My Makeup Blog: a Year in Numbers

Hi everybody,

Today is the last day of 2009 and in some hours, we are not only plunging into the next year but also the next decade. How exciting is that? The year 2009 has been wonderful to me, especially since the second half of the year. Not only this blog has picked up new audience and interests from companies, my life has also changed. The moment I am writing this entry, I am no longer a student (at least for a short while.) Finally, I graduated. My Makeup Blog was born because of my passion to makeup, that part we all know. However, there is another part most people don't know about it: it was born when its creator (that's me) was in the abyss of difficulties. At the time I created this blog, I went through hell and back. To say I was between a rock and a hard place was an understatement. There were so many difficulties and uncertainties played in my life at that time that I just wanted to pack my bags and left.

However, there's a little voice inside my head that told me if this blog worked, my life is going to be OK. A few friends who knew about this little blog told me it was a silly idea and I would be much better off concentrating on my project, etc. It was a lot of hurt but somehow, I managed to sit and blog almost every day for the first three months since most blogs out there do not survive that long. And that was a year and a half ago!

At the beginning, I remember having about 30 page views and a handful of readers a day. Now, the number has grown maybe 20 more times but if you compare to other blogs, it's still a banana. Having a blog brought a lot of perspectives to my life. Now, I have friends and readers who are so intelligent and interested in makeup as much as I do.

The three things I've learned about blogging are:

1. Be persistent in writing: there's a reason for me to blog most days of the week. The more I blog, the better I become in writing. You can't learn writing by not writing. The only way to learn is to write. Blogging is not a time-consuming habit at all! It also teaches me to be organized in my thoughts.

I did not know how well my writing has become until a committee member told me he could understand my thesis crystal clear. And I thought my draft was messy!

Best of 2009 from My Makeup Blog

Hi everybody,

As the year has come to closer an end, I would like to take some time and make a list of 10 favorite products I discovered in 2009. Among hundreds of products I've tried this year, picking out the top 10 is not an easy task. It was something I wanted to do last year but unfortunately, I did not have enough time!

Let's all begin, shall we? May I present you...

My Makeup Blog's Top 10 of 2009

The products are listed in no particular order

Brushes:

1. Loew-Cornell Spot Detailer Brush: It's small but it packs a punch! My liners never go askew after I found this brush.

2. EcoTools brush set: hands down the best 11 dollars I've ever spent on makeup brushes. These brushes are so soft and adorable. On top of that, the materials are environmentally friendly, too!

3. StudioTools dual finish brush: it's no longer 2 dollars but it's the best dupe of MAC 187 out there.

4. E.L.F Studio powder brush: the best flat top brush at 3 dollars! I can't wait for E.L.F Studio to be available at Target.

Eyeliners:

5. L'Oreal HiP Color Chrome eyeliners: they are the best you can get at drugstores. I am glad to have 4 of them and really enjoy these very soft and pigmented eyeliners.

There are five more products after the jump!

Everyday Minerals New Year Palette

Hi everybody,

We are days away from getting into the year 2010 and I already miss 2009. Some couple of days ago, my friends and I had an epiphany moment when we realized we no longer could write 2009 or '09 or anything with two zeros after number 2 for the year when 2010 starts. (And that's why we've been writing checks like crazy before 2010 begins!)

While the year 2009 has been good to me, mainly at the second half of the year, I am looking forward to 2010. The folks at Everyday Minerals agreed, and they came out with the New Year palette. While the Christmas palette is bright and cheerful, the New Year palette is rich and a little bit sinful in colors.

The New Year Palette

(L-R): Chamomille, Love Letter, Wine Tasting, and Wild Flowers

The palette, opened

Want to see the swatch and detailed description of each color? Jump!

Dear M.A.C, Part Deux

Hi everybody,

How was your Christmas? Mine was so delightful, jolly, and full that I still feel tingle and happy. Now, sitting in front of the computer and basking over the afterglow of Christmas, I wish to have more time like this. Let me tell you, this is the life, y'all! While checking my email, I noticed a new ad from MAC that prompted me to write another letter to my favorite Canadian makeup company (click here for the original Dear M.A.C.) Rest assure, I am not an anti-fan of Makeup Art Cosmetics in any measures. Some of their products I can't live without, but this is a little bit too much and I guess it's time for some people from MAC to read my blog already.

So what prompted my post-Christmas outrage?

This ad of MAC Studio Fix Lash

Did you see anything strange? Let me show you two!

Numero Uno:

"Really, what is that?" you asked

"That, my dear children," I said, "is not the miracle of Christmas. It's the spine of a pair o' falsies!"

Wanna see numero dos? Jump!

Merry Christmas, Everyone!

My Makeup Blog wishes you and yours

A joyful Christmas and a wonderful new year 2010!

 Now, take it away, Mariah!

Picture source

P.S: If you like my blog, please subscribe to my feed. Thanks a lot!

