Wishlist [2]: Holiday 2011

1) Circle/ Infinity Scarf: I want my first one to be a chunky knitted charcoal grey or black, but I'd like to collect them in a variety of colors and textures.

2) TOMS Classic Slip-On: Specifically, these glittery white ones! $53.95

3) Gold watch: I don't have a specific brand that I'd prefer & can't decide if I want one with a rectangular face or a circular one, but these that I found on asos are both nice :)

4) HRH Collection "Ultra Luxe" bracelets: At the moment it's only available in silver but I'd love to eventually get them in both colors! $40

5) Urban Decay Naked2 palette: I don't own the original Naked palette, & I think I prefer the packaging of the new one. $50

6) Clarisonic MIA in pink: This is a must-have for many & have yet to own one! $119

7) Koh Gen Do Moisture Foundation: I've been coveting this pricey foundation ever since I first heard donnashorts1 rave about it. $62

8) Storage trunk: I'm in dire need of both storage and seating in my new apartment's tiny living room. I think a storage trunk like this would fit the bill nicely.

What's on your wishlist this year?

xoxo Mayumi

Wishlist [1]: Black Friday

Here are some of the things I may possibly be getting from the Black Friday deals this year :)

Sephora:
     Kat Von D "Adora"

   

Ulta: 
     Organix Haircare/Skincare

 
Walgreens: 
     Revlon Super Lustrous lipstick in "Siren"

      Revlon Super Lustrous lipgloss in "Pink Pop"

      Scunci Hair Elastics

H&M: boyfriend blazer, trench/jacket. I'm sure I'll find more bits & bobs while I'm there though ;)

On a more "practical" level, I need to find a place to get a microwave, an oscillating heater, a card reader for my camera, & an espresso maker. I've been obsessed with cappuccinos lately & I figured it'd save me money in the long run if I can make it myself.

If I find more deals in the next few days that interest me, I will be adding them to this post!

What are some of the things that you will be purchasing on Black Friday?

♥ Mayumi

Diary [3]: Seattle THREADshow

Ciao lovelies,

I just wanted to quickly explain why I've been on hiatus from this blog.
I've recently had an unexpected change in my living situation & have been without internet (not to mention camera troubles), but I should be back to putting up posts in about two weeks!

In the meantime, go check out my friend Jessie's blog and send her some love! I was able to tag along with her to check out the Seattle THREADshow last Sunday & I had tons of fun. She has three posts covering the event, the most recent of which features a few pictures of my outfit :)



                                                                                                                  xxx Mayumi

Mani: [Smooth Sailing] + [Ice Queen]

The Polish:   Essie "Smooth Sailing" from Summer 2011 Brazilliant Collection.

Number of coats:  Essie Ridge Filling base coat + 2 coats "Smooth Sailing" +  1 coat Sally Hansen Hard as Nails "Ice Queen" + Sally Hansen Insta-Dri Anti-Chip topcoat

Color Description from Essie.com: "A breezy lavender blue with a reflection of pearl."

My take on the polish: At first glance this looks like a creme finish medium-tone cornflower blue, but when you look closer, it has very fine silver micro-glitters in it. The formulation of this polish was good & I had no problems with the application.

Price:  ~$8.00

Amount: 0.5 fl. oz. / 15ml

Availability: Ulta stores, Ulta.com, Walgreens, & Rite Aid.

xxx Mayumi

Birchbox: August 2011

The box included a card that read the following:

"Hi there,

Whether it's the hottest tech gadget or a life-changing hair treatment, we're always on the hunt for the next big thing. That's why we've devoted this month to beauty innovations. These are products that are hopping boundaries, rethinking the compact, and shaking things up.

Innovation can mean many things. It's not just the latest wonder ingredients (though we love those) - it's also about problem-solvers like a hair mask that rebuilds damaged strands or genius eye treatment pads that de-puff in minutes. Not to mention revolutionary products, like blinc's beyond waterproof eyeliner.

Go to Birchbox.com for tips on using your samples, plus a fresh batch of articles and videos. Smartphone addict? Read our roundup of the best beauty apps, and get ready to start downloading. You'll also find a guide to beauty breakthroughs and tips on troubleshooting foundation, plus video tutorials on curly hair updos and the fall runway eyeliner trend.

