build up pretty quickly because I am already at ~2500 points and 1 point equals 1 yen off your next purchase.

Continue reading for all the goodies!