Everyday Minerals Christmas Palette: Falala la Lovely!

Hi everyone,

It's Christmas Eve, how cool is that? Seriously, I need to get off the computer and go to the store to get some bread for Christmas linner (that's lunch and dinner together, people!) We are going to have some yummy food and I can't wait to devour them.

Anyways, the reason I am still blogging is this palette from Everyday Minerals:

The Christmas palette, how gorgeous is that?

Each year, EDM comes up with holiday colors during Christmastime. I received some eye shadows last year as gifts with purchase and I thoroughly enjoyed them. When a representative from EDM contacted me regarding products to review, I did not intent to receive any fun colors like this. It was a surprise to open the box and see the Christmas palette.

For those who are EDM fans, the colors from this palette are not very new for you. However, in the past, they were not on sale and you may not get the colors you wanted. Last year, I really wanted the gold eye shadow but got the silver one (Silver Bells) instead. This time around, the Christmas palette makes sure you get everything you want and even some more.

The cover

The back

Close ups and swatch are coming up after the jump!

Rimmel London Airy Fairy: A Pink Lipstick for Everyday

Hi everybody,

While I am not a big fan of lipsticks, lately I've caught myself staring at the Rimmel London display every time I go to the drugstore. This brand has some seriously kick-ass lipsticks! After my trial with Pink Champagne, I was very happy with the creaminess of Rimmel lipsticks. Also, the lasting power and price are wonderful, too. While I love Pink Champagne, I realize the color is somewhat too porn star for me ;) It's a good lip color to go out at night and have some fun but for the office and conservative environment, it's a bit too light for me.

Then, along came Airy Fairy, the greatest office friendly lipstick I've ever had!

It's pink, but not too pink

It's nude, but not too nude

It's sexy, but not too overly provocative

What is it?

It's Rimmel London Airy Fairy lipstick, yo!

Marilyn Monroe Inspired Makeup FOTDs

Hi everybody,

A couple of nights ago, I went through my picture folder in the old laptop ("Lappie") and realized I have so many FOTD pictures. During my thesis writing months, whenever I got bored or tired from writing, I stood up, went to the bathroom, and played with my makeup. Sometimes, the looks were really good. Other times, they failed miserably. Little did I know how many looks I did and how well they accumulated since September (or October.)

As you may know, I am a fan of Kevyn Aucoin's book "Making Faces" (review here.) In there, he did a Marilyn Monroe inspired look that is glamorous yet very easy to do. As I got closer to my defense, my makeup routine became very simplified and I relied heavily on Sephora Beauty Fever palette for eye and cheek makeup. Little did I know how versatile this little palette is until I did this look and since then, I rely on the palette and this simple method to look pulled together fast.

 

The legendary Marilyn Monroe

Source

Before I continue, I need to emphasize there's no way on the great green Earth that I resemble the great MM. I'm just an Asian girl who loves makeup, that's all. The essence of Marilyn Monroe makeup is light eye shadows, downcast eyes, and red lips. In "Making Faces", Kevyn Aucoin wrote great instructions on this look and I highly encourage you to read it.

Want to see how I look? Come after the jump!

Wonderbar Giveaway: And the winner is...

Well, hello there, my lovelies!

It's such a nice occasion that I can blog with ease on such a quiet and cold morning. Only three more days until Christmas and I am glad to make one of y'all very happy. First of all, thank you for participating in the Wonderbar giveaway. 35 of you participated in this contest, which brought it to one of the most participated giveaway I've hosted so far. If I were Oprah, all of you would have a bar of Wonderbar for Christmas already. Unfortunately, I don't have such clout and I can only make one of you happy. As usual, I rely on Random.org to pick the winner and here is how it went:

Lucky number 8 is the winner!

Want to know if that's you? Please come after the jump!

A Quick Message from Your Blogger

Hi everybody,

How's everybody doing? I've been extremely busy lately, as the holiday season is getting closer and closer. This year, I regret not to do a gift guide for y'all and I sincerely hope you are doing fine in this gift finding department. Right now, all I wish is to have some time and internet connection to sit down and blog until the end of this year.

Have you joined the Wonderbar giveaway yet? If you have not, there is still time. Click here to join!
I was reading some of your comments and it warmed my heart to learn all about your favorite Christmas gifts. I hope one of you will add Wonderbar to that list as well.

Wait, we're not done for Monday yet! The GILTY Pleasures weekly web tour is coming up next after the jump!

Enter to Win a Wonderbar!

Hi everybody,

Guess what? It's giveaway time! This year, I've been fortunate enough to host many giveaways. Some of them came from my own pocket while others were sponsored by companies. I believe in the power of giving and especially in this economy, being able to facilitate this type of activity brings tremendous joy to the givers and receivers.

This time around, the kind folks from Wonderbar want to give away a 25 gram bar of Wonderbar face wash (worth $40 USD) to a lucky reader of My Makeup Blog. I reviewed this product before and loved it very much. In fact, if I could, I want to win a Wonderbar myself since my samples ran out already.