To infinity and beyond,
Katia, Hayley, and the Birchbox Team"


This month's Birchbox included the following products:

1). Carol's Daughter | Monoi Repairing Hair Mask                                             
      7 oz | $29
      A creamy treatment that revives dull or dry strands with natural monoi oil, and leaves hair smelling like tropical flowers.
      *This hand cream came as a sample size - 25ml/ 0.58 fl.oz.   The skin on my hands has been really dry the last few months since I wash my hands so often while I'm at work, so I was happy to see this in the box. 

2). Pangea Organics | Cleanser for Combination to Oily Skin      
      4 fl oz | $28
      Made from all natural ingredients, this foaming wash purifies pores and keeps oil levels in check without drying out skin.
      *This also came as a sample size - 30ml/ 1 fl.oz. I have previously purchased this in the 3oz & 8oz sizes at Sephora & know it works for me, so having this small size will be useful for travel.

3). blinc | Eyeliner
      0.21 oz | $24
      This inky formula lays on a seamless line of color that stays put through rain, tears, sweat, and anything else you throw its way.
     *This shine spray came in a 2.1 oz/ 60g/ 71ml travel size. I don't typically style my hair that often, & don't see a particular need for a shine spray, but nonetheless will be taking this with me when I go back home for a few weeks in Aug/Sept to try it out. If I don't like it much I'll probably just leave it there for my mom to use.

4). Wei | Tibetan Chrysanthemum Correcting Eye Treatment Pads
      10 pairs | $60
      Save the cucumbers for your salad. These clever pads quickly de-puff and brighten the under eye area using natural flower and plant extracts.
      *This nail polish came in a half size bottle (0.25 fl.oz/ 7.5ml) rather than the full size (0.5 fl.oz/ 15ml) that's sold in stores & salons which was slightly disappointing, but I'm still content since this was the color I most wanted from their "Touch" collection!

Extra: twistband | Hair Tie
       Set of 3 | $5
       This soft elastic gives the hair tie a sophisticated makeover - it looks as good on your wrist as it does in your hair.
       *I ate this the day of taking these pictures before I headed to work. It was pretty good but didn't really "wow" me or anything. Tastes like any other fruit & nut bar to me.

To find out more, visit www.birchbox.com

xxx Mayumi

Ins & Outs [1]

 Thought I'd start doing these "In & Out" posts every once in a while!

In:

• Warm weather, finally! It had been pretty chilly until about the beginning of July here in Seattle, so I'm glad the sun's been coming out more. 
• Being healthier in general: 
• Eating healthier: my recent favorites are tea, coconut water, watermelon & almonds!
• Vitamins & supplements: At the moment I'm taking gummy multi-vitamins, Calcium-Magnesium tablets, Hair/Skin/Nail supplement tablets, flax seed oil softgels, & a Japanese supplement called Chocola BB.
• Going to the gym: I'm not athletic at all & I don't generally like hardcore exercise so I usually just bike ~10min on the exercise bike & go on the cross trainer for 25-30min. I wouldn't mind doing the cross trainer more but the boyfriend usually finishes his evening workout in 30-40 min lol.
• Using up a couple of my skincare/ bodycare products. Just in time too, since I'm moving apartments next weekend!  
• Thrift-store shopping. I've recently picked up an American Apparel sweatshirt, Urban Outfitters tee, & Dolce Vita boots all for under $100. 
  

Out:

• People (both on YT & in my real life) complaining about warm/hot weather. You've been bitching all year about hating the cold & how you can't wait for summer. Well, it's here!
• Having no one around to hang out with :( Most of my friends are either gone on vacation or summer abroad,  & the few that have stayed here are taking summer school.
  

xxx Mayumi

Mani: [Candy Man]

The Polish:   Sonia Kashuk "Candy Man"

Number of coats:  Essie Ridge Filling base coat + 2 coats "Candy Man" +  Sally Hansen Insta-Dri Anti-Chip topcoat

My take on the polish: This is a creme finish midtone bright pink. It looks a bit neon-ish in the picture, bu in person it's not. I used 2 coats here but for a really even opaque finish, I would suggest 3.

Price:  $4.99

Amount: 0.5 fl. oz. / 15ml

Availability:   discontinued, but the color "Jammin", also from Sonia Kashuk looks to be pretty close when I checked online.

xxx Mayumi

Birchbox + Cynthia Rowley: July 2011

What is a Birchbox you might ask? It is a monthly subscription to receive 4-5 beauty samples only for $10.
This was my first order from Birchbox, & for this month they have collaborated with designer Cynthia Rowley.

