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!

Review: Fyrinnae Liquid Matte Lipsticks

Hello Loves!

Today I have a makeup review, specifically a liquid lipstick! For once, I am not reviewing lashes. False lashes are relatively easy to review and I find that makeup is more difficult because it requires more time to test. Lashes are also probably easier to review because I have done it so many times. Time to welcome change :)

Today, I will be reviewing Fyrinnae Liquid Matte Lipsticks. The three colors, Warp Speed, Volcanic, and Desire are in newer packaging and what I also presume is a new formula. The other three colors, Wizardry, Kitten, and Graffiti are in older packaging and an older formula purchased on 3/2015.

All photos are unedited (minus cropping and watermarking) to best represent the color unless otherwise noted. Pictures are taken with a Canon Rebel T5i and a 5400K fluorescent ring light.

I have purchased all the products being reviewed.  All opinions are my own and I was not paid to say anything in this post.

PACKAGING
The newer packaging has a double walled tube with a black cap and a doe foot applicator, and contains 5 mL (~0.17 oz) of product. The older packaging has a plastic tube with a silver cap and a doe foot applicator, and contains 9 mL (~0.33 oz) of product.

Below shows the packaging differences:

Packaging comparison: Left is old, right in new

New packaging

Old packaging

Yes, it leaks

Look how much bigger the opening is on the older packaging, its HUGE. I can see the product!

While I really enjoy the old packaging containing more product (better price to oz ratio: $12.50 for 0.33 oz), I significantly like the newer packaging over the old. The newer packaging feels a lot sturdier because a harder plastic is used compared to the old packaging. I also feel the new packaging helps with using less product because the stopper is a lot better with the new tube. With the old packaging, a lot of product (and I mean A LOT) would clog up on the applicator and you would have to scrap excess off every time. Even then, you could not prevent the wand having tons of product. The older packaging is definitely not as travel friendly either (I swear I remember product leaking out of the old packaging once...). Big two thumbs up on the packaging improvement!

Read on for swatches and the review!

Some of my more recent looks/FOTDs/EOTDs

Hello Loves,

It has been a while since I have done any sort of blog post. I have been spending a lot of time traveling since graduating college and haven't had the time or proper equipment to do any sort of tutorial or review. I thought to do a different post showcasing some of the looks that I have done recently. For any of those who follow me on my Instagram, you have most likely seen these. I usually keep looks to my Instagram but thought I would share on here for a change.

All the looks will include a product list to what I used. I will try my best to remember them to the best of my ability. If there is anything you want a tutorial on, leave a comment down below.

Keep on reading to see the looks and products I used!

Review: Lena Lashes in Tina (from the Pin-Up Girl Collection)

Hello Loves!

Time to tackle one of Lena Lashes collection boxes. Today, I will be wearing one of the four styles out of their Pin Up Collection, specifically the style called Tina. This style jumped out to me because it reminds me a bit of one of my favorite lashes, Koko Lashes in Koko.

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 half and the bottom half 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 bottom left.

Lena Lashes Tina close-up

Read on for the nitty-gritty about the lashes!