Want to know how to win? Jump for more details!

Makeup Emergency: The Palette

Hi everybody,

During the last two weeks, my makeup routine fluctuated between wearing no makeup and have no time to wear makeup. When I was not in a meeting, I was waiting in line for something or busy to complete something else (my thesis.) Then, the moment came when I had to show my face to the world, I barely had time to apply makeup in a decent manner. Each time, I had less than 15 minutes to do a complete face to head out of the doors. And God knows how bad traffic can get on commencement day.

My saving grace? Sephora Beauty Fever palette

When I bought this palette, I did not envision the day I would rely on it for my beautification. This palette, while being compact, is not really my cup of tea when it comes to everyday use. While the pigmentation is quite alright, I developed a snobby attitude toward it and most Sephora palettes. To me, they are glorified Coastal Scents (or even worse, E.L.F) palettes with the fancy name. However, after many times reaching out to this palette, I'd say it's a necessary evil.

Why, you may ask. And I will answer after the jump.

Monday Announcement

Hi everybody,

Just a quick announcement before I head out on the street to work on some post-graduation issues again. Yes, I graduated last Friday after a "painless experience" in graduate school. On Thursday, I defended my master's thesis in front of a small crowd for almost an hour. The presentation was actually 70-slide long but yours truly learned how to cut it short. Then came the grilling part from the public and the committee that lasted almost as long (or even longer) than the presentation. At one point, my comittee kicked me out so they could say some bad things about my thesis caucus. And then, finally the door opened and my advisor came out to say "Congratulations!"

That was it, I added two extra letters to my name (M.S) and nobody can take that away from me because I earned it! However, graduation was not the end of the journey because I still have corrections and other legal matters to tend to. Therefore, blogging will not be as abundant as I hope but yes, I do have a lot of things to say and a lot of products to review. They all have to wait out because time is running against me at this point (don't we all feel like that all the time?)

But that's not all, folks! The GILTY Pleasures web tour is coming up after the jump.

What's so wonderful about the Wonderbar?

Hi everybody,

A while back before my life turned into total chaos, I was contacted by a representative of  Wonderbar and got an opportunity to try a sample of this new multifunctional cleanser from Malaysia.

The Wonderbar insert

From the company:

The WONDERBAR is a skin care bar that is made in Malaysia. It is an all-in-one product (toner, cleanser, exfoliator, etc) and is simple to use and affordable. It is a total detox for the skin and addresses issues such as wrinkles, brown spots, large pores, acne, eczema, rosacea, psoriasis, dryness, oiliness, on and on. Men also use it for razor burn and ingrown hairs and it is so gentle, it can even be used on a baby. It's just one of those beauty products which originated in the East that has real benefits. It is suitable for all skin types.

One of the samples I received

Want to know more about it? Jump!

Five Tips to Stay Warm and Chic This Winter

Hello my lovelies,

How are you doing? It's been a while since my last blog entry, right?

The weather has been so bloody cold lately and most times I either felt like a frozen icicle or a walking piece of sausage. On Black Friday, I covered myself head to toes to get line in front of Best Buy and it dawned on me people really sacrifice chic in order to stay warm. Granted, nobody cares what you wear at 3am on Black Friday, the most crowded shopping day of the year, but hundreds of human icicles dressed like hobos hugging blankets is a bit more than way too much.

That scene from Black Friday bothered me so much that I put my foot down to find a way to be chic without sacrificing fashion. Please keep in mind I am not a fashion forward person but a makeup addict who tries to keep warm while looking less dowdy.

After consulting many books, magazines, websites, and relatives, I came up with a list of five simple things to keep you warm and cozy while looking like you just came from the runway.

1. Wear a cute hat

See how cute Angie was in that hat?

Source

It's simple as this: when your head is cold, you feel cold. This is why moms wear hats on their little ones. There are so many caps and hats out there for you to buy. If you are fluent in knitting and crocheting, creating cute head gears is simple as a piece of cake. By the way, that Brangelina hat up there has a written pattern at Crazy Aunt Purl (love her blog!)

2. Rock a cool scarf

Scarves walk a thin line between fashion and functionality. You can find some crazy thick wool scarves that guarantee to thaw off Big Foot. Actually, said scarves were fashionable about 2 winters ago. Also, you can don skinny scarves that look like threads around your neck. Thick or thin, long or short, scarves are must-haves for winter.

I did not like scarves for a long time, until one day I came to realization that people who wear scarves actually do not wear bulky winter clothes at all. The scarf can actually make you feel warm. See all those French women prancing around in mini skirts and dark tights? They wear scarves!

Right now, I fancy this scarf and may make one in light green, which leads to another point: scarves do not need to be boring. You can wear all black for your outfit but if you put a bright and cheery scarf on, the outfit will look less monochromatic.