The box included a card that read the following:

"Hi there,
Oh, do we have a special treat in store for you. We've enlisted one of our favorite designers, Cynthia Rowley, to guest curate this month's box.

We're longtime Cynthia fans - we love how she blends the practical and the ornate without missing a single stilleto-ed step. Her collections include classic pieces that will last decades as well as flirtatious silhouettes in the most fantastical prints. Plus, she's a collaboration genius - she's put her mark on everything from wetsuits to Band-Aids. Now she's sharing some of her all-time favorite products with you, including a backstage secret that gives hair mega shine and a cult favorite cleanser that keeps skin clear and youthful.

Head online for an exclusive interview with Cynthia herself, plus tips on pairing prints and makeup (hin: no matching!) and a video on getting gorgeous summer hair.

Happy summer!

xoxo,
Katia, Hayley and the Birchbox Team"


This month's Birchbox included the following products:

1). AHAVA | Mineral Hand Cream                                             
      3.4 oz | $20
      Loaded with Dead Sea minerals, this fast-absorbing cream heals dry hands without a smidge of residue.
   
      *This hand cream came as a sample size - 25ml/ 0.58 fl.oz.   The skin on my hands has been really dry the last few months since I wash my hands so often while I'm at work, so I was happy to see this in the box.

2). philosophy | purity made simple one-step facial cleanser       
      8 oz | $20  &  16 oz | $32
      This perennial award-winner is pH-balanced to gently clear away dirt, oil, and makeup without drying out skin.
      *This also came as a sample size - 30ml/ 1 fl.oz. I have previously purchased this in the 3oz & 8oz sizes at Sephora & know it works for me, so having this small size will be useful for travel.

3). Redken | shine flash 02
      4.4 oz | $17
      A must for all Cynthia's runway shows, this weightless spray gives hair a brilliant finish.
     *This shine spray came in a 2.1 oz/ 60g/ 71ml travel size. I don't typically style my hair that often, & don't see a particular need for a shine spray, but nonetheless will be taking this with me when I go back home for a few weeks in Aug/Sept to try it out. If I don't like it much I'll probably just leave it there for my mom to use.

4). Zoya | Touch Collection Nail Polish in "Shay"
      0.5 fl oz | $8
      Neutral gets a sexy makeover in this creamy, slightly metallic nude. The perfect accessory to summer's bright fashions.
      *This nail polish came in a half size bottle (0.25 fl.oz/ 7.5ml) rather than the full size (0.5 fl.oz/ 15ml) that's sold in stores & salons which was slightly disappointing, but I'm still content since this was the color I most wanted from their "Touch" collection!

Extra: KIND | Almond & Apricot
       Snack right with this wholesome bar - no preservatives or hard-to-pronounce ingredients.
       "They are my favs! I always have one in my bag just in case."   -- Cynthia Rowley
       *I ate this the day of taking these pictures before I headed to work. It was pretty good but didn't really "wow" me or anything. Tastes like any other fruit & nut bar to me.

To find out more, visit www.birchbox.com

xxx Mayumi

Diary [2]: Is Your Collection Like This?

Click the link to view a 4 min clip of a makeup hoarder & some tips to organize your collection :)

Extreme Makeup Hoarders via ABC News

 xxx Mayumi

Review [3]: Prestige My Biggest Lashes

The Product:   Prestige Cosmetics My Biggest Lashes Big Lash Effect Mascara

Price/Amount:   $6~7 at prestige.com, Ulta, & drugstores. Net Wt 0.46 fl oz e 13.6 ml

Colors:   MBG-01 Very Black, MBG-02 Black Brown

Claim:   "Your thickest, longest, biggest lashes ever! Instant dramatic volume and length with just one coat. Anti-clump, anti-flake, anti-smudge."  (quoted directly from prestige.com)

Top Lashes: One coat of mascara. Bottom Lashes: no mascara.

 Top Lashes: Two coats of mascara. Bottom Lashes: one coat of mascara.

Top Lashes: Two coats of mascara. Bottom Lashes: one coat of mascara.

I will start off my saying that I'm sorry I didn't take a picture of my bare lashes, I completely forgot!  As you can see in the pictures above, it lengthens my lashes nicely and adds some volume with 2 coats. I will make note that if you have smokey eye makeup on, the lashes don't have enough volume for my taste and get a bit lost in the look (this is the case for me). 

The tips of my lashes seem a big clumpy in the picture with 2 coats, & the reason for this is because I took these pictures right before I threw it out for being quite dried out (I'd been using it for over 6 months). With a fresh tube, this does not happen.

The way I apply this mascara: with the first coat, I apply an even coat through the length of the lashes (from the front & from behind the lashes) making sure I get enough onto the very base as well. I then apply a second layer from the front of the lashes, mostly on the bottom half of the lashes to bulk up the volume there.

To sum it up, this is my favorite mascara that I've used within the last year+, but I wouldn't say it's a holy grail as it doesn't give enough volume for all kinds of eye looks.

xxx Mayumi

Shopping Bag [10]: New Bracelets

I wear these 3 together on my right arm but for photo-taking purposes, they are on the left arm here.

Faux leather cord + medallion bracelet from H&M ($3.50)

 Sterling silver link bracelet ($25) & mother-of-pearl stretch bracelet ($9)

I picked these up at the annual U-District Street Fair a couple weeks back.

 

xxx Mayumi

Mani: [Caitlin]

The Polish:   Zoya "Caitlin" from the Intimates Collection

Number of coats:   base coat + 2 coats "Caitlin" + 1 coat Sally Hansen "Strobe Light" + Seche Vite topcoat

Color description from Zoya website:   "Zoya Nail Polish in Caitlin can be best described as: Smoky purple-tinged medium gray with smooth, opaque creme finish. Sultry, mysterious and impossibly chic, a shade that will have everyone intrigued."

My take on the polish:   I would call this a cool-toned medium purple color with a tinge of gray to it (i.e. more purple than gray). Creme finish that is opaque with 1 coat if applied very carefully, but I applied 2 quick coats. I don't recall having problems with streaking or other difficulties in the application process, although the brush on Zoya polishes aren't my favorite. I'll also add that the color dries a it darker than it appears in the bottle.


Formula:   Butyl Acetate, Ethyl Acetate Nitrocellulose, Acetyl Tributyl Citrate, Isopropyl Alcohol, Sterikonium Hectroite, Acrylates Copolymer, Styrene/ Acrylates Copolymer.
Formaldehyde, Toluene, Dibutyl Phthalate and Camphor Free.

Price:   apprx. $7 ~ $8

Amount: 0.5 fl. oz. / 15ml

Availability:   zoya.com, Ulta stores

xxx Mayumi

Favorites: April 2011

This month's faves.

Britney Spears "Fantasy" perfume has been my most used since I got it back in November 2010.

Face Products: Revlon ColorStay foundation & Revlon Age Defying Face Illuminator.

My skin has been drier lately, so using the usual 1-2 layers of foundation applied with a brush was looking cakey. For the past month, I've been loving using a thin layer of the ColorStay applied with fingers, & I'll use a concealer to cover any problem areas. After foundation & concealer, I apply the Face Illuminator on my cheekbones & forehead with a brush.This one's great because it makes my skin look dewier without looking overly shimmery or greasy, plus it gives a bit of a tan tint which is great because the ColorStay is just a bit too light for me at the moment.

 Swatch of the Face Illuminator in 030 Gold Light

Nails: Pure Ice "Twinkle" (left) & Revlon "Black with Envy" (right).
Twinkle is a coral with golden micro-shimmers that looked amazing against my (fake)-tanned skin.
Black with Envy is a dupe for Chanel's "Black Pearl". Need I say more?

Eyes: Wet n Wild "Nutty" single shadow,  Tarina Tarantino "Golden Shadow" cream shadow, & Prestige "My Biggest Lashes". Quick & easy eye looks are what I've been loving lately, & my fave combo has been "Nutty" layered over a "Golden Shadow" base. I won't go into too much detail about the mascara as I'm planning on doing a review of it soon, but I will say that it gives me the best volume out of the 4 mascaras I'm currently using.

 Golden Shadow (left), Nutty layered over Golden Shadow (center), Nutty (right).

Lips: Revlon ColorBurst lipgloss in "Strawberry". This is a nice medium pink with non-gritty glitter in it that I've been using alone over some balm, or layered over light pink & bright pink lipsticks.

Brushes: MAC 165 for applying cheek highlight (my favorite part of my makeup application!) & the Crown C433 ProBlending Fluff brush which makes blending out eye shadows SO easy.

xxx Mayumi